Information Security Architect - Data Security & Privacy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Executive medical coverage

Retirement annuities

Long-term incentive plans

Training opportunities

Conference attendance

Support for advanced certifications

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Information Security Architect to lead data security and privacy initiatives for a major national conglomerate based in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design enterprise security architectures, champion encryption, DLP, and privacy management while ensuring POPIA, GDPR, and CCPA compliance.

The role requires a Master’s degree, advanced certifications, and 8+ years in information security with emphasis on data protection.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CIPP/E are highly desirable.
• 8+ years in information security with 5+ years in data security/privacy architecture.
• Experience designing data security solutions including encryption, DLP, and key management.
• Knowledge of POPIA, GDPR, and CCPA and their security implications.
• Familiarity with cloud security (AWS/GCP/Azure) and data lifecycle governance.
• Understanding of frameworks like NIST CSF and ISO 27001.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement enterprise-level data security and privacy architectures.
• Define controls for data at rest, in transit, and in use.
• Architect encryption, tokenization, and key management solutions.
• Develop and deploy DLP strategies and technologies.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with POPIA, GDPR, and CCPA.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and business units on data protection needs.
• Evaluate new data security and privacy technologies and policies.
• Provide security leadership and best-practice guidance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Communication

Presentation

Stakeholder management

Education

CISSP/CISM/CIPP/E certifications (advanced)

Tools

AWS KMS

Azure Key Vault

DLP technologies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national conglomerate, is seeking an experienced Information Security Architect to lead their Data Security and Privacy initiatives. This high-impact role, based out of Upington, Northern Cape , will be responsible for designing and implementing robust security architectures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. You will architect solutions for data encryption, access control, data loss prevention, and privacy management. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in data security technologies, privacy frameworks, and a strong understanding of regulatory requirements. This is a strategic opportunity to shape the data protection landscape of a major organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement enterprise-level data security and privacy architectures.
• Define security requirements and controls for data at rest, in transit, and in use.
• Architect solutions for data encryption, tokenization, and key management.
• Develop and implement Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations such as POPIA, GDPR, and CCPA.
• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and business units to understand data protection needs.
• Evaluate and recommend new data security and privacy technologies.
• Develop security policies, standards, and guidelines related to data protection.
• Conduct security reviews of data handling processes and systems.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on data security best practices.
• Stay informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory changes impacting data privacy.
• Develop incident response plans specifically for data breaches.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related technical field.
• Advanced security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CIPP/E) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years focused on data security and privacy architecture.
• Proven experience designing and implementing data security solutions, including encryption, DLP, and key management.
• In-depth knowledge of data privacy regulations (POPIA, GDPR, CCPA) and their implications for security architecture.
• Strong understanding of data lifecycle management, data governance, and data classification.
• Experience with cloud data security concepts and technologies (e.g., AWS KMS, Azure Key Vault).
• Familiarity with security frameworks such as NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and relevant industry standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience in developing and enforcing security policies and procedures related to data.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive senior-level salary package, complemented by performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program including executive medical coverage, retirement annuities, and long-term incentive plans. We are committed to the professional growth of our employees, offering extensive training opportunities, conference attendance, and support for advanced certifications. This role provides the flexibility of remote work while being operationally aligned with our key strategic center in Upington, Northern Cape . You will be a key player in safeguarding critical data assets and ensuring regulatory compliance for a leading enterprise. We foster an environment that values expertise and promotes a healthy work-life integration.