Director - cybersecurity practice lead

Location: Mauritius (Hybrid or Remote)

Job Type: Full-time (Permanent or Contractor)

Remuneration: Base Salary + Commission & Profit Sharing Scheme

NOTE: Open ONLY to candidates residing in MAURITIUS. No relocation assistance.

About Us

Established in 2015, Shawne Applebee International (SAI) is a boutique consulting firm focused on Digital Security, Business Advisory, and Technology Solutions. SAI is dedicated to delivering exceptional client satisfaction through strategic consulting services to small and mid-sized companies. The company excels in empowering businesses with digital technology to drive operational efficiencies and innovation.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Consulting Director – Practice Lead Cybersecurity to build and grow our cybersecurity division for the Middle East & Africa region. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to create a new business unit, shape its direction, and directly benefit from its success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Develop and Execute Practice Strategy: Formulate and implement a comprehensive go-to-market strategy for the Cybersecurity practice, including service offerings, pricing models, and target markets.
• Drive Revenue Growth: Act as the primary sales driver, identifying, qualifying, and closing new business opportunities.
• Build and Nurture Client Relationships: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients, understanding their cybersecurity needs and positioning our services as a solution.
• Partner and Vendor Management: Establish and manage strategic relationships with key technology partners and vendors to enhance our service delivery capabilities.
• Market Analysis: Conduct continuous market research to stay ahead of industry trends, emerging threats, and competitor offerings to ensure our services remain relevant and competitive.
• Thought Leadership: Represent Shawne Applebee as a subject matter expert at industry events, conferences, and webinars, building brand recognition and credibility.

Practice Management & Service Delivery

• Service Portfolio Development: Define, develop, and refine a robust portfolio of cybersecurity services, including: Risk & Compliance, Offensive Security, Managed Services, Incident Response, and Training.
• Technical Oversight: Provide hands-on technical guidance and architectural oversight for complex projects, ensuring successful and high-quality delivery.
• Methodology Development: Create and standardize repeatable methodologies, processes, and documentation for service delivery to ensure consistency and excellence across all engagements.
• Quality Assurance: Oversee project delivery, ensuring all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards, exceeding client expectations.

Team Building & Mentorship

• Recruitment and Hiring: Lead the recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of a talented team of cybersecurity professionals, from junior analysts to senior consultants.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Mentor and coach team members, providing technical guidance, professional development plans, and performance feedback to foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Performance Management: Establish performance metrics and goals for the team, conducting regular reviews to ensure alignment with practice objectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Foster an environment of knowledge sharing and collaboration, encouraging the team to stay updated on the latest security trends and contribute to internal knowledge bases.

Compensation & Incentives

This role offers a unique and highly rewarding compensation structure designed to align your success with the success of the practice. Competitive Base Salary: A stable and competitive base salary that reflects your experience and market value. Commission Scheme: A tiered commission structure based on the gross margin of all services and projects personally closed by you or the practice as a whole. Profit Sharing: You will be eligible for a share of the practice's annual net profits.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• 7 – 10 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with at least 4 – 5 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of building and growing a professional services practice or business unit.
• Deep expertise in a broad range of cybersecurity domains.
• Relevant industry certifications.
• Exceptional business acumen with a demonstrated ability to identify and close sales opportunities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, make critical decisions, and thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and experienced cybersecurity leader ready to take on the challenge of building a new practice and directly benefiting from its success, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Feel free to reach out to our recruitment team if you have any questions: teamsai@shawneapplebee.com

Shawne Applebee is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.