Director, Managed Detection and Response

Role Description

The Director of MDR will lead the SOC and Expert Led team, overseeing a global organization across AMER, EMEA, and APAC that consists of cyber security analysts, managers, cyber advisors, the IR team, and vulnerability management. This role is responsible for the design and execution of the human led detection and response service delivered to Barracuda customers, directing critical incident response operations on their behalf, and shaping the operational strategy in alignment with broader business objectives. The Director will mentor and develop a high performing global team, ensure compliance with global standards, and provide strategic guidance on risk management and security operations for Barracuda customers.

What you’ll be working on

• Develops, implements, and continuously refines the MDR service strategy, ensuring alignment with Barracuda business objectives, customer outcomes, and industry best practices.
• Oversees the design, implementation, and operation of advanced detection and response technologies and SOC tooling, ensuring robust protection for Barracuda customers against evolving cyber threats.
• Owns the management and operational ownership of the EDR platform across the global customer base, including policy tuning, detection coverage, response playbooks, and platform health.
• Chairs the incident response function for customer engagements, providing leadership and direction during critical cybersecurity incidents, and ensuring effective communication with customer executives, internal leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Serves as the senior customer facing escalation point for any major service issues, incidents, or escalations across the customer base, owning the response and the path to resolution.
• Partners closely with Product, Sales, Customer Success, and Support teams to align the MDR service roadmap, go to market motion, onboarding experience, and ongoing customer journey.
• Represents Barracuda externally as a speaker and thought leader at both Barracuda events (Discover, partner summits, customer briefings, executive roundtables) and industry events (RSA, Black Hat, regional security conferences, analyst and press briefings).
• Manages vendor contracts and strategic partnerships across the SOC and MDR technology stack, including negotiation, renewal, performance management, and ongoing commercial and technical governance.
• Drives the development and enforcement of SOC policies, runbooks, standards, and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards across the global delivery footprint.
• Leads and mentors a high performing global cybersecurity team across AMER, EMEA, and APAC, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Communicates and influences senior management and major customers, ensuring that service strategy aligns with both Barracuda business objectives and customer outcomes.
• Provides short to mid term strategy and operational direction, leading talent management and operational management for a 24/7 follow the sun SOC organization.
• Combines expert technical and business knowledge of the cybersecurity domain to drive large scale programs that foster team performance and ensure business success.
• Leads the development and implementation of differentiated MDR programs that align with long term organizational objectives and market trends.
• Travel required, both domestic and international, to support customer engagements, industry events, executive briefings, and presence across the AMER, EMEA, and APAC SOC footprint.

Technical/Functional Skills

• SOC Operations and 24/7 Global Service Delivery
• MDR and EDR Platform Management
• Security Architecture, Tools and Technologies
• Cybersecurity Principles and Practices
• Incident Response and Crisis Management
• Vendor Management, Contract Negotiation, and Commercial Governance
• Customer Engagement and Executive Communication
• Public Speaking and Industry Representation
• Cross Functional Partnership with Product, Sales, Customer Success, and Support
• IT and Service Delivery Strategy
• Business Acumen and Commercial Awareness
• Industry Expertise across MDR, XDR, EDR, and SOC Domains
• Strategic Roadmap Development
• Global People and Performance Management across AMER, EMEA, and APAC
• Process Improvement and Operational Excellence
• Interviewing and Recruiting across Multiple Regions
• Team Development and Talent Pipeline Building

What you bring to the role

• Education: Bachelor's/ master’s degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, or equivalent.
• Experience: 15-20 years of experience with bachelor’s or 12-18 years of experience with master's in areas such security operations, cyber incident response, threat hunting or equivalent.
• 7-10 years of management experience.
• Certifications (preferred): Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or equivalent; Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) for expertise in security management and governance.

Benefits

• A team where you can voice your opinion, make an impact, and where you and your experience are valued.
• Internal mobility – there are opportunities for cross training and the ability to attain your next career step within Barracuda.
• Equity, in the form of non-qualifying options.
• High-quality health benefits.
• Retirement Plan with employer match.
• Career-growth opportunities.
• Flexible Time Off and Paid Time Off benefits.
• Volunteer opportunities.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this role is 182,000 to 230,000. Actual compensation offered will be dependent upon the individual's skills, experience, and qualifications as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, the budget for the position, and applicable employment laws.

At Barracuda, we believe in fair and equitable compensation practices that reflect both market realities and the unique circumstances of each geographical location. We recognize that cost-of-living disparities, market conditions, and other factors can significantly impact compensation expectations in different regions. The compensation range provided in this job description is for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the actual compensation offers for the position in your location. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including the candidates’ qualifications and experience.

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