IT Cybersecurity Architect in Elizabeth, New Jersey at Gellert Global Group

Gellert Global Group consists of many of the leading North American food importing companies (Atalanta Corporation, Camerican International, Finica, Tipico Cheese Products) and has been involved in importing food products for over 100 years. The combined revenues of GGG exceed $1.7 billion. GGG companies provide strength in sourcing, insurance, finance, logistics, food safety and information technology, and supplies the needs of retailers, distributors, foodservice chains, hotels, cruise lines, and food manufacturers alike.

Summary/Objective:
The IT Cybersecurity Architect is a strategic and operational leader responsible for protecting the organization’s information assets and advancing enterprise-wide cybersecurity capabilities. This role oversees the identification, prioritization, and resolution of security threats, while driving governance, risk management, and data protection initiatives across Gellert Global Group.

As a key leader within the IT Infrastructure and Security organization, this position supports global business and ensures a resilient, scalable, and proactive security posture. The Cybersecurity Architect partners closely with IT, business stakeholders, and external service providers to strengthen prevention, detection, and response capabilities while aligning cybersecurity strategy with organizational objectives.
The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, deep technical expertise in network and endpoint security, and a proven ability to build and mature cybersecurity programs in a complex, multi-location environment.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy:
  • Lead the organization’s cybersecurity program, including threat management, risk mitigation, and security operations.
  • Define and execute cybersecurity strategy aligned with business priorities, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
  • Oversee governance, assurance, and data loss prevention (DLP) initiatives across the enterprise.
  • Manage and develop internal cybersecurity talent while coordinating offshore and managed service providers.
• Security Operations & Incident Response:
  • Oversee the monitoring, triage, and resolution of security alerts and incidents to minimize business impact.
  • Lead incident response activities, including escalation management, root cause analysis, and remediation.
  • Ensure 24/7 readiness through effective coordination with managed security service providers.
  • Develop and maintain incident response playbooks and lead tabletop exercises.
• Risk Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Identify and assess cybersecurity risks and implement proactive controls to reduce exposure.
  • Drive continuous improvement of security processes, runbooks, and documentation.
  • Lead vulnerability management, penetration testing, and remediation efforts.
  • Champion adoption of new security technologies and automation to enhance coverage and efficiency.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Partner with IT teams, business units, and executive leadership to promote a strong security culture.
  • Communicate security risks, incidents, and program progress clearly to stakeholders.
  • Support user awareness and training initiatives to strengthen organizational cybersecurity readiness.
  • Collaborate on enterprise-wide initiatives, including cloud, infrastructure, and application security.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in IT Cybersecurity, with progressive responsibility and function lead experience preferred.
• Proven experience managing or mentoring cybersecurity teams and working with external service providers.
• Strong hands-on experience with security technologies, including:
  • Identity and access management (MFA, Security Key, Entra ID or equivalent)
  • Endpoint detection and response (EDR/EPP)
  • Security awareness platforms (e.g., KnowBe4)
  • SIEM/SOAR solutions (e.g., Splunk)
  • Vulnerability management tools (e.g., Rapid7)
  • Email security gateways (e.g., Proofpoint)
  • Patch management solutions (e.g., ConnectWise)
  • Password Management (e.g., Bitwarden)
  • Microsoft Defender security suite or similar platforms.
  • Microsoft Purview and DLP
  • Microsoft Agent365
• Solid understanding of cloud and infrastructure environments (Azure, AWS, Cisco, Microsoft ecosystem, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of networking concepts and protocols (AD, DNS, LDAP, SMTP, FTP, etc.).
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance standards (PCI, SOX, privacy laws).
• Experience managing annual penetration testing and remediation programs.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level communication.
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure environments and make timely, informed decisions.
• Strong organizational mindset with attention to quality, scalability, and continuous improvement.
• CISSP, GCIH, GCIA, GCFA, or equivalent certifications.
• Ability to support after-hours incident response and critical security events as needed.
• Flexibility to work across time zones and support business continuity requirements.
• Commitment to building a culture of security and accountability across the organization.

Internal and External Contacts/Relationships:

• Internal: Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with team members (including contractors), all-level group colleagues including office and field personnel, executive team, customers and vendors.
• External: Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with contractors, vendors, 3rd party providers, customers via sales contacts
• Treat all interactions with a “Customer Service” focus, striving to provide a high level of customer satisfaction.

Physical Requirements:

• The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to perform computer responsibilities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit.
• The employee must have use of hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to travel by car or public transportation as needed.

Salary Range: $140,000 - $175,000 annually plus bonus

Our company will be relocating to a new corporate headquarters in Madison, NJ in Q1 of 2027. Candidates should be comfortable with this upcoming change in location.

Our Benefits:

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.

• Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, Company-paid life, accident and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts

• Wealth: Competitive pay, annual bonus opportunity, matching 401(k) with immediate vesting upon enrollment, generous employee referral program

• Happiness:

• Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, education assistance program
• Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role)
• Team Building: Employee engagement and recognition programs, wellness, philanthropic and DE&I initiatives, Company-sponsored celebrations, and team building events

The Gellert Global Group of companies is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state, or local law. Gellert Global Group is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@gellertglobalgroup.com.