Security Compliance Manager: Career Guide

What Does a Security Compliance Manager do?

A Security Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that an organization adheres to legal standards and internal policies related to information security and data protection. This role involves developing, implementing, and overseeing the company’s security policies and procedures to meet regulatory and compliance requirements. Security Compliance Managers conduct regular audits, manage security assessments, and work with other departments to enforce security protocols throughout the organization. They play a crucial role in preventing data breaches and minimizing risk by maintaining a comprehensive compliance framework that includes risk management, cybersecurity practices, and employee training.

The Security Compliance Manager ensures that the organization not only meets current compliance standards but is also prepared for new and emerging regulations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Security Compliance Managers in the Risk Management field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive security policies and procedures that comply with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to ensure adherence to all compliance standards.
• Coordinate with IT and security departments to align security measures with compliance regulations.
• Manage the preparation and documentation for external security audits and inspections.
• Stay updated with changes in security standards and regulations that affect the industry.
• Lead training and development efforts to enhance security awareness and compliance across the organization.
• Respond to security breaches in coordination with the incident response team and ensure that compliance is maintained during the recovery process.
• Report to senior management on the status of security compliance within the organization.

How to Become a Security Compliance Manager

Launching a career as a Security Compliance Manager requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Professional certifications relevant to compliance and security such as Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
• Proven experience in a compliance or regulatory environment, with a strong understanding of IT security protocols and data protection laws.
• Experience in managing audits and understanding of compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO, NIST, HIPAA, GDPR).

Requirements & Skills

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex compliance regulations to a variety of stakeholders.
• Keen analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong ethical standards and high level of integrity.

Security Compliance Manager Salary Guide

Wondering what Security Compliance Managers earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Security Compliance Manager in the U.S. is approximately $106,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Security Compliance Managers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Security Compliance Manager Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$132,500
Senior	11+ years	$116,600
Experienced	6-10 years	$106,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$95,400
Entry Level	0-2 years	$79,500

How to Advance Your Career

Security Compliance Managers can advance to higher roles such as Director of Compliance, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or other executive-level positions within corporate governance. They may also specialize further in specific areas of compliance, such as environmental, healthcare, or financial services, depending on the industry.

Typical Work Environment

Security Compliance Managers work primarily in office settings but may require travel to various company locations or regulatory meetings. They commonly interact with IT departments, external audit firms, and regulatory bodies. The role may include high-pressure situations, particularly following a security breach or during high-stakes audits, requiring calm and decisive leadership.