IT Security Specialist (Security Operations Automation)
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an immediate opening for a Security Specialist with a focus on security automation to join the Information Technology team in the Toronto office.
About the Role
Reporting to the Supervisor, IT Security Operations, the successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Information Security and the IT Security Architect. This role will focus on enhancing and automating security operations to safeguard the Firm’s information systems and infrastructure against cyber threats. The Security Specialist will develop automation solutions to streamline security processes, improve incident response times and strengthen the Firm’s overall cybersecurity posture.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Design, implement and maintain security automation solutions to enhance incident response, threat detection and vulnerability management
- Develop and optimize automated workflows to improve security event triage, analysis and resolution
- Work with internal and external resources to respond to security alerts and support IT and business departments on security-related activities
- Maintain, upgrade and monitor endpoint and cloud protection infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration with automated security solutions
- Conduct forensic investigations to identify security threats and mitigate risks, including analyzing email traces, network traffic and internet host identification
- Research and implement emerging security automation technologies and techniques to address evolving threats
- Ensure compliance with Firm security policies and standards through continuous monitoring and automated reporting
- Collaborate with IT teams to develop and maintain security-related documentation, including network diagrams, data flows and technical procedures
- Participate in an on-call rotation and work occasional evenings and weekends as required
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, technology or information security
- Minimum of two years of experience in security automation and software development
- Certifications in network, Windows, Unix and/or cloud administration (obtained or in progress) are preferred.
Technical Skills:
- Strong experience with security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) tools
- Proficiency in scripting and query languages such as PowerShell and Kusto Query Language (KQL)
- Hands-on experience with APIs, JSON and automation frameworks like Azure Logic Apps, Azure Function Apps and Azure Pipelines/GitHub Actions
- Working knowledge of cloud security tools and platforms, including Microsoft Defender XDR/365, Azure AD/Microsoft Entra and Palo Alto
- Strong understanding of network security principles, cryptography and encryption best practices
Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to assess security risks, prioritize incidents and implement automated solutions to mitigate threats
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively within a team
This role is ideal for a security professional passionate about automation, efficiency and cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to drive automation initiatives in security operations, we encourage you to apply.
How to Apply
Please submit your application, along with a cover letter and résumé directly to our application portal.
Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Who We Are
At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.
Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.
The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.
No agencies or recruiters please.