What Does a Security Compliance
Manager Do?
A security compliance manager is responsible for ensuring that an organization follows all applicable security regulations, industry standards, and internal policies. They design and enforce compliance programs, oversee audits, and evaluate the effectiveness of security controls. By staying informed about evolving regulations such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and SOX, these managers help organizations avoid legal, financial, and reputational risks. Their work ensures that both technical safeguards and organizational processes meet required standards.
In addition to regulatory compliance, security compliance managers act as a bridge between technical security teams, business units, and external auditors. They translate complex compliance requirements into practical actions that staff can implement, while also ensuring executives have a clear view of compliance posture. These professionals play an essential role in risk management, developing policies, educating employees, and leading remediation efforts when gaps are identified. Their expertise keeps organizations prepared for audits and resilient in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats.
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Security Compliance Manager Core Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain security compliance programs and policies
- Monitor adherence to regulations such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, SOX, and ISO 27001
- Conduct regular risk assessments and internal audits
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to address compliance gaps
- Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies
- Prepare compliance reports and present findings to senior leadership
- Educate employees on compliance requirements and best practices
- Track regulatory updates and adapt compliance programs accordingly
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS
- Proficiency in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools
- Experience managing audits and compliance assessments
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and remediation planning
- Familiarity with cloud security and data privacy regulations
Soft skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Attention to detail and ability to interpret complex regulations
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Leadership and team coordination skills
- Ability to influence stakeholders across technical and business units
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information systems, or business required
- Master’s degree in information security or risk management preferred
Certifications
- CISSP, CISM, or CISA required
- CRISC or ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Auditor preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience in security compliance or IT audit roles
- Proven track record managing regulatory audits and certifications
- Experience with data privacy compliance programs (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA)
- Knowledge of emerging compliance requirements in cloud and SaaS environments
- Background in leading cross-functional compliance initiatives
National Average Salary
Security compliance manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Security Compliance Manager is:
$115,290
Sample Job Description Templates for Security Compliance Managers
Assistant Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring an assistant compliance manager to support the compliance team in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies that align with regulatory standards. This entry-level leadership role is ideal for professionals with a background in compliance or IT audit who are ready to step into a managerial track.
Responsibilities
- Assist in maintaining and updating compliance policies and procedures
- Support audits, risk assessments, and documentation efforts
- Monitor regulatory changes and provide recommendations for updates
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to ensure compliance controls are in place
- Prepare compliance reports and assist with leadership presentations
- Help coordinate employee training on compliance best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and compliance tracking tools
- Familiarity with audit processes and risk assessments
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Effective communication skills for team and stakeholder interaction
- Attention to detail in tracking compliance activities
- Eagerness to learn and grow into a leadership role
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, business administration, or related field
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+ or equivalent recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–3 years of compliance, IT audit, or security experience
- Exposure to regulatory audits or certification processes
Senior Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior compliance manager to lead complex compliance initiatives, oversee audits, and manage relationships with regulators and stakeholders. This role requires advanced expertise in regulatory frameworks and the ability to mentor junior compliance staff.
Responsibilities
- Lead audits and assessments of compliance programs
- Manage remediation efforts for compliance gaps and findings
- Partner with executives on compliance strategies and policies
- Supervise and mentor compliance analysts and junior staff
- Oversee risk assessments and regulatory reporting
- Track industry changes and ensure the organization adapts accordingly
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS
- Strong audit management and regulatory reporting skills
- Experience with GRC platforms and compliance automation tools
- Knowledge of data privacy and industry-specific regulations
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Ability to translate complex regulations into business requirements
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred
Certifications
- CISSP, CISA, or CISM required
- CRISC or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of experience in compliance, IT audit, or security roles
- Experience leading compliance teams and managing enterprise audits
Lead Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are looking for a lead compliance manager to oversee enterprise-wide compliance operations and ensure alignment with strategic business goals. This role requires both technical knowledge and leadership skills to drive compliance initiatives and manage complex regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
- Lead enterprise compliance initiatives across departments
- Develop and enforce compliance policies and frameworks
- Direct cross-functional teams in preparing for audits and certifications
- Provide reports and compliance updates to senior leadership and the board
- Resolve escalated compliance issues and oversee remediation efforts
- Implement compliance training programs for employees
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of compliance frameworks and industry regulations
- Expertise in audit planning, risk assessments, and policy creation
- Proficiency with GRC tools and compliance monitoring systems
- Strong understanding of cloud and data privacy regulations
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively with executives and regulators
- Strategic planning and organizational skills
- Problem-solving in complex, high-pressure environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s preferred
Certifications
- CISSP or CISA required
- ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or CRISC preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of compliance experience with leadership responsibilities
- Proven ability to manage global or enterprise compliance programs
Director of Compliance
Position Overview
We are hiring a director of compliance to provide executive leadership over compliance strategy and operations. This role requires shaping organizational policies, leading compliance teams, and ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements across the business.
Responsibilities
- Define the company’s overall compliance strategy and vision
- Lead and mentor compliance managers and staff
- Partner with executives to align compliance goals with business objectives
- Oversee enterprise audits, certifications, and regulatory reporting
- Manage compliance budgets and resource allocation
- Represent the organization with regulators and auditors
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of compliance frameworks and governance standards
- Strong financial and budget management skills
- Advanced expertise in risk management and audit oversight
- Ability to design global compliance strategies
Soft skills
- Executive-level communication and leadership abilities
- Strategic thinking with focus on long-term compliance maturity
- Ability to influence organizational culture and policy adoption
- Decision-making under high-stakes conditions
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred
Certifications
- CISSP, CISM, or CISA required
- CRISC or CCEP highly valued
Preferred Qualifications
- 12+ years of compliance leadership experience
- Proven record of scaling compliance programs across multiple regions
IT Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are looking for an IT compliance manager to ensure that technology systems meet regulatory requirements and industry standards. This role focuses on managing IT audits, assessing risks, and overseeing technical compliance controls.
Responsibilities
- Manage IT compliance audits and assessments
- Ensure IT systems align with frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and SOC 2
- Collaborate with IT teams to remediate compliance gaps
- Maintain documentation of IT compliance activities
- Track emerging technology regulations and update policies accordingly
- Provide compliance training for IT staff
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in IT security and compliance frameworks
- Strong knowledge of audit tools and IT GRC platforms
- Understanding of system hardening, patching, and configuration management
- Familiarity with cloud environments and related compliance needs
Soft skills
- Strong technical communication skills
- Problem-solving and analytical mindset
- Attention to detail in documentation and audit processes
- Ability to work cross-functionally with IT and security teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in information systems, cybersecurity, or related field
Certifications
- CISA or CISSP required
- ISO 27001 Lead Auditor preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of IT audit or compliance experience
- Hands-on experience with cloud infrastructure audits
Data Privacy Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a data privacy compliance manager to oversee compliance with data protection regulations and ensure the secure handling of personal information. This role requires expertise in privacy laws and the ability to develop policies that protect customer and employee data.
Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and other data privacy regulations
- Develop and enforce data protection policies and procedures
- Conduct privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and risk analyses
- Partner with legal, IT, and HR teams on privacy issues
- Train employees on data protection practices
- Manage relationships with regulators and handle data subject requests
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in data privacy regulations and frameworks
- Experience conducting PIAs and compliance audits
- Knowledge of data handling, encryption, and storage requirements
- Familiarity with privacy management software and tools
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to interpret complex legal requirements into actionable policies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; law or privacy-related degree preferred
Certifications
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US, CIPP/E) required
- CIPM or CIPT preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5–7 years of privacy compliance experience
- Proven track record leading data privacy initiatives
Cloud Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a cloud compliance manager to ensure that cloud environments meet regulatory and security requirements. This role requires expertise in cloud governance, compliance standards, and emerging technologies.
Responsibilities
- Oversee compliance efforts for cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Ensure alignment with frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27017, and FedRAMP
- Collaborate with DevOps and security teams to integrate compliance controls
- Conduct cloud compliance assessments and audits
- Maintain documentation of cloud compliance activities
- Monitor cloud regulatory developments and update policies accordingly
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in cloud security frameworks and compliance standards
- Strong knowledge of cloud-native security tools
- Experience with cloud audits and certification processes
- Familiarity with container security and DevSecOps practices
Soft skills
- Strong technical communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Strategic thinking with focus on emerging technologies
- Detail-oriented and adaptable in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology, cybersecurity, or related field
Certifications
- CCSK or CCSP required
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty or equivalent preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in cloud security or compliance
- Hands-on experience managing multi-cloud compliance programs