Cybersecurity Operations Manager

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance and retirement plans

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development & training

Career advancement opportunities

Generous annual leave

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Operations Manager to lead the organization's Security Operations Center (SOC) in Welkom, Free State. You will oversee daily monitoring, incident response, and threat hunting to protect digital assets and ensure business continuity.

The role requires strong technical leadership, hands-on expertise with SIEM, EDR, SOAR, and IDS/IPS, and a proven ability to manage security teams and drive SOC processes, playbooks, and improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, IT, CS or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in cybersecurity with at least 3 years in a SOC/Operations leadership role.
• Strong understanding of security operations, incident response, threat intel, and vulnerability management.
• Proficiency with SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR, SOAR and other SOC technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SOC team, including scheduling, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee continuous monitoring of security alerts, logs, and events using SIEM and other tools.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOC procedures, playbooks, and escalation protocols.
• Ensure timely detection, investigation, and response to security incidents.
• Manage and optimize security monitoring tools and technologies.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams to integrate threat intelligence and improve detection capabilities.
• Conduct post-incident reviews and provide improvement recommendations.
• Develop and deliver reports on SOC performance, incident trends, and security posture.
• Stay updated on threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
• Ensure compliance with security policies and regulations.

Skills

SOC leadership

Threat detection

SIEM

EDR

SOAR

Team mentoring

Windows

Linux

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity/IT/CS

Tools

SIEM systems

IDS/IPS

EDR solutions

SOAR platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Operations Manager to lead their security operations center (SOC) in Welkom, Free State . This leadership role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the SOC, ensuring the effective detection, analysis, and response to security threats and incidents. You will manage a team of security analysts, develop and refine SOC processes and procedures, and ensure the optimal performance of security monitoring tools. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in cybersecurity operations, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage and respond to complex security events. This is a critical role in protecting the organization's digital assets and maintaining business continuity. Join a dedicated team focused on proactive defense and rapid incident resolution. Your expertise will be vital in strengthening the organization's security posture and ensuring operational resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth and impact within the cybersecurity domain.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC) team, including scheduling, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee the continuous monitoring of security alerts, logs, and events using SIEM and other security tools.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOC procedures, playbooks, and escalation protocols.
• Ensure timely and effective detection, investigation, and response to security incidents.
• Manage and optimize security monitoring tools and technologies.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to integrate security intelligence and improve threat detection capabilities.
• Conduct post-incident reviews and provide recommendations for process and technology improvements.
• Develop and deliver regular reports on SOC performance, incident trends, and security posture.
• Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security policies and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 3 years in a SOC/Operations leadership role.
• Strong understanding of security operations, incident response, threat intelligence, and vulnerability management.
• Proficiency with SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR, SOAR, and other SOC technologies.
• Experience in managing and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly.
• Knowledge of various operating systems (Windows, Linux) and network protocols.
• Experience with cloud security monitoring is a plus.
• Relevant certifications such as GCIH, GCIA, OSCP, or CISSP are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Opportunities for advanced cybersecurity training and certifications.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick leave.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.

Modern office environment in Welkom .

A challenging and rewarding role in a critical function.

Employee assistance program.