SOC (Security Operations Center) Director at American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) in Knoxville, Tennessee

Job Description:

The Security Operations Center (SOC) Director serves as subject matter expert for technical services provided to clients and is responsible for managing a team of security professionals, ensuring effective monitoring, detection, and response to cybersecurity threats, and implementing strategies to safeguard the organization's assets, data, and reputation. The SOC Director is a visionary leader with extensive experience in cybersecurity, incident response, and operational management to drive the continuous improvement of our security posture.



What You Will Do:

• Serve as subject matter expert for technical services provided to clients.
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance to project team.
  • Direct and review technical contributions of team members on projects and company-wide activities.
  • Ensure we have the right team working on the right projects.
  • Take a solution-oriented approach by advising on and leading initiatives to enhance effectiveness and efficiencies on assigned projects, in day-to-day operations of the SOC, ensuring 24/7 monitoring and incident response capabilities.
  • Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), playbooks, and escalation protocols.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational policies.
  • Implement and optimize tools and technologies for threat detection, analysis, and response.
  • Lead the response to major security incidents, coordinating efforts across teams and stakeholders.
  • Conduct post-incident reviews to identify lessons learned and improve processes.
  • Identify and assess cybersecurity risks, providing recommendations to mitigate vulnerabilities.
  • Develop and deliver regular reports on SOC performance, threat trends, and risk assessments to executive leadership.
  
  
• Serves as technical expert frequently engaged for input related to area of expertise, providing valuable insight that helps support planning and execution of project tasks.
• Manage the overall client relationship, assigned, to assure satisfaction with ABS Consulting services
  • Act as the technical expert for clients on assigned projects.
  • Maintain an active awareness of technical, business and management developments affecting present and potential customers and actively present this information promptly to the appropriate senior level managers.
  • Actively engage with clients to maintain relationships with key decision makers and help identify follow-on business opportunities.
  • Utilize knowledge of services and clients to advise operations and business development during preparation of proposals.
  • Stay current with emerging cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.
  • Evaluate and recommend new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance SOC capabilities.
  • Drive automation and efficiency improvements within SOC processes.
  
  
• Represent ABS Group in promoting our products and services and collaboration with sales team to drive business opportunities
  • Supports marketing and business development initiatives to attract and retain clients
  • Engage with sales team on potential opportunities by proposing solutions and partnering on technical proposals
  • Participate in marketing activities, conference presentations, technical white papers
  • Coach others on how to utilize technical expertise to develop customer intimacy and establish new business development opportunities.
  
  
• Provide thought leadership and technical expertise to solidify recognition as experts in the industry.
• Actively engage in networking activities to meet potential clients. Serve as a mentor/coach, actively participating in developing technical skills in others through mentorship and training initiatives.

What You Will Need:


Education and Experience

• Must have an Advanced degree or Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field and equivalent experience
• 15+ years of relevant professional experience in cybersecurity, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a SOC or similar environment.
• Experience with cloud security and hybrid environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to meet the needs of our clients, provides recommendations to enhance business, and drives change across the organization
• Possess a firm understanding of key performance indicators and their significance to the business and takes action to drive results amongst the organization
• Ability to utilize established rapport and role as a subject matter expert with existing customers to identify and consistently generate new business opportunities in collaboration with sales team
• Must seek feedback and utilize root cause analysis to improve performance
• Must be an effective multi-tasker utilizing proficient time management skills
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001), EC/ISA 62443 and NERC CIP, threat intelligence, and incident response methodologies.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM tools, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and other security technologies.
• Proven ability to manage and lead diverse teams in high-pressure environments.
• Familiarity with advanced threat hunting and forensic analysis techniques.
• Ability to obtain a working knowledge of the ABS Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Management System

It Would Be Nice If You Have:

• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, or GIAC are highly desirable.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to a director or executive level position and may have individual contributor and/or managing direct reports.



ABOUT US



We set out more than 160 years ago to promote the security of life and property at sea and preserve the natural environment. Today, we remain true to our mission and continue to support organizations facing a rapidly evolving seascape of challenging regulations and new technologies. Through it all, we are anchored by a vision and mission that help our clients find clarity in uncertain times.


ABS is a global leader in marine and offshore classification and other innovative safety, quality, and environmental services. We're at the forefront of supporting the global energy transition at sea, the application of remote and autonomous marine systems, cutting-edge technical solutions, and many more exciting advancements. Our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency is ever-present, guiding our clients to safer and more efficient operations.


About Our Benefits


ABS Group proudly offers a variety of industry-leading benefits designed to enhance the life and well-being of our employees and their families. These benefits include, but are not limited to, medical insurance (PPO and HD), dental and vision insurance, Health Savings account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, disability leave programs, parental leave program, paid holidays, and paid vacation time. The Company provides an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that offers additional support in personal wellness, including work-life services. ABS Group also offers a 401K plan with a generous company match, subject to plan requirements.


Equal Opportunity


The ABS Group of Companies is committed to the equal employment opportunity of its employees and prohibits discrimination against any employee or qualified applicant based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status or veteran status, or other non-work-related characteristics that may be protected under the law of the Federal Government or specific state employment laws.



Notice



ABS and Affiliated Companies (ABS) will not pay a fee to any third-party agency without a valid ABS Master Service Agreement (MSA) authorized and signed by Human Resources. Any resume, CV, application, or other forms of candidate submission provided to any employee of ABS without a valid MSA on file will be considered property of ABS, and no fee will be paid.


Other



This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job of the incumbent. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making a fair decision regarding the pay structure of the job. #ogjs Apply Now