IT Security Specialist

Recruit Digital; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A retail technology firm in Durban is seeking an IT Security Specialist to safeguard the IT landscape by designing secure solutions and implementing best practices. Ideal candidates will have relevant IT degrees, strong experience in security roles, and work collaboratively to enhance the security posture of the organization. Knowledge of governance and compliance requirements is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years in a dedicated security-focused role.
• 5+ years in infrastructure support and enterprise solution deployment.
• Strong working knowledge of networking and directory services (AD).
• Familiarity with SOC operations and response practices.
• Expertise across operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS).
• Solid understanding of governance requirements (POPI, PCI).
• Knowledge of cloud security and API controls.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain security standards across infrastructure and applications.
• Design, configure, and implement security technologies.
• Monitor networks for threats and unauthorized access.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
• Guide and mentor junior colleagues on security best practices.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Solutions-oriented

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Decision-making under pressure

Team-first approach

Education

Relevant IT degree or diploma

CompTIA Security+

CISSP

Microsoft Certified (Azure / Systems Engineer)

AWS or Google Cloud certifications

ISC Associate

Tools

SIEM tools

M365

Google Workspace

Cloud / Edge applications

Vulnerability management tools

Job description

Overview

Job Title : IT Security Specialist

Our client in the retail space is seeking a sharp, analytical professional with a collaborative mindset to strengthen our technology security team. This role will put you at the center of safeguarding our IT landscape, building secure solutions, and shaping the future of our cyber resilience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with architects, engineers, and IT support teams to define and maintain security standards across infrastructure and applications.
• Design, configure, and implement security technologies and controls.
• Monitor networks and endpoints for threats, intrusions, and unauthorized access attempts.
• Recommend and implement enhancements to strengthen the security roadmap.
• Guide and mentor junior colleagues while educating staff on security best practices.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and ethical hacking exercises.
• Evaluate vendor technologies for alignment with organizational security requirements.
• Analyze existing systems, propose improvements, and draft detailed reports with action plans.
• Support automation of security processes where possible.
• Contribute to security governance through policy drafting, risk register updates, and change advisory participation.
• Stay up to date with emerging threats, frameworks, and tools through ongoing learning.

Qualifications

• Education & Certifications (one or more preferred): Relevant IT degree or diploma
• Security certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, Microsoft Certified (Azure / Systems Engineer), AWS or Google Cloud certifications, or ISC Associate
• Experience: At least 3 years in a dedicated security-focused role
• 5+ years in infrastructure support and enterprise solution deployment
• Strong working knowledge of networking, directory services (AD), and enterprise solutions (e.g., M365, Google Workspace, Cloud / Edge applications, vulnerability management)
• Familiarity with SOC operations and response practices
• Expertise across operating systems (Windows, Linux, MacOS), authentication methods, penetration testing, data leakage prevention, and endpoint / cloud security
• Experience with frameworks such as NIST or SANS (advantageous)
• Solid understanding of governance requirements (POPI, PCI, data protection policies) and SIEM tools
• Knowledge of cloud security, API controls, and web access firewalls

• Soft Skills : Analytical and solutions-oriented mindset
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong decision-making under pressure
• A team-first approach with a positive, professional attitude