What Does a Security Compliance
Manager Do?
A security compliance manager, often titled IT compliance manager, makes sure a company’s systems, software, and data handling meet the security frameworks and regulations it is held to, such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and HIPAA. They work at software companies, banks, healthcare organizations, and government contractors. They own the control set, policies, risk assessments, evidence collection, and external audits, and they lead remediation when a gap is found. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree in information systems or cybersecurity, 5 or more years in IT audit or security, and a CISA, CISM, or CISSP.
At a software company, the same job is sometimes posted as software compliance manager; it covers the security of the product and its hosting, and it differs from software license compliance, which is an IT asset management job. An IT auditor tests controls and reports findings from an independent audit function, while the compliance manager builds and maintains the controls the auditor tests. A security engineer configures the technical controls, such as logging, encryption, and access management. The chief information security officer owns the whole security program and budget, and the compliance manager usually reports to that role.
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Hiring a Security Compliance Manager: What to Expect
Security compliance managers come from IT audit teams at public accounting firms, from GRC analyst and security analyst roles, and from internal audit departments at banks and insurers. Screen for which frameworks the candidate has taken through a full audit cycle as the owner, as opposed to supporting someone else, and which GRC tool they used. Ask them to describe a control that failed testing, what the auditor found, and what they changed before the next audit; a candidate who has owned a program answers with specifics about evidence and dates.
Security compliance manager postings tend to list every framework and every certification. A posting that asks for HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, SOX, FedRAMP, and ISO 27001 experience plus a CISSP, CISM, and CISA describes a person few companies need and almost no one has. Name the 1 or 2 frameworks that drive the company’s audits this year, ask for one certification, and list the rest as preferred.
A posting for this role should name the frameworks the company is certified under or pursuing this year, such as SOC 2, ISO 27001:2022, PCI DSS 4.0, or CMMC, and say whether the hire will build a first program or maintain an existing one. It should also name the GRC or compliance automation platform in use, such as Vanta, Drata, or ServiceNow GRC, and state whether AI governance is part of the job.
On IT searches, 4 Corner Resources submits qualified candidates in an average of 3.7 days, clients interview an average of 1.42 candidates per hire, and we submit 1.86 candidates per hire.
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Security Compliance Manager Core Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and maintain security compliance programs and policies
- Monitor adherence to frameworks and regulations such as SOC 2, ISO 27001:2022, PCI DSS 4.0, HIPAA, GDPR, and SOX
- Conduct regular risk assessments and internal audits
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to address compliance gaps
- Manage continuous control monitoring and evidence collection in a compliance automation platform such as Vanta, Drata, or Secureframe
- Review vendor security questionnaires and SOC 2 reports as part of third-party risk management
- Manage relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies
- Prepare compliance reports and present findings to senior leadership
- Deliver security awareness and policy training to employees and track completion
- Track new requirements, such as SEC cybersecurity incident disclosure rules and CMMC contract clauses, and update the control set
- Assess the AI tools the company uses against ISO/IEC 42001, the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and data privacy rules
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Strong knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST CSF 2.0, NIST SP 800-53, ISO 27001:2022, and CIS Controls
- Proficiency in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tools such as ServiceNow GRC, Archer, Vanta, or Drata
- Experience managing audits and compliance assessments
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and remediation planning
- Familiarity with cloud security controls in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud and with data privacy regulations
- Knowledge of AI governance frameworks such as ISO/IEC 42001 and the NIST AI RMF
Soft skills
- Ability to present audit results and risk findings to executives and the board
- Attention to detail and ability to interpret complex regulations
- Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Leadership and team coordination skills
- Ability to influence engineering, IT, legal, and business leaders
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 to 7 years of experience in security compliance or IT audit roles
- Experience owning SOC 2, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS audits from readiness through the final report
- Experience with data privacy compliance programs (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA)
- Knowledge of compliance requirements in cloud and SaaS environments, including FedRAMP and CMMC
- Background in leading cross-functional compliance initiatives
- Experience using AI features in GRC platforms to map controls and draft questionnaire answers, with human review before submission
How Much Does a Security Compliance Manager Make?
Typical national range: $110,675 to $120,159, with a national average of $116,520. Salary data reviewed October 2026 by 4 Corner Resources.
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:
$116,520
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 meet 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 evidence collection in the company’s GRC or compliance automation platform
- Monitor regulatory changes and provide recommendations for updates
- Collaborate with IT and security teams to confirm compliance controls are in place and tested
- Prepare compliance reports and assist with leadership presentations
- Help coordinate security awareness and compliance training and track completion
- Use AI tools to draft responses to security questionnaires, and check every answer against current policies and evidence
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of compliance frameworks such as SOC 2, NIST CSF, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and compliance tools such as Vanta, Drata, or ServiceNow GRC
- Familiarity with audit processes and risk assessments
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
Soft skills
- Strong organizational and time management abilities
- Clear written communication with control owners and auditors
- 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 to 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 external auditors. 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 new requirements such as PCI DSS 4.0, SEC incident disclosure rules, and CMMC, and update controls to meet them
- Evaluate AI use across the company for privacy, security, and regulatory risk
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in security frameworks such as NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001:2022, SOC 2, and CIS Controls
- Strong audit management and regulatory reporting skills
- Experience with GRC platforms and compliance automation tools such as ServiceNow GRC, Archer, Vanta, or Drata
- Knowledge of data privacy and industry-specific regulations
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Ability to present audit results and risk to executives
- 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 or more years 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 tie compliance work to 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
- Manage continuous control monitoring across SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks in one GRC platform
- Set the company’s AI governance policy with legal and IT, using ISO/IEC 42001 or the NIST AI RMF as a guide
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 such as ServiceNow GRC, Archer, or Vanta
- 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
- Experience managing 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 holding the business to all regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
- Define the company’s overall compliance strategy and vision
- Lead and mentor compliance managers and staff
- Partner with executives to tie compliance goals to business objectives
- Oversee enterprise audits, certifications, and regulatory reporting
- Manage compliance budgets and resource allocation
- Represent the organization with regulators and auditors
- Report material cybersecurity and compliance risk to the board, and support SEC disclosure decisions with the legal team
- Own the AI governance program, including approved uses, risk reviews, and regulatory tracking
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
- Experience scaling compliance programs across multiple regions
IT Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are looking for an IT compliance manager to confirm 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
- Test IT systems against frameworks such as NIST CSF 2.0, ISO 27001:2022, and SOC 2
- Collaborate with IT teams to remediate compliance gaps
- Maintain documentation of IT compliance activities
- Track technology regulations, including AI and data privacy rules, and update policies to match
- Provide compliance training for IT staff
- Automate evidence collection from cloud, identity, and endpoint systems through a compliance automation platform
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in IT security and compliance frameworks
- Strong knowledge of audit tools and IT GRC platforms such as ServiceNow GRC, AuditBoard, or Vanta
- Understanding of system hardening, patching, and configuration management, including CIS Benchmarks
- 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 protect personal information. This role requires expertise in privacy laws and the ability to develop policies that protect customer and employee data.
Responsibilities
- Maintain compliance with GDPR, CCPA as amended by CPRA, HIPAA, and US state privacy laws
- Develop and enforce data protection policies and procedures
- Conduct privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and risk analyses, including reviews of AI tools that process personal data
- 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
- Maintain data maps and records of processing in a privacy platform such as OneTrust
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 platforms such as OneTrust or TrustArc
- Knowledge of AI rules that affect personal data, such as the EU AI Act
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal skills for work with legal, HR, marketing, and IT
- 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 to 7 years of privacy compliance experience
- Experience leading data privacy programs
Cloud Compliance Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a cloud compliance manager to confirm 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
- Map cloud controls to 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 requirements and update policies to match
- Use cloud security posture management tools such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud, AWS Security Hub, or Wiz to track control drift
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in cloud security frameworks and compliance standards
- Strong knowledge of cloud-native security tools such as AWS Security Hub, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Google Security Command Center
- Experience with cloud audits and certification processes
- Familiarity with container security and DevSecOps practices
- Experience with policy as code tools such as AWS Config rules or Open Policy Agent
Soft skills
- Strong technical communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with engineers, auditors, and business leaders
- Strategic thinking with focus on emerging technologies
- Detail-oriented and able to keep up with frequent cloud service changes
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