Ally Financial

Principal Security Architect - Data Protection and Workplace Security

Ally Financial$110K — $180K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or equivalent
  • Minimum 10 years in information security or cybersecurity
  • 5 years of experience in security architecture at enterprise level
  • Proven leadership in architecture strategy across data security, email, and endpoint security domains

Responsibilities

  • Define and own the strategic roadmap for data protection and workplace security
  • Lead enterprise-wide architectural standards in key security domains
  • Enforce governance to embed security in business initiatives
  • Develop reference architectures and implementation standards
  • Partner with various technology teams for secure-by-design delivery
  • Assess security posture and lead remediation strategies
  • Communicate architecture strategy and risk posture to executives

Benefits

  • 20 paid time off days plus 11 holidays and volunteer time off
  • 401K retirement plan with matching and contributions
  • Flexible health insurance options including dental and vision
  • Paid parental leave and family support benefits
  • Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives
Full Job Description
Lead the strategy, design, and governance of enterprise security architecture across data protection and workplace security domains.

This role is accountable for defining the target-state security architecture and driving execution across critical capabilities, including data security, enterprise data platforms (e.g., Snowflake), email security, and endpoint protection.

Ensure security solutions are aligned with business priorities, enterprise architecture standards, regulatory requirements, and risk management objectives.

This role partners across security engineering, infrastructure, workplace technology, data platform, architecture, risk, and compliance organizations to drive consistent, scalable, and resilient security outcomes protecting enterprise users, devices, communications, and sensitive data while enabling business agility.

The Work Itself

Key Responsibilities

  • Own and define the strategic roadmap, standards, and target-state architecture for data protection and workplace security capabilities
  • Provide enterprise-wide architectural leadership across data security, enterprise data platforms, email security, and endpoint security domains
  • Enforce architecture governance to ensure security requirements are embedded in business and technology initiatives
  • Drive development and adoption of reference architectures, design patterns, and implementation standards across the enterprise
  • Partner with engineering, infrastructure, workplace technology, and data platform leaders to enable secure-by-design delivery and lifecycle management of security capabilities
  • Continuously assess security posture, identify systemic control gaps, and lead remediation strategies and capability maturity improvements
  • Serve as a senior subject matter expert for data protection and workplace security technologies, including DLP, data classification, encryption, masking, endpoint protection, EDR/XDR, secure email controls, and device hardening
  • Lead architectural strategy for securing modern data platforms, including Snowflake, data lakes, and data warehouse environments
  • Define enterprise patterns for secure data access, protection, monitoring, and governance across data platforms
  • Oversee vendor strategy, product evaluations, and architectural due diligence to ensure alignment with long-term security strategy
  • Partner with risk, privacy, legal, compliance, and incident response leadership to ensure control alignment and operational effectiveness
  • Lead and influence threat modeling, architecture review processes, and security risk assessments
  • Ensure alignment with enterprise security policies, regulatory obligations, and industry control frameworks
  • Communicate architecture strategy, roadmaps, and risk posture to executive stakeholders and senior leadership


The Skills You Bring

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of relevant experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field(s) of study or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in information security, cybersecurity, or related technology disciplines
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in security architecture, with demonstrated experience at an enterprise or domain level
  • Proven experience leading architecture strategy across multiple domains, including:
    • Data Security and Data Protection
    • Enterprise data platform security (e.g., Snowflake)
    • Data lake and data warehouse security
    • Email Security
    • Endpoint Security
    • Enterprise Security Architecture
  • Deep expertise in data protection practices, including data classification, DLP, encryption, masking, and access protection strategies
  • Strong knowledge of modern data platform security concepts, including role-based access control, segmentation, secure data sharing, logging, and monitoring
  • Strong knowledge of endpoint security controls, including endpoint protection, EDR/XDR, device hardening, vulnerability management, and endpoint lifecycle management
  • Strong understanding of email security capabilities, including phishing protection, email authentication standards, and secure messaging controls
  • Deep understanding of security architecture methodologies, risk-based control design, and enterprise governance frameworks
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders
  • Strong executive communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills
  • Experience in a large enterprise or highly regulated industry
  • Experience leading security architecture in cloud-based data platforms, including Snowflake and modern data ecosystems
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 security controls, collaboration security, and modern endpoint management platforms
  • Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, CRI, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, or SABSA
  • Experience driving zero trust architectures and cloud security strategies
  • Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, GIAC, or equivalent

Leadership & Core Competencies
  • Enterprise strategy and architectural vision
  • Risk posture management and control design leadership
  • Organizational influence and executive stakeholder management
  • Cross-functional leadership and alignment
  • Technical depth with strategic oversight
  • Decision-making under risk and ambiguity


Highly Preferred:

  • Hands-on experience developing or prototyping automation solutions using scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell).
  • Experience with reporting and analytics platforms such as Power BI, SharePoint, Jira, and Confluence.
  • Experience building or leveraging AI/ML-based security tools or automation capabilities.

#LI-Hybrid

How We'll Have Your Back
Ally's compensation program offers market-competitive base pay and pay-for-performance incentives (bonuses) based on achieving personal and company goals. Our Total Rewards program includes industry-leading compensation and benefits plus additional incentives that are designed to meet your needs and those of your family so you can get the most out of your career and your life, including:

Time Away: Program starts at 20 paid time off days in addition to 11 paid holidays and 8 hours of volunteer time off yearly (time off days are prorated based on start date and program varies based on full or part-time status and management level).

Planning for the Future: plan for the near and long term with an industry-leading 401K retirement savings plan with matching and company contributions, student loan pay downs and 529 educational save up assistance programs, tuition reimbursement, employee stock purchase plan, and financial learning center and financial coach access.

Supporting your Health & Well-being: flexible health and insurance options including medical, dental and vision, employee, spouse and child life insurance, short- and long-term disability, pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions, Healthcare FSA, critical illness, accident & hospital indemnity insurance, and a total well-being program that helps you and your family stay on track physically, socially, emotionally, and financially.

Building a Family: adoption, surrogacy and fertility assistance as well as paid parental and caregiver leave, Dependent Day Care FSA back-up child and adult/elder care days and childcare discounts.

Work-Life Integration: other benefits including Mentally Fit Employee Assistance Program, subsidized and discounted Weight Watchers® program and other employee discount programs.

Other Compensations: depending on the role for which you are considered, you may be eligible for travel allowances, relocation assistance, a signing bonus and/or equity.

To view more detailed information about Ally's Total Rewards, please visit this link: https://www.ally.com/content/dam/pdf/corporate/ally-total-rewards-snapshot.pdf

Base Pay Range
$110,000.00 - $180,000.00
An individual's position in the range is determined by the specific role, the scope and responsibilities of the role, work experience, education, certification(s), training, and additional qualifications. We review internal pay, the competitive market, and business environment prior to extending an offer.

Incentive Compensation:

This position is eligible to participate in our annual incentive plan.

About Ally Financial

Ally Financial Careers

Joining Ally Financial means becoming part of a team committed to growth, innovation, and leadership. As a leading digital financial services company, we offer a range of job opportunities that empower professionals to excel in their careers. At Ally Financial, we believe in fostering a culture that embraces diversity, encourages professional development, and supports our team members through comprehensive benefits and a nurturing environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Ally Financial, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our team is dedicated to redefining the financial landscape through innovation and top-tier financial solutions. Whether you are looking for a position in finance, technology, customer service, or management, Ally Financial provides a platform where your skills will be honed and your professional aspirations realized.

Explore Our Job Opportunities

We are constantly expanding our team and looking for new talent who are passionate, curious, and driven. Explore our wide range of open positions from entry-level to senior leadership roles. Ally Financial values the unique perspectives and experiences each team member brings, making us stronger and more innovative.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an Ally Financial internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure, professional skills development, and a chance to network with leaders across the company. Internships at Ally Financial are your gateway to understanding the financial sector from the inside out and gaining hands-on experience that complements your academic learning.

Employee Benefits and Culture

Ally Financial is committed to the well-being and continuous growth of our employees. We offer robust benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Our culture is centered around inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, making Ally Financial a great place to work.

Professional Development and Training

We invest in our employees through ongoing professional development and leadership training programs. At Ally Financial, you have access to a variety of training resources and workshops designed to enhance your job performance and leadership capabilities. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our efforts to ensure all team members are equipped for success in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

Diversity and Innovation

Diversity is at the core of our operations and strategic initiatives. At Ally Financial, we are dedicated to creating an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives lead to innovative solutions. Our diversity training programs are part of our commitment to an inclusive workplace, where everyone’s contribution is valued.

Join Our Team

Are you ready to advance your career at a company that values your skills and offers the opportunity to work on transformative projects? Search Ally Financial jobs that match your skills and interests. We are looking for creative, solution-driven team players who are ready to make an impact.

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Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your resume, complete your application, and prepare for an interview where you can showcase your unique abilities. At Ally Financial, your future is waiting.
Learn more about Ally Financial
Size
10,500 employees
Market Cap
$6.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1 billion
Founded
2017
5 Year Trend
+0.8%
NASDAQ

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