About the Role
Northern Trust is seeking a Global Director of Application Security to lead the enterprise strategy, governance, and modernization of application security. This leader will define policies and standards, embed security into modern development practices, and drive the transition from traditional (pre-AI) application security models to AI-enabled, post-AI security capabilities.
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a hands-on, technically credible leader who can partner with engineering and security teams to deliver secure software at scale in a complex, global financial environment.
What You’ll Do
Own the Application Security Strategy
Define and execute the enterprise Application Security vision, roadmap, and operating model aligned to business and technology priorities.
Establish Governance & Standards
Develop and enforce application security policies, standards, and controls across the software development lifecycle (SDLC), including APIs, CI/CD pipelines, and software supply chain.
Lead the AI Security Transformation
Shape how the organization evolves from traditional development security to AI-assisted and AI-generated development models, including guardrails, validation, and governance.
Drive Secure DevSecOps Practices
Partner with engineering and platform teams to embed security into CI/CD pipelines using scalable, automated, developer-friendly approaches (SAST, DAST, SCA, IaC, secrets, etc.).
Lead and Scale a High-Impact Team
Manage an initial team of 4 direct reports (North America) and ~10 contractors, building a high-performing, technically strong organization.
Engage and Influence Leadership
Act as a senior advisor to cybersecurity and technology leadership, communicating risk, strategy, and progress to executive stakeholders.
Deliver Measurable Risk Reduction
Define KPIs and drive improvements in vulnerability management, remediation velocity, and overall application security posture.
What We’re Looking For
Required
10+ years in application security, cybersecurity, or software engineering
5+ years leading application security or DevSecOps programs at enterprise scale
Experience defining and enforcing security policies, standards, and governance
Strong technical depth in secure software development and modern SDLC practices
Proven ability to influence engineering teams and senior stakeholders
Experience leading small, high-impact teams including contractors
Preferred
Hands-on experience developing software in large enterprises with mature DevOps / CI/CD pipelines
Background in software engineering, architecture, or platform engineering
Experience with:
SAST, DAST, SCA
Software supply chain security
API and cloud-native application security
CI/CD pipeline security and automation
Familiarity with AI-assisted development and its security implications
Financial services or regulated industry experience
Why This Role Matters
You will define the future of Application Security at Northern Trust—modernizing how secure software is built and governed while positioning the organization for the next generation of AI-driven development and risk management.
Salary Range:
$164,600 - 288,000 USD
Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.
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
