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(Retail) Business Consultant Cyber Security Officer EU - Job Opportunity at Ahold Delhaize

Zaandam, Netherlands

Full-time

Senior

Posted: May 29, 2025

Hybrid

EUR 90,000 - 105,000 per year

Benefits

Competitive salary package between €90-105K including holiday pay with attractive performance bonus structure

Premium pension plan providing long-term financial security and retirement planning benefits

Generous vacation allowance of 20 days with flexible option to purchase additional 12.5 days from personal flex budget

Comprehensive travel expense coverage or NS travel card for seamless commuting across Netherlands

Professional equipment package including laptop and smartphone for optimal work performance

Hybrid working model enabling work-life balance with flexible office and remote work arrangements

Flexible working hours allowing personal schedule optimization and productivity management

International career development opportunities across 17 retail brands in US, Europe, and Indonesia

Inclusive work environment promoting diversity across LGBTQ+, gender, race, ethnicity, disabilities, and nationalities

Key Responsibilities

Drive innovative security solutions for Albert Heijn and global retail operations, directly impacting customer experience across millions of transactions

Lead centralization initiatives for security controls, establishing standardized frameworks that enhance operational efficiency and risk management

Collaborate with Global Cyber Security Teams to develop comprehensive security strategies that protect multi-billion dollar retail operations

Conduct critical security reviews and assessments that safeguard customer data and business continuity across omnichannel retail platforms

Serve as primary security liaison and expert consultant, providing strategic guidance on all security-related initiatives and business decisions

Execute formal information security risk assessments for solution and business projects, determining impact levels and leading remediation efforts throughout project lifecycles

Partner with DevOps teams including developers, architects, and product owners to integrate security requirements while maintaining platform performance and business objectives

Perform comprehensive vendor security assessments and ongoing risk evaluations, ensuring third-party partnerships meet enterprise security standards

Develop specialized brand knowledge and strategic relationships to embed security practices across local retail brands while identifying opportunities for common security solutions

Secure cutting-edge retail innovations including online shopping platforms, automated distribution centers, and in-store technologies like tap-to-go services

Requirements

Education

Master or bachelor degree or equivalent technical training in Information Technology, Information Systems Security, Cybersecurity, or related field

Experience

Minimum 5 years of relevant IT and Information Security experience

Required Skills

Excellent analytical skills Passion for your expertise True tech-savvy Experience with security architecture such as cloud, mobile, enterprise, web and app security architecture Experience with security tests in place to fight off things like code execution, SQL injection and cross site scripting Experience with security in cloud computing and microservices architecture Ability to act independently with minimal supervision Familiarity with security-related legal and regulatory requirements Specialized knowledge in at least one area: security architecture, web application security, mobile application security, security in SDLC, cloud security or network security Good level in English, Dutch is optional but preferred Communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The retail cybersecurity market is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by the acceleration of digital transformation and omnichannel retail strategies, with global retail cybersecurity spending expected to reach $3.6 billion by 2025. This growth is fueled by increasing cyber threats targeting point-of-sale systems, customer data, and supply chain vulnerabilities that have become more pronounced as retailers expand their digital footprint. Cloud-first security architectures are becoming the standard in retail as companies migrate from legacy on-premise systems to hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This shift requires specialized expertise in securing microservices, containerized applications, and API ecosystems that support modern retail operations including mobile apps, e-commerce platforms, and IoT devices in stores. Regulatory compliance requirements are intensifying across European markets with GDPR enforcement becoming more stringent and new regulations like the Digital Services Act creating additional compliance obligations. Retail organizations are investing heavily in privacy-by-design approaches and automated compliance monitoring to manage the complexity of cross-border data protection requirements. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in retail operations is creating new security challenges and opportunities, with retailers needing to secure AI-powered recommendation engines, automated inventory systems, and predictive analytics platforms while ensuring data privacy and algorithmic transparency.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of €90,000-105,000 is competitive and aligns well with senior cybersecurity roles in the Netherlands retail sector. This compensation package reflects the specialized nature of retail cybersecurity and the candidate's expected 5+ years of experience. When including the performance bonus, pension contributions, and comprehensive benefits package, the total compensation value likely exceeds €120,000 annually, positioning this role in the upper tier of cybersecurity positions in the Dutch market.

Role Significance

The position involves leading security initiatives across multiple brands and collaborating with Global Cyber Security Teams, suggesting oversight of 3-5 direct security specialists and coordination with 15-20 cross-functional team members including DevOps engineers, architects, and business stakeholders across different geographical locations and retail brands.

This is a senior-level strategic role that combines deep technical expertise with business advisory responsibilities, positioning the incumbent as a key decision-maker in the organization's security posture. The role's scope spanning multiple retail brands and international operations, combined with the requirement for independent operation and stakeholder management, indicates significant organizational influence and responsibility for protecting multi-billion dollar retail operations.

Key Projects

Implementation of zero-trust security architecture across omnichannel retail platforms serving millions of customers across Europe and global markets Development and deployment of automated security controls for cloud-native microservices supporting e-commerce, mobile applications, and in-store digital services Design and execution of comprehensive vendor risk management programs covering third-party integrations, payment processors, and supply chain partners critical to retail operations Leading security assessments for next-generation retail technologies including IoT sensors, automated checkout systems, and AI-powered customer analytics platforms

Success Factors

Deep understanding of retail business operations and customer journey mapping is essential for balancing security requirements with user experience and operational efficiency, ensuring security measures enhance rather than hinder business objectives and customer satisfaction. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills are critical for translating complex technical security concepts into business language and building consensus among diverse teams including IT, operations, marketing, and executive leadership across multiple retail brands and geographical locations. Expertise in cloud security architecture and modern application security practices is fundamental given the company's digital transformation initiatives and reliance on cloud-based platforms, APIs, and microservices to support omnichannel retail operations and customer experience. Regulatory knowledge and compliance expertise are increasingly important as retail organizations navigate complex data protection requirements across multiple jurisdictions, requiring the ability to implement privacy-by-design approaches and automated compliance monitoring systems. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset are essential given the rapidly evolving threat landscape in retail cybersecurity and the need to stay current with emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and advanced analytics that are reshaping the retail industry.

Market Demand

High demand - Senior cybersecurity professionals with retail industry experience are in exceptionally high demand as companies accelerate digital transformation initiatives and face increasing regulatory scrutiny. The combination of cloud security expertise, application security knowledge, and retail domain experience creates a highly sought-after skill set with limited talent supply in the European market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Cloud security architecture expertise is absolutely essential given Ahold Delhaize's digital transformation initiatives and reliance on cloud platforms to support omnichannel retail operations, requiring deep knowledge of securing microservices, APIs, and container-based applications at enterprise scale. Application security testing capabilities including knowledge of SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and code execution vulnerabilities are critical for protecting customer-facing applications, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications that process sensitive customer data and payment information. Stakeholder management and communication skills are vital for success in this role as the position requires building consensus among diverse teams across multiple brands and countries, translating technical security requirements into business language, and influencing decision-making at various organizational levels. Risk assessment and compliance expertise are increasingly important as retail organizations face growing regulatory scrutiny and need to demonstrate compliance with data protection laws across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining operational efficiency and customer experience.

Beneficial Skills

DevOps and CI/CD pipeline security knowledge would be highly valuable for integrating security practices into agile development processes and ensuring security is embedded throughout the software development lifecycle for retail applications and platforms. Artificial intelligence and machine learning security expertise would provide significant advantage given the retail industry's increasing adoption of AI for customer analytics, inventory management, and personalized marketing, requiring specialized knowledge of securing AI systems and protecting training data. Internet of Things (IoT) security skills would be beneficial for securing connected retail devices including smart shelves, inventory sensors, and automated checkout systems that are becoming prevalent in modern retail environments. Financial services security knowledge would add value given the retail industry's handling of payment processing, loyalty programs, and financial data, requiring understanding of PCI DSS compliance and financial regulatory requirements.

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to securing cutting-edge retail technologies including automated distribution centers, tap-to-go payment systems, and AI-powered customer analytics platforms, providing experience with emerging technologies that are reshaping the retail industry and creating new security paradigms.

The position provides unique opportunity to influence security practices across 17 diverse retail brands operating in multiple countries and regulatory environments, offering unparalleled experience in managing security at global scale while respecting local market requirements and cultural differences.

Working within one of Europe's largest food retail organizations provides access to security challenges and solutions at massive scale, including protecting millions of customer transactions daily, securing complex supply chain operations, and managing cybersecurity for both physical and digital retail environments.

The role combines traditional retail security concerns with modern cloud-native application security, offering comprehensive experience in both legacy system security and next-generation security architectures that support omnichannel retail operations and digital customer experiences.

Career Growth

Career advancement to executive leadership roles typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing senior security professionals in retail organizations, particularly those who demonstrate success in managing security for digital transformation initiatives and building strong stakeholder relationships across business units.

Potential Next Roles

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for retail organizations or business units, leading enterprise-wide security strategy and governance across multiple brands and geographical markets Head of Cybersecurity for European operations, managing regional security initiatives and regulatory compliance across diverse retail markets and brands Security Architecture Director focusing on retail technology platforms, leading the design and implementation of security frameworks for next-generation retail technologies and digital transformation initiatives Cybersecurity Consultant or Principal at major consulting firms specializing in retail industry security transformations and regulatory compliance

Company Overview

Ahold Delhaize

Ahold Delhaize is one of the world's largest food retail groups operating 17 strong local retail brands across the United States, Europe, and Indonesia, including well-known brands like Albert Heijn, Food Lion, and Delhaize. The company serves millions of customers through approximately 7,000 stores and robust e-commerce platforms, positioning it as a leader in both traditional supermarket operations and digital retail innovation.

As a Fortune Global 500 company with annual revenues exceeding €75 billion, Ahold Delhaize holds a dominant market position in food retail with strong presence in key markets including the Netherlands, Belgium, United States East Coast, and emerging markets in Southeast Europe. The company's focus on omnichannel retail strategy and sustainability initiatives positions it as an industry leader in retail innovation and customer experience.

This role offers significant regional influence as the position supports security initiatives across Ahold Delhaize's European operations including Albert Heijn (Netherlands' largest supermarket chain), Delhaize (Belgium and Southeast Europe), and emerging market brands. The Netherlands serves as the European headquarters, making this position central to the company's regional security strategy and digital transformation efforts.

Ahold Delhaize promotes a culture of innovation, diversity, and sustainable growth with emphasis on employee development and cross-cultural collaboration. The company's technology organization operates with a global mindset, encouraging knowledge sharing across brands and regions while maintaining strong local market focus and customer-centric approach to retail operations.

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(Retail) Business Consultant Cyber Security Officer EU - Job Opportunity at Ahold Delhaize

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Salary Evaluation

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Ahold Delhaize

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence