Cyber Defense Solutions Manager - Microsoft Threat Protection - Grant Thornton

The professionals in Grant Thornton's Cybersecurity practice help organizations build cybersecurity strategy into their overall business strategy. This includes supporting our clients to identify and understand their cyber risk exposure, design and implement cybersecurity programs and solutions to mitigate cyber threats and protect their assets, and respond to cyber-attacks and incidents. Grant Thornton’s Cybersecurity practice is in high demand and rapidly growing, offering a rewarding and challenging working environment and great career growth potential.



As a member of Grant Thornton’s Cybersecurity team, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with our clients and deliver technical cybersecurity consulting and advisory services across a broad spectrum of areas, including threat protection, data protection, security engineering, and incident response readiness activities.



The Manager role offers an excellent opportunity to leverage and display your technical knowledge and experience while broadening your business and project management skills. Responsibilities include managing and performing cybersecurity assessments, design and implementation of threat protection solutions, end-to-end client engagement lifecycle management, and supervising other Grant Thornton colleagues. The Manager is also responsible for supporting the growth of the practice through business development activities.



Your day-to-day may include:





+ Manage, lead and perform threat protection engagements, including Microsoft Sentinel deployments, endpoint security and Microsoft Azure security hardening.



+ Manage and support cybersecurity assessments consisting of security architecture reviews, system configuration reviews and cloud security evaluations.



+ Manage and support cybersecurity incident response readiness activities, including tabletop exercises and evaluations of incident response capabilities.



+ Support cybersecurity risk and control remediation and security control implementation activities.



+ Develop deliverables from technology deployments and assessments performed and develop tailored recommendations to mitigate associated cyber threats and risks.



+ Manage assigned client engagements from start to finish, which includes engagement planning, fieldwork execution and reporting.



+ Develop strategic recommendations and consultative guidance for clients to help mature their cybersecurity programs, technology, processes and capabilities.



+ Remain current and apply knowledge of cybersecurity trends and risks.



+ Communicate and collaborate externally with clients and internally with all levels of the organization to successfully accomplish objectives portraying knowledge and confidence.



+ Proactively interact with key client management to gather information, resolve problems, and make recommendations for improvements.



+ Develop and manage client relationships with the intention to exceed client expectations.



+ Adhere to the highest degree of professional standards and strict client confidentiality.



+ Participate in professional development activities and training sessions on regular basis.



+ Other duties as assigned.





You have the following technical skills and qualifications:





+ 5+ years of related cybersecurity experience in a similar consulting practice or function.



+ Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is required



+ CISSP, CISM, GIAC (e.g., GSEC, GCIH, GISP, etc.), cloud security (e.g., AZ-500, SC-200, SC-300, SC-400, AWS Certified Security, Google Cloud Professional Architect / Security Engineer) or other related certifications required



+ Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment.



+ Experience with practice development and client pursuit activities.



+ Exceptional client service and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships.



+ Strong professional verbal and written skills.



+ Experience leading and managing one or more of the overarching areas below:



+ Conducting design and deployments of Microsoft Threat Protection technology (Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, and various Microsoft Defender technologies (Identity, Office 365, Cloud)



+ Proven experience conducting Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution deployments (with a focus on Microsoft Sentinel), including configuring content (analytics, workbooks, and/or playbooks/automation), as well as integrating deployed solutions into organizational Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.



+ Proven experience performing security hardening of Microsoft Azure environments



+ Reviewing security architecture deployments and assessing and/or implementing secure configurations for common network devices (routers, switches, firewalls), server operating systems (Windows and Linux) and database management systems.



+ Assessing and/or implementing security solutions and controls within cloud service provider platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, O365).






+ Working knowledge of cybersecurity industry leading practices and frameworks, such as NIST CSF, CIS Controls, CIS Benchmarks, OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK.



+ Familiarity with common cyber event detection and threat and vulnerability management security solutions.



+ Excellent analytical, organizational and project management skills.



+ Can travel as needed





The base salary range for this position in Chicago, IL only is between $144,000 and $216,000.



The base salary range for this position in the firm's New York, Los Angeles, CA, and Bellevue, WA offices is between $155,500 and $233,300.



The base salary range for this position in the firm's San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA offices is between $165,600 and $248,400.



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About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.



In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.



In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.



Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About the Team

The team you’re about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here’s how:



• Whether it’s your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm’s hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.



• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.



• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different — and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers



• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we’re taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers









Here’s what you can expect next:



If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.









Benefits:





We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that’s a good thing. That’s why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits







+ Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.







+ Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm’s medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm’s employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm’s 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.







Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.











Additional Details:



It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.









Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HR@us.gt.com.









For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.