Cybersecurity Operations Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Health benefits

Training & certs

Hybrid work

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive and experienced Cybersecurity Operations Manager to lead the Security Operations Center (SOC) in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on day-to-day SOC operations, incident detection, response, and management to safeguard the organization's digital assets.

You will develop SOC processes, refine workflows, and lead a team of cybersecurity professionals. A hybrid work model applies, enabling collaboration with flexibility and ongoing professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, IT or related field.
• 5+ years in cybersecurity operations with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven experience managing a SOC team and operations.
• Strong understanding of SIEM technologies, network protocols, and security architectures.
• Experience with threat intelligence platforms and vulnerability management tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the daily operations of the Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC).
• Oversee monitoring, detection, analysis, and response to security incidents and threats.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOC procedures, playbooks, and workflows.
• Manage and optimize security monitoring tools, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, and EDR solutions.
• Lead threat hunting activities to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Mentor the SOC team and foster professional growth and high performance.
• Develop and deliver regular reports on security incidents, threats, and SOC performance metrics.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to ensure effective incident management and security awareness.

Skills

SOC leadership

Incident response

Threat intelligence

Security operations

Team mentoring

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity

Tools

SIEM

EDR

IDS/IPS

Vulnerability management

Threat intel platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a proactive and experienced Cybersecurity Operations Manager to lead their Security Operations Center (SOC) in Welkom, Free State . This role is instrumental in managing the day-to-day operations of the SOC, overseeing incident detection, response, and management to protect the organization's digital assets. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cybersecurity operations, threat intelligence, and team leadership. You will be responsible for developing and refining SOC processes, ensuring the effective utilization of security tools, and leading a team of skilled cybersecurity professionals. This position offers a Hybrid work model, allowing for effective team collaboration and operational oversight while providing some flexibility. Join a committed team focused on maintaining a robust security posture in the heart of the Free State .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the daily operations of the Cybersecurity Operations Center (SOC).
• Oversee the monitoring, detection, analysis, and response to security incidents and threats.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOC procedures, playbooks, and workflows.
• Manage and optimize security monitoring tools, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.
• Lead threat hunting activities to proactively identify and mitigate potential security risks.
• Manage and mentor the SOC team, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Develop and deliver regular reports on security incidents, threats, and SOC performance metrics.
• Collaborate with other IT and business units to ensure effective incident management and security awareness.
• Stay updated on the latest cyber threats, attack vectors, and defensive techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in cybersecurity operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven experience managing a SOC team and operations.
• Strong understanding of SIEM technologies, network protocols, and security architectures.
• Expertise in incident response methodologies and digital forensics.
• Experience with threat intelligence platforms and vulnerability management tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, GCIH, or CISSP are desirable.
• Experience working within the Welkom region or familiarity with its business landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with potential for performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications.
• A dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Contribution to a secure digital future for the organization.