Lead Cybersecurity Analyst

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Cybersecurity Analyst to head a security operations team in Polokwane. The role combines threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and policy implementation across IT systems.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in cybersecurity, hands-on SIEM/IDS/IPS experience, and strong leadership and communication skills. This hybrid position is based in Polokwane with remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, CS or IT.
• 5+ years in cybersecurity operations or analysis.
• Experience leading security teams.
• Strong knowledge of security principles and attack vectors.
• Hands-on with SIEM tools (Splunk, QRadar), IDS/IPS, firewalls.
• Familiarity with vulnerability assessment & pen-testing.
• Strong incident response (NIST).
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Certifications such as CISSP/CISM/CEH desirable.
• Hybrid work from Polokwane offices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity analysts in threat detection and incident response.
• Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and controls.
• Monitor security systems (SIEM, IDS/IPS) for suspicious activities and potential breaches.
• Conduct thorough investigations of security incidents and recommend remediation actions.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses.
• Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training to employees.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of system design and development.
• Manage security incident response plans and conduct regular drills.
• Contribute to the overall security strategy and roadmap of the organization.

Skills

Threat detection

Incident response

Team leadership

Security policy

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity

Tools

Splunk

QRadar

IDS/IPS

Firewalls

Endpoint security

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the telecommunications industry, is seeking an experienced Lead Cybersecurity Analyst to join their security operations center in Polokwane. This critical role involves leading efforts to protect the organization's digital assets from evolving cyber threats. You will be responsible for threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and implementing security best practices across the IT infrastructure. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, strong analytical skills, and proven leadership capabilities. This position operates on a hybrid model, allowing for both remote work flexibility and essential in-office collaboration in Polokwane.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity analysts in threat detection and incident response.
• Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, procedures, and controls.
• Monitor security systems (SIEM, IDS/IPS) for suspicious activities and potential breaches.
• Conduct thorough investigations of security incidents and recommend remediation actions.
• Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses.
• Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training to employees.
• Collaborate with IT teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of system design and development.
• Manage security incident response plans and conduct regular drills.
• Contribute to the overall security strategy and roadmap of the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity operations or analysis.
• Proven experience in leading security teams or initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of security principles, network protocols, and common attack vectors.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, QRadar), IDS/IPS, firewalls, and endpoint security solutions.
• Familiarity with vulnerability assessment tools and penetration testing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of incident response frameworks (e.g., NIST).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or CEH are highly desirable.
• Must be able to work a hybrid schedule from our offices in Polokwane.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional development and certifications. This hybrid role provides a good work-life balance, allowing you to contribute to critical security functions while enjoying flexibility. Join a dedicated team in Polokwane that is committed to safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the security of vital telecommunications infrastructure.