Lead Cloud Security Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work environment

Flexible hours

Home office stipend

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Cloud Security Architect for a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will design, implement, and manage cloud security across AWS, Azure, and GCP, ensuring regulatory compliance and secure, scalable infrastructure.

You will lead security controls, define policies, mentor junior engineers, and drive DevSecOps practices across the SDLC while staying ahead of evolving threats.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, InfoSec, or related field; Master's preferred
• 10+ years in information security with at least 5 years in cloud security architecture
• Deep expertise in AWS, Azure, and GCP security services and best practices
• Proven experience designing secure, large-scale cloud deployments
• Strong knowledge of containerization security (Docker, Kubernetes) and automation scripting (Python, Bash)
• IaC experience with Terraform or CloudFormation focusing on security
• Familiarity with GDPR, SOC 2, PCI DSS and global security standards
• Leadership and stakeholder management skills; AWS/Azure/GC certifications advantageous

Responsibilities

• Design secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP
• Develop and maintain cloud security policies and guidelines
• Lead integration of security controls (IAM, networking, encryption, vulnerability management)
• Conduct security reviews of cloud solutions and configurations
• Develop and manage cloud security incident response plans; lead investigations
• Embed security in SDLC with DevSecOps practices
• Stay current on cloud threats and mitigation strategies
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior security staff
• Evaluate new cloud security technologies and solutions
• Ensure continuous monitoring and auditing of cloud environments

Skills

Cloud security

AWS

Azure

GCP

IAM

DevSecOps

Terraform

Kubernetes

Python

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading innovator in the financial technology sector, seeking a highly experienced Lead Cloud Security Architect for a fully remote position. Based in **Cape Town, Western Cape**, this role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and managing robust cloud security strategies across our client's multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). This position demands a deep technical understanding of cloud platforms, security best practices, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating cloud-native threats. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities and a proven track record of architecting secure, scalable, and resilient cloud infrastructures. Join a forward-thinking company that prioritizes security and offers a challenging yet rewarding career path. We foster an environment where innovation and security expertise are celebrated, allowing you to shape the future of cloud security within our organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
• Develop and maintain cloud security policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Lead the integration of security controls, tools, and processes into cloud environments, including IAM, network security, data encryption, and vulnerability management.
• Conduct security reviews of cloud solutions, deployments, and configurations.
• Develop and manage cloud security incident response plans and lead investigations into cloud-related security incidents.
• Collaborate with development and operations teams to implement DevSecOps practices and embed security throughout the SDLC.
• Stay current with emerging cloud security threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior security team members.
• Evaluate and recommend new cloud security technologies and solutions.
• Ensure continuous monitoring and auditing of cloud environments for security posture and compliance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related technical field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years focused on cloud security architecture.
• Deep expertise in AWS, Azure, and GCP security services and best practices.
• Proven experience designing and implementing security solutions for large-scale cloud deployments.
• Strong understanding of containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and their security implications.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation of security tasks.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or CloudFormation, with a focus on security.
• Excellent knowledge of regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, SOC 2, PCI DSS).
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer are highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous annual leave and public holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.
• Pension fund contributions and life insurance.
• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Allowance for home office setup and internet connectivity.
• Access to state-of-the-art cloud security tools and technologies.
• A dynamic and collaborative work culture with a strong emphasis on innovation and security.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership within a growing company.