Cybersecurity Consultant - Incident Response Lead

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,976,000 - 2,964,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Performance-based bonus

Professional development budget

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Cybersecurity Consultant to serve as an Incident Response Lead in a fully remote role. You will direct all phases of incident response for a global client base, from detection to recovery, and mentor junior team members.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in cybersecurity, with a strong track record in incident response and forensics, and relevant certifications. You will work with client IT/security teams, develop playbooks, and stay ahead of emerging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent extensive experience.
• Minimum of 7 years in cybersecurity with at least 5 years in incident response and forensics.
• Proven leadership in complex incident response engagements.
• Knowledge of incident response methodologies, forensic techniques, and malware analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cybersecurity incident response engagements with expert guidance.
• Develop and execute incident response playbooks, plans, and procedures.
• Conduct forensic analysis and digital investigations to determine scope and impact.
• Coordinate with client IT/security teams and external stakeholders.
• Contain, eradicate, and recover from cyber threats including malware and breaches.
• Perform root cause analysis and recommend preventative measures.
• Provide regular updates and clear reports to clients.
• Mentor junior incident response team members.
• Stay current on threats and response techniques; contribute to client services.

Skills

Incident response

Forensics

Leadership

Threat analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

SIEM

EDR

Forensic imaging tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier cybersecurity consulting firm, is actively seeking a highly experienced Cybersecurity Consultant to serve as an Incident Response Lead. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere while leading critical incident response engagements for a global clientele. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing and managing all phases of incident response, from initial detection and containment to eradication and recovery. You will work with clients to swiftly and effectively mitigate security breaches, minimize damage, and restore operations. This role demands exceptional technical expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. We are looking for a decisive leader with a proven track record in handling complex cyber incidents.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage cybersecurity incident response engagements, providing expert guidance and direction. Develop and execute incident response plans, playbooks, and procedures. Conduct forensic analysis and digital investigations to determine the scope and impact of security incidents. Coordinate with client IT and security teams, as well as external stakeholders, during incident response efforts. Contain, eradicate, and recover from cyber threats, including malware infections, data breaches, and network intrusions. Perform root cause analysis to identify underlying security weaknesses and recommend preventative measures. Communicate effectively with clients, providing regular updates and clear, concise reports on incident status and resolution. Mentor and guide junior incident response team members. Stay abreast of the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and incident response techniques. Contribute to the development of client-facing cybersecurity services and offerings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent extensive professional experience. Minimum of 7 years of experience in cybersecurity, with at least 5 years focused on incident response and digital forensics. Demonstrated experience leading complex incident response engagements. In-depth knowledge of incident response methodologies, forensic analysis techniques, and malware analysis. Proficiency with incident response and forensic tools (e.g., SIEM, EDR, forensic imaging tools). Strong understanding of network protocols, operating systems, and common attack vectors. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage high-pressure situations. Relevant certifications such as GIAC (GCIH, GCFA), CISSP, or OSCP are highly desirable.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering excellent work-life balance and the ability to work from anywhere. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, a significant performance-based bonus, and a generous budget for professional development, including certifications and training. You will have the opportunity to work on high-profile, challenging incidents for leading organizations worldwide, collaborating with a world-class team of cybersecurity professionals. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and excellence.