IT Security Specialist

Job Description

Role: IT Security Specialist

Location: Bangalore, India

Job type: Full time, permanent

Working arrangement: Hybrid

Why QS

At QS, we believe that work should empower you. Thats why we foster a flexible working environment that encourages every employee to own their career whilst thriving personally and professionally. Our company values underpin everything we do we collaborate, respect and support each other.

Its our mission to empower motivated people around the world to fulfil their potential through higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that change lives.

Our diversity makes us stronger. By sharing our experiences, we learn from one another and achieve more together, driving progress across the sector.

At QS, youll be responsible for implementing real change in the international higher education landscape. Youll take on meaningful challenges that see a positive impact across the business and the wider sector.

Were confident youll feel right at home here. QS was named as one of Newsweeks Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces in the UK (October 2023), recognising the respect, trust and appreciation that drive our culture every day. And as a gold-accredited Investors in People organisation putting us among the top 28% of workplaces globally its official: QS is a place where everyone can thrive.

As an IT Support Specialist, this is what youll be doing:

We are seeking a skilled and experienced IT Security Specialist to join our Corporate IT team, based in Bangalore. This hybrid role combines on-the-ground IT support for our local office with global responsibility for cybersecurity oversight, helping to secure our infrastructure, SaaS platforms, endpoints, and networks from modern cyber threats. You will play a critical role in safeguarding our digital environment, ensuring compliance with security standards, supporting endpoint management, and delivering hands-on IT assistance to team members. Youll work closely with the wider Corporate IT team, Data Security and Compliance, and cross-functional partners to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, while also contributing to key infrastructure projects.

Role responsibilities:

Local IT Support and Technical Operations

- Deliver responsive, effective day-to-day technical support for employees in the Bangalore office.
- Provide support across hardware, software, SaaS platforms, and user account administration.
- Act as the primary IT liaison for office infrastructure upgrades, re-fits, and relocations, including cabling, AV, and hardware setup both locally and globally.
- Lead secure onboarding and offboarding of users, ensuring access control policies are enforced.

Cybersecurity Leadership and Risk Management

- Defend the organisations systems, SaaS applications, networks, and endpoints against cyber threats.
- Administer and maintain security tooling including Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms, firewalls, patch management systems, and other network security appliances.
- Implement and enforce network security policies, endpoint protection, identity and access controls, and data loss prevention measures.
- Monitor, assess, and respond to cybersecurity incidents in coordination with global IT and Compliance teams.
- Stay informed on emerging security threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory changes; recommend and implement updates accordingly.

Compliance, Governance & Asset Management

- Support compliance with IT security frameworks and internal policy, including participation in regular audits, security assessments, and vulnerability scans.
- Share regular monthly reporting on vulnerability management to senior stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Data Security and Compliance team to fulfill ISO 27001 and other security standards where applicable.
- Manage IT asset lifecycle: maintain a Configuration Management Database (CMDB) and asset register covering provisioning, sustainability, and secure disposal.
- Ensure all endpoints and devices remain compliant with corporate patch management policies and procedures.
- Promote sustainable IT operations, including responsible asset lifecycle management, minimising unnecessary data storage, and encouraging green technology practices wherever possible.

Collaboration, Projects and Continuous Improvement

- Partner with the broader Corporate IT, Security, and Operations teams on cross-functional projects and process improvements.
- Provide expert cybersecurity guidance to internal stakeholders and end-users, helping foster a culture of security awareness.
- Champion data security principles across the organisation, proactively educating team members on secure practices and helping to embed a culture of compliance and risk awareness.
- Lead or contribute to IT projects related to systems implementation, upgrades, or process automation within IT Support.
- Act as a key interface between end-users and the wider Corporate IT team, escalating or resolving issues with vendors as required.
- Any other duties that fall within the scope and purpose of the role.

Key skills and experience:

- Strong knowledge of modern cybersecurity principles, tools, and techniques.
- Experience securing cloud-based and SaaS applications (e.g., Microsoft 365, Atlassian tools, Helpdesk management).
- Hands-on experience in IT Security engineering or a related field.
- Familiarity with endpoint protection, patch management tools, and vulnerability management solutions.
- Solid understanding of network security (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, Wi-Fi, network segmentation).
- Experience with incident response and managing cybersecurity incidents effectively.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.
- Ability to explain complex information to non-technical users.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

- A degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is often required.
- Certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft Certified: O365
- Fundamentals, CCNA, CISA are beneficial.
- Experience with MDM (Mobile Device Management) and EDR (Endpoint Detection and
- Response) tools, Asset Management, IT Helpdesk tools like Service Desk.
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, ISO 27701, GDPR).

So, who are we and what do we do

QS is the world leader in higher education services, analytics, insights and intelligence. From consultancy to student mobility, academic partnerships to branding solutions, our services power both institutional and individual success.

Were behind the worlds most widely read university rankings (Meltwater 2023). Our QS World University Rankings reach hundreds of millions, shaping decisions and guiding futures.

Since launching in 1990, our impact and influence have only grown. Today, we work with more than 2,000 of the worlds leading higher education institutions, over 12,000 employers, and governments seeking change and socioeconomic development through higher education.

Join QS and youll join an 800-strong community of problem-solvers, creators, collaborators and change-makers based in 40+ countries and 11 international offices, including Australia, Malaysia, India, Romania, Singapore, France, Germany, the USA and our headquarters in London.

With every talented new hire, business acquisition and bold initiative, were strengthening our reach and delivering even greater value to institutions and learners worldwide. Are you ready to shape the future of higher education

We take investing in our people very seriously.

As standard you will have:

- Competitive base salary
- Access to an annual bonus scheme (for qualifying roles only)
- 21 days annual leave increasing to 23 days after 5 years service + 8 days casual leave
- 14 days holiday for the year 2025
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Access to Provident Fund and Pension Fund Scheme
- Group Medical Insurance
- A vibrant social environment and multicultural and multinational culture

But thats not all. Outside of these standard benefits we also offer resources to allow professional growth and wellness initiatives to nurture a healthy mindset:

- Free subscription to the Calm App the #1 app for sleep, meditation, and relaxation
- A focus on welfare which is led by our global wellness team, with mental health first aiders globally
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Service - dedicated services for enhanced EAP and comprehensive wellness with 24/7 helpline available through Truworth Wellness
- Access to a variety of diversity and inclusion initiatives and groups
- Strong recognition and reward programs including a peer-to-peer recognition platform, quarterly and annual QS Applaud Awards, Connect with your Career annual personal development event
- Support for volunteering and study leave
- Free subscription to LinkedIn learning with over 5,000 courses and programmes at your fingertips
- Options to join our outstanding global Mentorship programme

Like what youve heard Great, apply now

As a candidate, we know the application and interview process can be daunting and so its important that you have a great experience with us. Our dedicated Talent Team will work hard to ensure you are fully informed at all stages and you are really excited by this opportunity to do meaningful work in the education space.

Equal opportunities

QS Quacquarelli Symonds is proud to be a fair and equal organisation where everyone has the same opportunity to achieve their full potential, irrespective of their background or personal attributes. We celebrate our diversity and believe through sharing our experiences we can learn from one another, be stronger together, and enable our business to thrive.

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