Identity & Access Management Manager

We have an exciting new opportunity for an Identity & Access Management Manager to join the A&O Shearman Belfast office. This role is responsible for leading the operational delivery of the firm's Identity and Access Management (IAM) function which encompasses all aspects of access management.

What you will do

The Identity & Access Management Mnager ensures the secure, efficient, and compliant provisioning and governance of access, including role based, privileged and conditional access, across systems and data. Reporting to the Head of Digital Trust, the Manager oversees a team of IAM Managers and Analysts and collaborates closely with the Identity and Access Senior Architect to align operational processes with technical solutions. The role plays a critical part in maintaining a robust IAM framework, managing risk, and supporting audit and compliance initiatives.

This will include:

• Set the strategy for governing IAM in the firm by outlining clear objectives, establishing comprehensive guidelines, and ensuring alignment with the firm's overall goals to enable secure and effective identity and access management.
• Oversee the IAM team in the development, documentation, and maintenance of IAM processes, procedures, and standards, in close collaboration with the IAM Senior Architecture.
• Orchestrate the IAM team in performing risk assessments, ensuring these are conducted regular to identify and remediate any security gaps.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the IAM team.
• Work closely with IAM Architecture and Engineering to orchestrate the implementation of automation and self-service capabilities to streamline access management workflows.
• Work closely with the Identity and Access Senior Architect to ensure alignment between operational processes and technical architecture.
• Collaborate with IT, compliance, and business stakeholders to address IAM-related issues and initiatives.
• Promote awareness and adherence to IAM policies, procedures, and best practices by ensuring these are communicated and disseminated across the firm.
• Ensure that the IAM team provides an appropriate level of support for internal and external audits, so that any required documentation is prepared, and the team is able to demonstrate compliance with IAM controls.
• Lead and manage a team of Identity and Access Managers and Analysts, providing coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Delegate tasks effectively to ensure efficient and timely delivery of IAM services.

What you will have

• Extensive experience in a relevant IT or information security role, with significant experience in an IAM-relevant leadership or operational management role.
• At least one relevant, industry-recognised professional certification, such as CISSP, CISM, or CISA.
• Proven track record of leading and managing IAM teams in a complex enterprise environment.
• Extensive experience in Identity and Access Management, with a strong focus on operational delivery, including hands-on experience with IAM tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Entra ID, CyberArk).
• Deep understanding of IAM principles, processes, and technologies, including user access provisioning, role-based access control (RBAC), and privileged access management (PAM).
• Experience in defining and implementing IAM controls and governance frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of risk management and compliance standards relevant to IAM (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate with colleagues across the business and with external parties.
• Experience supporting audit and compliance activities related to IAM.

You will stand out if you bring

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field.
• Prior experience working in professional services, preferably within the legal sector.
• Familiarity with automation and scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Python).
• Experience with cloud-based IAM solutions and hybrid environments.
• Background in project management or experience leading IAM-related initiatives.
• Experience in developing and delivering IAM training and awareness programmes.

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.


Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman! Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.