Data Risk & AI Security | Senior Associate | Cyber Consulting | Advisory

Line of Service

Advisory

Industry/Sector

Not Applicable

Specialism

Cybersecurity & Privacy

Management Level

Senior Associate

Job Description & Summary

As organisations adopt AI and advanced analytics, the quality, classification, and protection of data has become a critical business and security risk. PwC’s Cybersecurity & Privacy practice supports clients in establishing robust data risk and security foundations that enable secure AI adoption, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.

As a Senior Associate, you will work on data risk, data protection, and AI enablement engagements, supporting clients to understand where their sensitive data lives, how it is used, and how it should be protected , particularly in the context AI-driven solutions.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience in data security, information protection, and data governance tooling who are interested in expanding into AI security and AI risk.

As a Senior Associate within our Cybersecurity AI Security team, you'll work as part of a team of problem solvers, helping to solve complex business issues from strategy to execution. PwC Professional skills and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Support the design and delivery of data risk and data classification programmes, including discovery, scoping, and rollout.

Perform data discovery and sensitivity assessments across structured and unstructured data estates.

Support data protection and privacy risk assessments, including DPIA inputs and data flow analysis.

Contribute to the development of data handling, retention, and information protection controls.

Support implementations and assessments of Microsoft Purview, including:

Data discovery and classification

Sensitivity labels and information protection

Insider risk and data loss prevention

Support clients using data security and classification platforms such as Varonis or equivalent technologies.

Assist in defining operating models, governance structures, and control frameworks around data security tooling.

Support AI readiness and AI risk assessments, focusing on data quality, data provenance, and access controls.

Contribute to M365 Copilot readiness assessments, focusing on data exposure, oversharing risk, and control design.

Support AI governance and EU AI Act readiness activities from a data and security perspective.

Produce high-quality, client-ready deliverables including presentations, risk registers, and implementation roadmaps.

Support client workshops and stakeholder sessions.

Stay informed on emerging trends across data security, AI risk, and regulation.

Your profile:

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Information Management, Data Analytics, or related field.

3+ years’ experience in one or more of the following:

Data security or data protection

Data classification and information protection

Data governance or data risk

Cybersecurity consulting or internal security roles

Hands-on experience with Microsoft Purview and/or Varonis (or similar data security platforms) is highly desirable.

Strong understanding of data protection and privacy principles, particularly in relation to unstructured data.

Familiarity with Microsoft 365 environments and collaboration tools.

Exposure to AI, analytics, or Copilot-type technologies is beneficial but not required.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing structured, client-facing outputs.

Comfortable working across multiple engagements and collaborating with cross-functional teams

You will join a fast-growing practice working at the intersection of data security, AI enablement, and regulation. This role offers hands-on experience with market-leading data security technologies and a clear pathway into AI Security & Data Risk specialism as the regulatory and technology landscape evolves.

Enjoy PwC’s perks

We reward your impact, and support your wellbeing, through a competitive compensation package, inclusive employee benefits and flexibility programs that will help you thrive in work and life. Learn more about us at Life@PwC. (https://www.pwc.ie/careers-ie/life-at-pwc.html).

Being appreciated for being you

Our most valuable asset is our people and we grow stronger as we learn from one another. We are an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We believe this so much that we have signed up for the Business in the Community Elevate Pledge. (https://www.bitc.ie/the-leaders-group-on-sustainability/inclusive-workplace-pledge/)

You can learn more about our culture of belonging and explore our range of inclusive programmes, initiatives, employee resource groups and more at www.pwc.ie.

Avoid the confidence gap; you do not have to match all the listed requirements exactly to apply, we’d love to hear from you!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please email us for more information.

Education (if blank, degree and/or field of study not specified)

Degrees/Field of Study required:

Degrees/Field of Study preferred:

Certifications (if blank, certifications not specified)

Required Skills

Optional Skills

Accepting Feedback, Accepting Feedback, Active Listening, Agile Methodology, Analytical Thinking, Azure Data Factory, Communication, Creativity, Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Framework, Cybersecurity Policy, Cybersecurity Requirements, Cybersecurity Strategy, Embracing Change, Emotional Regulation, Empathy, Encryption Technologies, Inclusion, Intellectual Curiosity, Learning Agility, Managed Services, Optimism, Privacy Compliance, Regulatory Response, Security Architecture {+ 8 more}

Desired Languages (If blank, desired languages not specified)

Travel Requirements

Not Specified

Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?

Yes

Government Clearance Required?

No

Job Posting End Date