IAM APAC Director

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Director of Identity & Access Management (IAM) to lead our APAC IAM function. This critical leadership role will be responsible for defining, implementing, and overseeing the IAM strategy, architecture, and operations across the Asia-Pacific region. The successful candidate will be a highly experienced people leader, managing a diverse team of IAM professionals spanning Engineering, Operations, and Governance. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise in IAM, a proven track record of building and scaling high-performing teams, and a strong understanding of the unique regulatory and business landscapes within APAC.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Define and communicate the IAM roadmap for APAC, covering technology adoption, process improvements, and team development.
• Develop and execute the APAC IAM strategy, aligning with global IAM initiatives and regional business objectives.
• Collaborate with global IAM leadership and other regional directors to ensure consistency and coherence across the IAM landscape.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust IAM solutions, including but not limited to:
  • Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)
  • Access Management (SSO, MFA, Federation)
  • Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • Customer IAM (CIAM)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for IAM processes, automation, and tooling.
• Manage IAM-related incidents, problems, and changes, ensuring timely resolution and root cause analysis.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of IAM professionals across Engineering, Operations, and Governance functions.
• Conduct performance reviews, set clear objectives, and provide regular feedback to direct reports.
• Drive talent acquisition and retention efforts, ensuring the team has the right skills and capabilities to meet future demands.
• Lead and support internal and external audits related to IAM, addressing findings and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and report on key IAM metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of the program and identify areas for improvement.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement appropriate controls to mitigate IAM-related risks.
• Act as the primary point of contact for IAM in APAC, engaging with business leaders, regional security teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Communicate complex IAM concepts and risks effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

LEADERSHIP KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS

• Strong team management skills. Conducts performance management and career development processes, and staffing and disciplinary actions.
• Develops periodic goals, organizes the work, sets short-term priorities, monitors all activities, and ensures timely and accurate completion of the work.
• Operates independently; has in-depth knowledge of business unit / function
• As an IAM subject area expert, provides comprehensive, in-depth consulting and leadership to team and partners at a high technical level
• Role is balanced between high level operational execution and development, and execution of strategic direction of business function activities
• Manages the offshore development and onshore support functions for IAM platforms and applications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Broad understanding of identity and access management, with expert knowledge in identity governance and administration
• Understanding of identity related regulatory requirements for all global regions
• Strong aptitude to develop and maintain internal and external business relationships and to leverage those relationships in pursuit of day-to-day goals and responsibilities
• Excellent consultative skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required
• In-depth Functional / Industry Knowledge is required
• Knowledge of information security, network management, operating systems, software development, database systems and information technology concepts needed to effectively manage the group
• Analytical and problem solving skills are required
• Leadership and organizational skills are required to develop periodic goals and to manage and motivate team members towards the goals set
• A College or University degree and/or relevant proven work experience is required
• Industry certification such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, Cisco, SANS, etc. is preferred

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We’d love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world’s most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.

We hope you’re excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.