Strategic Operations Lead -Cyber Security Architecture and Innovation

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At Bayer, we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all, Hunger for none' is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We're doing this with energy, curiosity, and dedication, always learning from diverse perspectives, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities, and redefining 'impossible'. Join us if you're eager to build a meaningful career in a community of brilliant minds making a difference.

Within Bayer, we're transforming our work approach- for higher productivity, faster innovation, and better results. We call it Dynamic Shared Ownership (DSO). Learn more about what DSO means for you here:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Strategic Operations Lead to drive the development, optimization, and delivery of our Cyber Security Architecture & Innovation platform. This role is at the intersection of business, people, and cybersecurity, aligning platform strategy with measurable business outcomes, scalable processes, global collaboration, and continuous value delivery. It is essential in guiding the platform within a global cybersecurity organization focused on security culture, stakeholder trust, and enabling the business through secure practices.

In this role, you will turn vision into action-driving strategic and transformative change and ensuring cross-squad, cross-regional alignment. You'll be the operational force that helps our teams run smoothly and with agility, while focusing on outcomes, priorities, and collaboration.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and hands-on executor, passionate about cybersecurity, with a deep understanding of organizational best practices.

• Translate business needs and security objectives into platform and squad strategies that drive measurable outcomes, evaluating emerging trends, tools, and technologies to advance security architecture and innovation.
• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of core business rhythms (e.g., quarterly planning, OKRs, QBRs), ensuring squads operate in an agile, adaptive, and value-driven manner, and removing blockers to performance, collaboration, and delivery.
• Establish and manage governance frameworks, operational processes, and reporting routines.
• Lead business performance management with dashboards, scorecards, and reports for leadership, analyzing organizational effectiveness and recommending enhancements. Develop data-driven KPIs and success metrics to measure platform impact.
• Partner with FinOps and squad leads to manage budgets, forecasts, resource planning, and vendor spend tracking. Support workforce planning and hiring in collaboration with HR and leadership.
• Foster collaboration across regions and functions, building strong relationships with internal and external partners to co-create secure, scalable solutions, and develop team capabilities through coaching and training.
• Align product and platform decisions with cybersecurity outcomes, supporting high-impact projects on behalf of the Platform Leader.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and force multiplier for the Platform Leader.

• 8+ years of experience in business management, operations, cybersecurity, or strategic roles.
• Proven experience in strategy and delivery within cybersecurity, especially in Security Architecture or Innovation fields.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, forecasting, benchmarking, and scenario development.
• Analytical thinker with excellent consultancy skills and the ability to derive insights and actions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to influence and work effectively across organizational levels.
• Leadership and coaching skills to develop high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, SAFe, PRINCE2 are a plus.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

We care for our employees and support work-life balance. We offer diverse career opportunities, a modern work environment, and competitive pay, including:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus, with top performance awards.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Private healthcare, pension scheme, and life insurance.
• Wellness programs and support.
• International career opportunities.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Support for home office setup.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• An inclusive, diverse working environment.

We prioritize work-life balance with flexible hybrid working models.

Bayer is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applications from all individuals and supporting accessibility and accommodations during the recruitment process. Contact us at for support or adjustments.

Our mission, 'Health for all, hunger for none,' drives our commitment to sustainability, healthcare, and agricultural innovation. Join us to contribute to initiatives like climate neutrality by 2030 and improving access to healthcare and nutrition worldwide by 2030. Be part of a culture that values innovation and empowers change to create a healthier, sustainable, and inclusive world.

INTERESTED IN THIS VACANCY?

If you're seeking a new challenge, apply online with your resume and cover letter in one document. For questions or more information, contact Klazien Flapper at .

The application process includes a personality questionnaire and interviews with the recruiter and hiring manager.

YOUR APPLICATION

We value your unique personality, background, and talents in building a diverse and inclusive Bayer.