VP Security (CISO)

We’re a global team of over 400 people, working together to push the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to help developers, builders, and creators bring their ideas to life with speed and simplicity, by providing a cloud data platform that makes open-source databases, search, streaming, and application infrastructure easily accessible to everyone.

The Mission:

At Aiven, we are moving from being "the open-source database cloud" to the AI infrastructure provider for future developers. Trust is our product, but security is a business partnering function. Your mission is to ensure that as we innovate at high velocity in AI and agentic workflows, security is built into our product DNA, not bolted on as an afterthought.

We are moving away from an "external auditor" model toward an embedded security model. You will lead a high-talent organization that builds security champions within our product squads, ensuring that we move fast without breaking our promise to customers.

What You’ll Do:

• Embedded Security Leadership: Transition the security function from an outside observer to an internal partner. You will build the frameworks and tooling that allow developers to own the security of their code, turning your team into enablers rather than gatekeepers.

• Commercial Acceleration: Partner closely with our CRO (Conor) and regional sales leaders to win and retain enterprise customers. You will act as the "Face of Trust," personally engaging with customer CISOs to navigate complex security assessments and accelerate the sales cycle.

• Operational Efficiency: Manage and lead our global security team (currently ~20 people). You will be responsible for defining, defending, and optimizing the service and productivity ratios that determine the efficiency of the security function.

• Business Partnering Mindset: Operate with the understanding that you are a partner to GTM and Product. You help our teams win by providing transparent, precise security data and professional humility, rather than building a siloed "fortress."

• AI & Product Innovation: Define the security guardrails for our next-gen AI services (LLMOps, agentic permissions). You ensure our internal use of AI tools—like coding assistants—is safe and accelerates our engineering output.

• Compliance & Precision: Oversee our core compliance (SOC2, ISO 27k, PCI-DSS) and incident response capabilities, ensuring we meet the highest standards of data residency and operational autonomy for our European sovereign cloud initiatives.

What We're Looking For:

• The Humble Expert: You have deep technical roots but no ego. You don't need to be the "smartest person in the room." You win trust by helping others succeed.

• A Commercial Ally: You understand that a secure product that nobody buys is a failure. You lean into customer conversations and view sales success as part of your own scorecard.

• A Bridge Builder: You know how to heal organizational friction. You move past "throwing rocks" at engineering and focus on shared outcomes.

• Data-Driven Leader: You don't ask for budget or headcount based on "gut feel." You use metrics to show how security spend correlates to risk reduction and business velocity.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading security in a high-growth SaaS, Cloud, or Infrastructure company.

• Track record of partnering with GTM functions to close high-ACV enterprise deals.

• Experience implementing "Security Champion" or embedded security programs.

• Experience managing distributed teams across multiple time zones (Europe, North America, APAC).

• Deep familiarity with the European regulatory landscape (GDPR, NIS2, etc.).

Amazing! What’s next:

If you think Aiven is the place for you and that our Values align with yours, send us your resume and we’ll get in touch!

Global Benefits:

Our global benefits are designed to help you thrive and grow, personally and professionally:

• Participate in Aiven’s equity plan.

• Balance work and life with our hybrid work policy.

• Choose the equipment you need to set yourself up for success.

• Use your Professional Development Plan budget for learning opportunities.

• Receive holistic wellbeing support through our global Employee Assistance Program.

• Inquire about our Global Time Off Commitment (Parental and Sick Leave, as well as Personal Time)

• Enjoy country-specific benefits for our global cast.

How to Recognize and Avoid Employment Scams:

There has been a rise in fake job postings used by scammers to get personal information. At Aiven, all of our emails relating to recruitment come from an @aiven.io, @greenhouse.io or @eu.greenhouse.io domain and all of our interviews are conducted by video call or in person. Our interviews will never occur via text or chat. If you’re unsure of the legitimacy of a job opportunity/offer pertaining to Aiven, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

Equal Opportunities:

Aiven provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to age, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, marital and family status or without regard to any other similar personal attributes. Aiven complies with applicable local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and any other terms and conditions related to employment.

At Aiven we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities or special needs in our working environment and job application procedures. We make all reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or who otherwise need support to thrive in the workplace. We are committed to continuously improving workplace accessibility. There is an option to request a discussion in the application process but if you have any questions before applying please write to us at [email protected].

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