Information Security Architect

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 97,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a senior Information Security Architect to design and oversee robust security frameworks across a hybrid environment. You will define the security blueprint, guide technology choices, and align with business and regulatory requirements.

You will mentor security and IT teams, assess emerging technologies, and influence strategic security decisions in a complex financial services landscape.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• 8–10 years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in a security architecture role.
• Proven experience designing and implementing secure architectures for complex enterprise environments, including cloud and hybrid solutions.
• Deep understanding of security domains: network, application, data security, IAM, and cryptography.
• Expertise with security frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST CSF) and regulatory compliance (POPIA).
• Familiarity with security technologies and tools.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management; able to influence decisions.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA, or cloud security certifications preferred.
• Experience in the financial services sector is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the organization’s information security architecture, standards, and roadmaps.
• Design secure solutions for cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and on-premises infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend security technologies to address current and future threats.
• Collaborate with IT, business units, and external vendors to integrate security into design and implementation.
• Conduct architectural reviews to ensure compliance with policies and regulatory mandates.
• Define security requirements for new projects and initiatives.
• Develop and document security architecture principles, patterns, and guidelines.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to security and IT teams on architectural best practices.
• Assess security implications of emerging technologies and business strategies.
• Contribute to development of security incident response plans from an architectural perspective.

Skills

Information security

Security architecture

Cloud security

Regulatory compliance

ISO 27001

NIST CSF

Stakeholder management

Communication

Mentoring

Cryptography

Education

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution in Welkom , Free State, is seeking a visionary Information Security Architect to design and oversee the implementation of robust security frameworks across the organization. This role is critical in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and systems in an increasingly complex threat landscape. The position involves a Hybrid work arrangement, offering a blend of office-based collaboration and remote flexibility. As an Information Security Architect, you will define the security blueprint, guide technology choices, and ensure alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements. This is a senior position for an expert in the Information Security field who can provide strategic direction and technical leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the organization's information security architecture, standards, and roadmaps.
• Design secure solutions for cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and on-premises infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend security technologies and solutions to address current and future threats.
• Collaborate with IT teams, business units, and external vendors to integrate security into the design and implementation of systems and applications.
• Conduct architectural reviews to ensure compliance with security policies, industry best practices, and regulatory mandates.
• Define security requirements for new projects and initiatives, ensuring they are embedded from the outset.
• Develop and document security architecture principles, patterns, and guidelines.
• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to security and IT teams on architectural best practices.
• Assess the security implications of emerging technologies and business strategies.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of security incident response plans from an architectural perspective.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in a security architecture role.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing secure architectures for complex enterprise environments, including cloud and hybrid solutions.
• Deep understanding of security domains such as network security, application security, data security, identity and access management, and cryptography.
• Expertise with security frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST CSF) and regulatory compliance (e.g., POPIA).
• Familiarity with various security technologies and tools.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA, or cloud security architecture certifications are highly preferred.
• Experience in the financial services sector is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid, a pension fund, and performance bonuses. The Hybrid work model provides flexibility, balancing professional responsibilities with personal life. Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and attending industry conferences are provided. Working in Welkom , you'll be part of a stable and reputable organization dedicated to cutting-edge Information Security . This role provides a challenging and rewarding career path for a seasoned security professional.