Senior Strategic Customer Success Manager – Driving CMMC Compliance, Advanced Threat Mitigation, and Retention Excellence for Defense Contractors at brighthush

About brighthush

In a world where cyber threats evolve at the speed of light, brighthush stands as a beacon of resilience for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Founded in 2019 by a cadre of seasoned cybersecurity veterans, we identified a critical gap: defense contractors needed a single, integrated solution that combined rigorous regulatory compliance with proactive security operations. Rather than offering fragmented checklists or isolated detection tools, we built a unified platform that marries regulatory adherence with real‑time threat intelligence. In just five years, we have grown from a lean startup into a high‑velocity, private‑equity‑backed powerhouse, delivering cutting‑edge CMMC compliance, NIST SP 800‑171, ISO 27001, and advanced threat intelligence solutions to more than 200 defense contractors across the United States.

Our portfolio spans nimble small‑to‑mid‑size firms to large, multinational defense contractors. All of them rely on brighthush to safeguard their mission‑critical assets while staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. What sets us apart is our unique blend of compliance expertise and security operations excellence. We craft custom playbooks that eliminate redundant processes, optimize resource allocation, and fortify our clients’ overall security posture. Our rapid expansion is fueled by a culture of ownership, agility, and an unwavering commitment to customer success. We are not just a service provider; we are a strategic partner that walks with our clients through the complex landscape of defense cybersecurity, ensuring they meet stringent federal requirements while staying ahead of emerging threats.

Our Mission & Vision

At brighthush, our mission is to empower defense contractors to achieve the highest levels of cybersecurity resilience and compliance. We envision a world where every defense organization can focus on its core mission—protecting national security—while we handle the intricacies of CMMC, NIST, and other regulatory frameworks. By marrying advanced threat intelligence with proven compliance playbooks, we create a seamless experience that delivers measurable business value and peace of mind.

Why Join brighthush?

• Be part of a mission‑critical organization that protects national security and drives innovation in the defense sector.
• Own end‑to‑end customer relationships and shape the future of our service delivery.
• Work in a fully remote, high‑performance environment that values initiative, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and clear career progression.
• Collaborate with a diverse, cross‑functional team of cybersecurity experts, engineers, and business strategists.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of defense cybersecurity solutions.
• Benefit from a culture that rewards ownership, urgency, and innovation.
• Access to cutting‑edge technology, threat intelligence platforms, and industry‑leading tools.

Role Overview

As a Senior Strategic Customer Success Manager at brighthush, you will be the single point of accountability for a portfolio of managed‑service customers. Your mission is to ensure that each client achieves their compliance and cybersecurity goals while maximizing satisfaction, retention, and expansion opportunities. This is a high‑ownership, customer‑facing role that blends strategic thinking, project management, and cross‑functional collaboration. You will act as the bridge between our technical teams and the executive leadership of our clients, translating complex security concepts into clear business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Ownership – Serve as the primary advocate for each client, managing relationships across technical, operational, and executive stakeholders.
• Onboarding & Execution – Lead the seamless onboarding of new customers, coordinate corrective action plans, technology rollouts, and environment builds, ensuring all internal teams stay on track.
• Project & Process Management – Leverage existing playbooks to manage workflows, while continuously refining and scaling processes for efficiency and scalability.
• Escalation & Accountability – Identify risks early, propose mitigation strategies, and own resolution outcomes, ensuring clarity and transparency for all parties.
• Strategic Relationship Building – Cultivate deep, trusted relationships across customer organizations, positioning yourself as a strategic advisor.
• Business Reviews & Communication – Conduct structured quarterly business reviews, track KPIs, and communicate progress, risks, and opportunities to both customers and internal leadership.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making – Use internal dashboards, ticket queues, and health metrics to prioritize initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
• Retention & Upsell Support – Monitor health indicators, identify upsell opportunities, and support contract renewals to grow account value.
• Internal Team Leadership – Hold internal teams accountable to deadlines and standards, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Thought Leadership – Represent brighthush at industry events, webinars, and client workshops, sharing insights on CMMC, threat intelligence, and best practices.
• Continuous Learning & Process Improvement – Identify gaps in our service delivery, propose enhancements, and champion the adoption of new tools and methodologies.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration – Work closely with Sales, Engineering, Product, and Marketing to align customer needs with product roadmaps and service enhancements.

What Success Looks Like

• Customers know exactly who to contact and trust you to resolve any issue.
• All projects are delivered on time, within scope, and with zero surprises.
• Internal teams respond promptly and meet agreed‑upon standards.
• Potential churn risks are identified and mitigated before they materialize.
• Accounts consistently renew, expand, and provide positive feedback.
• You run your day guided by data, not noise.
• Clients view you as a strategic partner, not just a project manager.
• Your initiatives lead to measurable improvements in compliance readiness and threat posture.
• Internal stakeholders recognize your influence in shaping product and service strategy.

Day in the Life

A typical day starts with a quick review of the Customer Health Dashboard to spot any red flags. You then attend a cross‑functional sync with the engineering team to discuss the status of a new technology rollout. Mid‑morning, you host a quarterly business review with a senior executive from a key client, presenting metrics, risk assessments, and a roadmap for the next quarter. The afternoon is dedicated to drafting a corrective action plan for a client that has identified a compliance gap, coordinating with the support team to ensure timely resolution. Throughout the day, you stay connected with your internal stakeholders, providing updates, answering questions, and ensuring alignment across all functions. You also allocate time for strategic planning, market research, and professional development to stay ahead of industry trends.

Who You Are

• Execution‑Driven – You take ownership of problems and solve them, rather than passing them along.
• Organized & Disciplined – Your day is structured, metrics are clear, and you guide teams with precision.
• Customer‑Focused – You communicate effectively with business leaders and translate technical solutions into business value.
• Accountable – You own customer outcomes and internal execution, even when challenges arise.
• Proactive Communicator – You anticipate risks and address them before they become issues.
• Process‑Oriented but Flexible – You follow playbooks while continuously seeking improvements.
• Strategic Thinker – You see the big picture and align customer goals with brighthush’s long‑term vision.
• Collaborative Leader – You inspire cross‑functional teams to deliver exceptional results.
• Data‑Savvy – You thrive on metrics, dashboards, and data‑driven insights to guide decisions.
• Adaptable & Resilient – You navigate ambiguity, shifting priorities, and fast‑paced environments with ease.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• Proven track record of managing complex customer relationships and driving retention.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to C‑suite executives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, fully remote work environment.
• Self‑starter mentality with a passion for continuous improvement and learning.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency with data dashboards, reporting tools, and CRM systems.
• Experience in the defense or regulated industry is a plus.
• Comfortable working with cross‑functional teams across engineering, product, sales, and marketing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Customer Success Manager in a tech‑focused environment (MSP or SaaS preferred).
• Deep understanding of IT systems, platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Experience delivering end‑user technical support and managing compliance projects.
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, AZ‑900, CISM, or CCNA are a plus.
• Experience with CMMC, NIST SP 800‑171, ISO 27001, or similar frameworks.
• Familiarity with threat intelligence platforms, SIEM solutions, and vulnerability management tools.
• Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).
• Proficiency in customer success platforms such as Gainsight, Totango, or similar.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Account Management
• Project & Program Management (Agile & Waterfall)
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation
• Data Analysis & KPI Tracking
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Change Management
• Customer Advocacy & Voice of the Customer
• Technical Acumen in Cloud, Network, and Endpoint Security
• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
• Leadership & Team Coaching
• Excellent Presentation & Storytelling Skills
• Strong Negotiation & Contract Management Abilities

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, we believe in nurturing talent and providing clear pathways for advancement. As a Customer Success Manager, you will have the opportunity to progress to roles such as Senior Customer Success Manager, Director of Customer Success, or even VP of Customer Experience. We invest in your professional development through:

• Regular training on the latest cybersecurity trends, compliance frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Access to industry conferences, webinars, and certification programs.
• Mentorship from senior leaders who have built successful careers in cybersecurity and customer success.
• Cross‑functional projects that broaden your skill set and expose you to new business areas.
• Leadership development programs focused on strategic thinking, influence, and organizational impact.
• Opportunities to lead internal initiatives, such as process improvement or new service development.
• Annual performance reviews that align your career goals with brighthush’s growth trajectory.

Work Environment & Culture

brighthush operates in a fully remote, high‑performance culture that values:

• Ownership – You have the authority to make decisions that impact customer outcomes.
• Urgency – We move fast and deliver results quickly.
• Accountability – Everyone is responsible for their commitments.
• Collaboration – Cross‑functional teams work together to solve complex problems.
• Continuous Learning – We encourage curiosity, experimentation, and knowledge sharing.
• Inclusivity – We celebrate diverse perspectives and foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
• Work‑Life Balance – Flexible schedules and generous paid time off help you recharge.
• Innovation – We reward creative solutions that drive customer success and business growth.
• Transparency – Open communication channels keep everyone aligned and informed.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive base salary ranging from $100,000 to $115,000 USD, commensurate with experience. In addition to base pay, you will receive:

• Performance‑based bonuses tied to customer retention, expansion, and project delivery.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) plan with company match to help you plan for the future.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Unlimited learning stipend for certifications, courses, and conferences.
• Equity opportunities for high‑performing employees.
• Wellness programs, including mental health resources and virtual fitness classes.
• Annual tech stipend to keep your home office at the cutting edge.
• Flexible work schedule and remote‑friendly policies.
• Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs.

How to Apply

If you are a proactive, customer‑centric professional who thrives in a fast‑moving environment and is ready to make a tangible impact on defense contractors’ security posture, we want to hear from you. Submit your application through our career portal and join brighthush in shaping the future of cybersecurity compliance.

brighthush is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.