The challenge
A confidential government ministry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia initiated a large-scale national cybersecurity programme to strengthen digital resilience and secure critical infrastructure. The programme required immediate access to senior cybersecurity specialists capable of operating in highly sensitive government environments and delivering impact from day one. Limited local availability of suitably qualified talent created delivery risks for several mission-critical workstreams.
Project outline
Salience was engaged under a secondment arrangement to rapidly identify, mobilise, and embed specialised cybersecurity professionals within the ministry. We worked closely with ministry leadership to define operational needs, technical skill gaps, and cultural requirements.
Rather than limiting the search to the regional market, Salience launched a rapid global talent search, leveraging international networks to map available expertise across multiple geographies. Suitable profiles were identified and shortlisted within five days, followed by a structured interview process led jointly with the ministry.
Salience managed the full secondment lifecycle, including mobilisation, visa processing, travel and accommodation, onboarding, ongoing performance management, and continuous operational support, ensuring seamless integration into ministry teams.
Our impact
Three senior cybersecurity consultants were successfully placed on 12-month renewable secondments, immediately strengthening the ministry’s cybersecurity capabilities. The embedded specialists supported continuity across critical workstreams, accelerated programme delivery, and contributed to knowledge transfer within internal teams.
The success of the initial placements led to Salience being appointed as a trusted long-term resourcing partner under a framework agreement, enabling ongoing access to specialised cybersecurity expertise for future programme phases.
Duration of enagement: 2025 – Ongoing