Data Security Program Manager

The Data Security Program Manager will lead Bekaert s global data security program, responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing data protection initiatives across the organisation. This role ensures that all data security programs, policies, and processes align with business objectives and compliance standards. The ideal candidate will bridge technical and business functions, managing projects that safeguard sensitive data throughout its lifecycle.

Program Governance
- Lead the enterprise-wide Data Security Program, ensuring alignment with corporate cybersecurity strategy.
- Define and implement a global Data Security Strategy/Roadmap aligned with business objectives, Security Risk and regulatory requirements.
- Establish policies, standards, and controls for handling sensitive and regulated data
- Develop and maintain Data Security technical framework - data classification, encryption, and protection frameworks.
- Drive adoption of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Data classifications solutions across business units.

Project Stakeholder Management

- Act as the primary liaison for business units on all data security matters. Manage multiple concurrent data security projects from concept to completion.
- Track and report program metrics, risks, and progress to senior leadership and governance committees.
- Serve as the point of contact for internal audits, external assessments, and data protection reviews.

Technology Implementation
- Oversee deployment and continuous improvement of data protection technologies (e.g., DLP, CASB, DSPM).
- Work closely with Security Operations, Business stewards, Compliance teams for incident investigation, response, data breach management, lessons learned and root cause analysis.
- Integrate data security practices into DevSecOps and cloud data architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP).

Awareness Training
- Develop and conduct data protection awareness campaigns for employees and third parties.
- Support training programs to improve organizational data handling practices.
- Maintain accurate records of incidents and report to stakeholders and regulators.

Education Experience
- Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field (Master s preferred).
- 8-12 years of experience in Information Security, with at least 3-5 years managing security or compliance programs.
- Proven experience in data protection, privacy, and governance frameworks.
- Familiarity with the Cyber-security landscape, cloud environments, modern data platforms and recent AI evolutions.

Certifications (Preferred)
- May be one of CISSP, CISM, CIPT, CDPSE, or PMP.
- ISO 27001 Lead Implementer / Auditor certification a plus.

Skills
- Ability to translate business requirements into data security policies for the data security team.
- Excellent project management, stakeholder communication, and documentation skills.
- Strong understanding of data security tools (Data Classification, DLP, DSPM, data protection).
- Ability to translate technical risks into business impacts.
- Analytical mindset with experience developing KPIs and dashboards for data protection.