Information Security Architect

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks an Information Security Architect to design, build, and maintain a secure IT infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments. You will lead security architecture frameworks, set standards, and guide implementations to protect assets and customer data.

The role requires 8+ years in information security, with 4+ years in security architecture, and expertise in cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), security domains, and threat modeling.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years in information security with 4+ years in security architecture design.
• Experience designing secure architectures for complex, large-scale environments including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Deep understanding of security domains: network, application, IAM, cryptography, data security.
• Experience with security frameworks and standards (ISO 27001, NIST CSF, PCI DSS).
• Strong leadership and communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders.
• Security architecture certifications (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA) are highly desirable.
• Experience with threat modeling methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop secure enterprise-wide information security architectures and roadmaps.
• Define security standards, guidelines, and best practices for infrastructure, applications, and cloud deployments.
• Evaluate and select security technologies to meet objectives.
• Lead integration of security controls into SDLC and DevOps.
• Conduct security architecture reviews for new projects and systems.
• Develop and maintain security patterns and reference architectures for cloud environments (AWS, Azure).
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to translate requirements into secure designs.
• Provide technical leadership on security architecture to engineering and operations teams.
• Develop and maintain security architecture documentation.
• Stay current with emerging threats, technologies, and architectural trends.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Threat modeling

Security architecture

API security

Security governance

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major financial institution with a significant presence in Bloemfontein, Free State , is seeking an innovative and strategic Information Security Architect. This senior role will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining a secure and resilient IT infrastructure that protects the institution's critical assets and customer data. You will lead the development of security architecture frameworks, define security standards, and guide the implementation of security solutions across various platforms, including on-premises and cloud environments. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in security architecture, a deep understanding of modern security technologies, and the ability to translate complex business requirements into robust security designs. This is a key leadership position within a highly regulated industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop secure enterprise-wide information security architectures and roadmaps.
• Define security standards, guidelines, and best practices for infrastructure, applications, and cloud deployments.
• Evaluate and select appropriate security technologies and solutions to meet business and security objectives.
• Lead the integration of security controls into the SDLC and DevOps processes.
• Conduct security architecture reviews for new projects and systems to ensure adherence to security principles.
• Develop and maintain security patterns and reference architectures for cloud environments (AWS, Azure).
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into secure design solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on security architecture best practices to engineering and operations teams.
• Develop and maintain security architecture documentation, including diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Stay current with emerging security threats, technologies, and architectural trends.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in information security, with at least 4 years focused on security architecture design.
• Proven experience designing secure architectures for complex, large-scale environments, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Deep understanding of security domains such as network security, application security, identity and access management, cryptography, and data security.
• Experience with security frameworks and standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, PCI DSS).
• Strong knowledge of microservices, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and API security.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Relevant security architecture certifications (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA) are highly desirable.
• Experience with threat modeling methodologies.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the security strategy of a leading financial institution in Bloemfontein .
• Significant professional development opportunities, including advanced training and certifications.
• A challenging and rewarding role with high visibility across the organization.
• Access to cutting-edge security technologies and a robust IT infrastructure.
• Generous leave allowance and a supportive work-life balance.
• Potential for advancement into senior leadership positions within the IT and security functions.
• A dynamic team environment dedicated to maintaining the highest security standards.