Senior Cybersecurity Operations Analyst
DEFEND | Wellington or Auckland

Protect what matters. Hunt threats. Drive outcomes.

As a Senior Cybersecurity Operations Analyst at DEFEND, you'll be trusted to lead investigations, uncover emerging threats, reduce cyber risk, and help our customers strengthen their security posture. You'll work alongside some of New Zealand's most experienced cybersecurity professionals while shaping the future of managed security services for organisations across the country.

Requirements

Why this role matters 

You’ll be at the heart of protecting critical environments, translating complex risks into clear action, and turning insight into stronger, smarter security. 

What you’ll do 

• Own end-to-end vulnerability management across infrastructure, endpoints, and applications 

• Identify, prioritise, and communicate risk—from everyday exposures to zero-day threats 

• Conduct proactive threat hunting using modern query languages (KQL, CQL) 

• Investigate and respond to real-world security incidents across identity, endpoint, and network layers 

• Automate security operations using Python, PowerShell, Bash, and/or emerging AI techniques 

• Partner with stakeholders to drive remediation and risk reduction 

• Deliver high-quality reporting and insights that influence decision-making 

• Contribute to cloud security posture and hardening initiatives 

• Continuously improve playbooks, processes, and detection capability 

What you’ll bring 

• Experience with vulnerability management platforms (e.g. Qualys, CrowdStrike) 

• Solid grasp of risk prioritisation frameworks 

• Hands-on threat hunting and security operations expertise 

• Experience with SIEM, EDR, and modern security tooling 

• Scripting/automation skills (Python, PowerShell, or AI) 

• Confident communicator who can translate technical risk into business impact 

• A mindset geared toward curiosity, ownership, and continuous improvement 

What’s in it for you 

• Work with a team that lives the DEFEND Way: Understanding, Partnership, Ownership, Guardianship, Excellence 

• Deepen your expertise in large-scale risk and vulnerability management as well as automation 

• Influence how modern cyber defence is delivered 

• Clear pathways into senior engineering or leadership roles 

• Be part of a culture that values excellence, growth, and innovation 

The bottom line 

If you’re a cyber operator who thrives on solving complex problems, partnering with customers, and making a real impact, we want to hear from you. 

Please note this is an on-site role at a customer premises in Auckland or Wellington.

Benefits

About DEFEND: 

Our dream at DEFEND is to improve everyday life by creating a cyber resilient world. Over the last few years, we've experienced phenomenal growth, working with a wide variety of customers and winning several industry awards, including Microsoft's Global Partner of the Year for 2025! 

Why DEFEND? 

We believe in investing in our employees’ growth and providing them with opportunities to advance their skills and careers. We offer a collaborative workplace culture, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where innovative thinking is encouraged.  

By joining our innovative and creative team you will have the opportunity to contribute a variety of cybersecurity outcomes, from culture & awareness of cyber resilience, through to offensive & defensive security. No matter what your role, everyone at DEFEND contributes towards our dream of creating a cyber resilient world. 

The benefits of working at DEFEND 

In addition to working for a growing, dynamic NZ company, DEFEND offers the following benefits to all our DEFENDers 

• 3.5% Kiwisaver on top of your base salary 
• Southern Cross Health Insurance coverage 
• Mobile and Broadband discounts for yourself and family  
• Flexible, hybrid work environment 
• An allowance to contribute to your home office setup 
• Access to EAP services to support you across a range of wellbeing needs 

Diversity & Inclusion: 

At DEFEND, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We know from experience that people from underrepresented groups often don’t apply for roles they don’t feel they meet all the criteria for. We’re committed to creating an environment that enables all our team to thrive. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t check every single box, please consider applying. We’d love to hear how you might contribute to the team and being our next DEFENDer. 

Ready to help shape the future of cybersecurity in New Zealand? Apply now or learn more at: https://defend.co.nz/careers/