Manager of Defenders Team

Job description

VerTALENTS is a subsidiary of VerSprite Cybersecurity. Specializing in technology staffing and utilizing a network of technical clients, VerTALENTS connects top level technical talent with industry clients through various methods and expands not only clients talent network, but candidates job search as well. At the bottom line, VerTALENTS adds value to both clients and candidates alike. We work with clients to fill both full-time and contracting opportunities, so If the following job interests you, please apply to learn more! VerSprite is seeking a highly technical, hands-on Manager of Defenders Team to lead and support the delivery of advanced cybersecurity services. This role requires a leader who combines deep cybersecurity expertise with the ability to leverage frontier AI models and locally deployed AI models to enhance security operations, accelerate investigations, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security services. The ideal candidate is a technically skilled professional who can lead a team while remaining actively involved in complex security challenges, technical investigations, and the practical application of AI-driven solutions. Candidates must be comfortable working flexible hours aligned with U.S. business operations. ## Key Responsibilities **Cybersecurity Operations & Technical Leadership** - Lead and provide hands-on technical guidance across the Defenders team's cybersecurity operations and service delivery. - Oversee and contribute to threat hunting, threat intelligence, and compromise assessments. - Guide digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) activities, including complex investigations and response efforts. - Support the delivery and continuous improvement of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. - Lead and facilitate cybersecurity tabletop exercises (TTXs) to evaluate and strengthen organizational incident response readiness. - Conduct and guide in-depth organizational threat modeling research to identify and assess security risks. - Provide technical mentorship and direction to cybersecurity professionals. **AI-Driven Security Operations** - Leverage frontier AI models and locally deployed AI models to enhance cybersecurity investigations, analysis, and service delivery. - Identify opportunities to apply AI-driven automation across threat hunting, threat intelligence, incident response, and MDR workflows. - Evaluate and implement practical AI-assisted approaches to improve operational efficiency and technical capabilities. - Guide the responsible integration of AI technologies into cybersecurity processes while maintaining technical accuracy and security standards. **Team Leadership & Collaboration** - Manage and mentor technically skilled cybersecurity professionals. - Balance team leadership responsibilities with active participation in technical work. - Collaborate with VerSprite leadership and technical teams to improve security service capabilities. - Support the development of effective workflows, technical methodologies, and consistent service delivery practices. ## Required Qualifications - Strong hands-on technical experience in cybersecurity operations, security engineering, incident response, or closely related disciplines. - Demonstrated technical expertise in threat hunting, threat intelligence, compromise assessments, DFIR, or MDR services. - Experience applying advanced AI models or locally deployed AI technologies to technical or security-related workflows. - Strong understanding of cybersecurity threats, attack techniques, investigative methodologies, and defensive security practices. - Ability to lead and mentor technical cybersecurity teams while remaining actively involved in complex technical work. - Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. - Excellent communication and collaboration skills. - Ability to work flexible hours aligned with U.S. business needs. - Professional fluency in English. ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience conducting or leading cybersecurity tabletop exercises (TTXs). - Experience with organizational-level threat modeling and advanced threat research. - Experience integrating AI-powered automation into cybersecurity operations. - Experience managing cybersecurity service delivery in a consulting or managed security services environment. - Familiarity with modern security monitoring, investigation, and incident response tools. ## Location Requirements This is a remote position open to candidates based in the United States and internationally. **Top preferred location: Belfast, Northern Ireland.** Additional preferred locations include: Argentina , Poland , Italy , Romania , Netherlands , Spain ,Portugal Candidates from other locations may also be considered based on relevant experience and qualifications. All candidates must be able to accommodate working hours aligned with U.S. business operations.