Chief IT, Security Risk Specialist

Are you prepared to drive innovation and influence IT and Security Risk Management at a leading Nordic bank? Join Danske Bank as a Chief IT, Security Risk Specialist in our Second Line of Defense, where you’ll play a critical role in shaping how we manage and oversee risks related to IT and Security across the bank’s digital ecosystem.

This role requires a balance of analytical skills, strategic foresight, and the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders to develop a culture of risk awareness and compliance across the organization. This is your chance to play a vital role, guiding Danske Bank on its journey towards enhanced operational safety, stringent compliance standards, and cutting-edge IT and Security risk management.

The IT, Security, and Data Risk team at Danske Bank operates as part of the second line of defense (2LoD) function, dedicated to ensuring robust IT, security, and data risk management throughout the organization. As a unit in the Non-Financial Risk (NFR) team within Group Risk Management (GRM), our team serves as the oversight body to promote operational alignment and consistency in the application of IT, security and data risk management policies and frameworks within the group's risk tolerance.

We collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including technology operations, business units, security, privacy, cloud, GenAI, compliance risk, and third-party risk management teams. This collaboration ensures a unified approach to managing both internal and external risks in a dynamic financial landscape. Our team’s efforts are pivotal in maintaining the bank’s integrity, establishing a strong risk culture, and securing Danske Bank’s position as the customers’ preferred financial partner. By working together, we aim to meet customer expectations, fulfill regulatory requirements, and uphold the highest standards.

We will ensure that the salary offered to you will be based on your qualifications, competencies, professional experience, and requirements for the corresponding job function.

*Depending on your experience and knowledge, we may offer you a different seniority for the role.

You will:

• Provide independent oversight of IT and security risks across the organization, ensuring alignment with enterprise risk management frameworks
• Evaluate and challenge first-line risk assessments, control designs, and mitigation strategies to ensure effectiveness and compliance
• Engage and collaborate with stakeholders across Technology, Security, Risk, Compliance, Audit, Legal, and Business units to ensure integrated risk management governance and decision-making
• Monitor and assess emerging technology and cybersecurity risks, contributing to scenario planning, risk reporting, and strategic initiatives
• Offer expert insights to support regulatory interactions, thematic reviews, testing activities and internal governance forums
• Lead independent reviews of key IT initiatives and technology implementations, offering second-line risk advisory and ensuring effective governance and control practices
• Oversee the design, implementation, and effectiveness of IT and security controls, providing independent risk opinions and recommending appropriate mitigation measures
• Promote a culture of risk awareness and compliance across the organization through engagement, education, and strategic alignment
• Stay informed on evolving regulatory requirements and industry standards, assessing their impact on IT and security practices within the organization

About you:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in IT and security roles, preferably within a second line of defense (2LoD) function or a comparable role with deep exposure to risk oversight and governance
• A university degree or equivalent qualification in technology-related fields
• Solid experience in IT risk management, cybersecurity, or technology governance—ideally within regulated industries such as financial services—with the ability to influence and advise on complex projects or strategic initiatives. (Note: This is a specialist role without HR responsibilities.)
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, systems architecture, and security principles, with the ability to assess associated risks
• Experience with risk assessment methodologies and control frameworks applicable to a variety of IT environments and deployment models
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry-standard frameworks such as DORA, EBA Guidelines, Executive Order on Management and Control of Banks, ISO/IEC 27001, COBIT, and the ISF Standard of Good Practice for Information Security
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Relevant professional certifications such as CRISC, CISA, CISM, CISSP, or other recognized credentials in IT risk and security (would be beneficial)
• Advanced English skills

“Uniqueness is powerful - we welcome everyone in Danske Bank.”

We offer:

This position can be located both in Denmark, Sweden and Lithuania. If the position is located in Lithuaniathe monthly salary range will be from 3920 EUR to 5880 EUR gross (based on your competencies relevant for the job).

Additionally, each Danske Bank employee receives employee benefits package (benefits are only valid for Lithuaniathe same as the salary ranges) which includes:

• Growth opportunities: professional & supportive team, e-learnings, numerous development programs; (incl. professional certificates); 100+ professions for internal mobility opportunities.
• Health & Well-being: a diverse, inclusive, work & life balance work environment; additional health insurance; mental well-being practices; partial psychologist counselling compensation; silence and sleep zones at the office; game rooms.
• Hybrid working conditions: Work from home up to two days a week; home office budget (after the probation period); modern Danske Campus workplace developed with anthropologist for the best employee experience.
• Additional days of leave: for rest, health, volunteering, exams in higher education institutions, and other important activities. Moreover, for seniority with Danske Bank.
• Monetary compensation package: accidents & critical diseases insurance; financial support in case of unfortunate events, travel insurance; IIIrd Pillar Pension Fund contribution.

See all the benefits HERE .

Join a forward-thinking team where we champion excellence in IT, security, and data risk management. As a leader deeply invested in innovation and strategic impact, I empower individuals to thrive, collaborate, and shape the future of risk resilience.

Your title in job contract will be Specialist - Risk, Chief.

If you're interested in this role and joining my team, feel free to contact me -Rudragouda Patilvia LinkedIn, and I will answer your questions!


About Us

Danske Bank is a Nordic bank with bridges to the world around us. For 150 years, we have supported people and businesses in releasing their potential. A career with us is an opportunity to join a community of 22,000 colleagues in a culture where we are committed to Teaming Up, Owning It and Being Open. Together, we are on a journey to transform Danske Bank into a better bank. For our customers, our employees and the societies around us.