Cyber Security Project Manager

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite®, Price Rite®, The Fresh Grocer®, Dearborn Markets®, and Gourmet Garage® banners.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

Summary

The Cyber Security Project Manager plays a pivotal role in the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of complex cyber security projects within Wakefern. This leadership position requires an experienced professional who not only understands the evolving cyber threat landscape but also possesses the skills to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage resources, and ensure that security initiatives align with business objectives. The role will bridge the gap between technical cyber security experts and business stakeholders, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget while upholding the highest standards of security and compliance.

Essential Functions:

Project Planning & Management

• Develop, implement, and manage end-to-end project plans for multiple cyber security initiatives, including risk assessments, security upgrades, threat response, compliance, and incident management projects.
• Establish project scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, and deliverables in alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to define and refine project requirements and success metrics.
• Monitor project progress, proactively identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional teams, including security analysts, engineers, IT staff, consultants, and third-party vendors.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement among project team members.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior project managers and cyber security staff.

Stakeholder Communication

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior management, technical teams, and business partners regarding project status and key deliverables.
• Prepare and deliver regular project updates, executive summaries, and detailed reports on project progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Translate complex cyber security topics into clear, actionable language for non-technical stakeholders.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that projects adhere to internal and external security standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA).
• Coordinate audits, assessments, and remediation activities as required by regulatory authorities or internal policies.
• Develop and maintain project documentation that demonstrates due diligence and compliance with applicable regulations.

Budgeting & Resource Allocation

• Develop and manage project budgets, track expenditure, and report variances to senior leadership.
• Allocate resources efficiently, ensuring optimal use of talent, technology, and external services.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and consultants for products and services related to cyber security projects.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Stay abreast of emerging cyber security threats, best practices, and technological advancements.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of cyber security project delivery.
• Promote a proactive security posture and foster an organizational culture of security awareness.

Incident Response Support

• Support coordination of incident response activities, ensuring projects account for necessary detection, containment, and recovery processes.
• Coordinate post-incident reviews and lessons-learned workshops to inform future project planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in cyber security, with at least 3-5 years in a project management or leadership role.
• In-depth understanding of cyber security frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, NIST, CIS CSC, GDPR).
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Scrum).
• Relevant certifications such as PMP, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including experience presenting to executive audiences.
• Experience working with cloud security, network defense, endpoint protection, identity management, and threat intelligence is highly desirable.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• This position requires in person office presence per business needs

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Experience managing global or distributed teams and third-party vendors.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to align cyber security projects with broader business objectives.
• High degree of integrity, professional ethics, and demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and information protection.
• Continuous learner, passionate about advancing security knowledge and skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project delivery within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Adherence to security and compliance requirements.
• Reduction in identified security risks post-implementation.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with project outcomes.
• Successful audit outcomes and positive regulatory feedback.
• Improvement in organizational security posture and incident response readiness.

Associate Competencies

• Communicate Effectively
• Drive for Results
• Embrace Change
• Develop You
• Building Relationships
• Stay Competitive

Leadership Competencies

• Think Strategically
• Influence Others
• Talent Planning
• Take Accountability
• Inclusive Leadership