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 of 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

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.

Disability Accommodations

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.