Senior Manager – Customer Identity & Access Management Operations (Remote) – IAM Leadership & Incident Response at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is a global technology leader that empowers businesses to connect people, data, and services securely and seamlessly. With a relentless focus on innovation, resilience, and customer experience, brighthush is at the forefront of the identity and access management (IAM) revolution. Our mission is to make digital interactions safe, simple, and scalable for millions of users worldwide. As a remote-first organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, we blend cutting‑edge technology with a culture that values collaboration, continuous learning, and work‑life balance.

Why IAM Matters in Today’s Digital Landscape

Identity is the new frontier of cybersecurity. Every click, transaction, and data exchange begins with a digital identity. As regulatory frameworks such as PCI, SOX, and EU‑GDPR tighten, organizations must ensure that only the right people have the right access at the right time. IAM is the gatekeeper that protects sensitive data, preserves customer trust, and safeguards business continuity. At brighthush, we are building the next generation of IAM solutions that combine AI, automation, and human expertise to deliver zero‑trust security at scale.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager – Customer Identity & Access Management Operations to lead our IAM operations team in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment. This role is pivotal in shaping our IAM strategy, ensuring operational excellence, and driving continuous improvement across incident response, process optimization, and team development. The ideal candidate is a seasoned IAM professional with a proven track record in operational leadership, deep technical knowledge of IAM platforms, and a passion for mentoring high‑performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Oversee day‑to‑day IAM operations, ensuring 24/7 service availability, SLA compliance, and incident resolution within defined timeframes.
• Incident Management & Response: Lead the incident response lifecycle, from detection and triage to root‑cause analysis and post‑mortem documentation. Collaborate with security, engineering, and business stakeholders to mitigate risks and prevent recurrence.
• Process Design & Optimization: Develop, document, and continuously improve IAM operational processes using ITIL best practices. Automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and reduce manual intervention.
• Team Mentorship & Development: Build a high‑performing IAM operations team. Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development plans. Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and innovation.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with product, engineering, security, and compliance teams to align IAM operations with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Technology Management: Manage the Ping Identity suite (PingAccess, PingFederate, PingDirectory, etc.) and other IAM tools. Evaluate new technologies, propose pilots, and lead implementation projects.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure IAM operations adhere to PCI, SOX, EU‑GDPR, and internal security policies. Prepare audit evidence, support external audits, and maintain documentation.
• Metrics & Reporting: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for IAM operations. Deliver regular reports to senior leadership, highlighting trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement by driving Kaizen initiatives, root‑cause analysis, and lessons‑learned sessions.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related STEM field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in IAM, with at least 5 years in a leadership or managerial capacity.
• Hands‑on expertise with IAM platforms, preferably Ping Identity suite (PingAccess, PingFederate, PingDirectory, PingOne).
• Strong understanding of ITIL processes, incident management, change management, and problem management.
• Experience with cloud IAM (AWS, Azure, GCP) and identity federation protocols (SAML, OIDC, OAuth).
• Deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks: PCI DSS, SOX, EU‑GDPR, and related compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross‑functional teams, mentor junior staff, and drive performance.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML‑based IAM solutions or adaptive authentication.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ITIL Foundation, or IAM‑specific credentials (e.g., Ping Identity Certified Professional).
• Background in a regulated industry (finance, healthcare, or government) where IAM is critical.
• Experience with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code (IaC) for IAM deployments.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, PowerShell, Bash) for automation and tooling.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Visionary Leadership
• Operational Excellence & Process Engineering
• Incident Response & Crisis Management
• Team Building & Talent Development
• Stakeholder Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Analytical Problem Solving & Root‑Cause Analysis
• Strong Technical Acumen in IAM, Cloud, and Security
• Excellent Written & Verbal Communication
• Adaptability & Resilience in a Rapidly Evolving Environment

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we believe that growth is a shared journey. As a Senior Manager, you will:

• Lead strategic initiatives that shape the future of IAM across the organization.
• Mentor and develop a diverse team of IAM professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Participate in cross‑functional projects, gaining exposure to product development, security architecture, and compliance.
• Access to internal training programs, industry conferences, and certification sponsorships.
• Opportunity to transition into higher leadership roles such as Director of IAM, Head of Security Operations, or Chief Identity Officer.

Work Environment & Company Culture

brighthush thrives on a culture that values:

• Innovation: We encourage experimentation, rapid prototyping, and data‑driven decision making.
• Collaboration: Our remote-first model is built on transparent communication, shared goals, and mutual respect.
• Inclusivity: We celebrate diverse perspectives and foster an environment where every voice is heard.
• Work‑Life Balance: Flexible schedules, generous paid time off, and a focus on mental well‑being.
• Continuous Learning: We provide access to learning platforms, mentorship programs, and knowledge sharing sessions.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Base Salary: USD 140,600 – 183,108 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Performance‑Based Bonuses and Equity Opportunities.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and flexible vacation policies.
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (fully or partially covered).
• Comprehensive Parental Leave (paid).
• Wellness Programs: gym memberships, mental health resources, and wellness stipends.
• Remote Work Stipend for home office setup.
• Professional Development Budget for conferences, courses, and certifications.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead IAM operations at a company that is redefining security for the digital age, we want to hear from you. Join brighthush and help us build a safer, more connected world.