Totara is a global learning platform trusted by more than 1,500 organisations and 21 million users worldwide. Our customers rely on us for mission-critical learning, compliance and talent development solutions that help build workforce readiness across the public and private sectors.
We're looking for an experienced Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead our global security, privacy, risk and resilience strategy and help shape the next stage of Totara's growth.
Why This Role Matters
Over the last few years, Totara has made significant investments in security, governance and compliance, establishing strong foundations and building a high-performing global Security and IT function.
As our next CISO, you'll build on that progress, helping shape the future of security, customer trust and resilience across the business. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board, you'll ensure security remains a strategic enabler of innovation, growth and customer confidence.
This is an opportunity to lead an established function, influence company-wide strategy and make a meaningful impact in a global technology business trusted by millions of users.
The Opportunity
As CISO, you will:
- Set and execute Totara's global security strategy and roadmap.
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Lead and develop our Security and IT teams across multiple regions.
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Strengthen security, privacy, risk management and organisational resilience.
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Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to embed security into everything we build and deliver.
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Build customer trust through strong security assurance, compliance and governance programmes.
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Advise the Executive Leadership Team and Board on security, risk and resilience matters.
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Support strategic business and technology transformation initiatives as Totara continues to evolve and grow.
About You
You're a proven security leader who combines strategic thinking with practical execution. You know how to build trust, influence senior stakeholders and balance security risk, customer needs and business outcomes.
You'll likely bring:
- Experience leading security, cyber, risk or technology functions within a SaaS, software or technology-led organisation.
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A track record of influencing executive leaders, boards and cross-functional teams.
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Experience leading global teams and driving organisational change.
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Strong understanding of security, privacy, risk and compliance in a modern technology environment.
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Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate complex issues into clear business decisions.
Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CCSP or CIPP/E are advantageous, but we're ultimately interested in the impact you've made, the leadership you bring and your ability to help us move forward.
Why Join Totara?
- Lead a strategic function with strong executive support.
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Shape the future of security, trust and resilience for a global SaaS platform.
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Work with talented colleagues across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the US.
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Flexible and hybrid ways of working.
Perks and Benefits:
- Enhanced Parental Leave
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Private Healthcare
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Life Insurance 4x Salary
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Professional Development Opportunities
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Annual Wellbeing Allowance
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New Joiner home working set-up allowance
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Additional Paid Leave: Birthday off, Working days between Christmas and New Years Eve
At Totara, we believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. We hire based on skills, leadership, potential and the unique experiences people bring to our team.
