Lead Cybersecurity Analyst

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Performance incentives

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Cybersecurity Analyst to establish and oversee security operations in Upington. You will drive robust cybersecurity strategies, lead a team of professionals, and safeguard data across the Northern Cape region.

The role requires 8+ years in cybersecurity with leadership, strong familiarity with NIST/ISO 27001, and hands-on experience with SIEM, IDS/IPS, and EDR tools.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in cybersecurity with leadership experience.
• Proven expertise in network, endpoint, cloud, and application security.
• Strong knowledge of NIST and ISO 27001 and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity strategies and policies.
• Lead and mentor a team of analysts and oversee threat detection, incident response, and monitoring.
• Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and penetration testing.
• Design and manage security infrastructure including firewalls and SIEM.
• Ensure security is integrated into system design and development lifecycles.

Skills

Leadership

Cybersecurity

Network security

Cloud security

EDR

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SIEM

IDS/IPS

Vulnerability scanners

EDR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding financial services firm, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Cybersecurity Analyst to establish and oversee their security operations in Upington . This senior role is critical to protecting the organization's digital assets and sensitive data from evolving cyber threats. The Lead Analyst will be responsible for developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies, leading a team of security professionals, and ensuring the highest standards of data protection and system integrity across the company's infrastructure in the Northern Cape . This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a cybersecurity leader.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and policies. Lead and mentor a team of cybersecurity analysts, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development. Oversee threat detection, vulnerability management, incident response, and security monitoring operations. Conduct regular security audits, risk assessments, and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities. Design and manage security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and SIEM solutions. Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies, and advise on appropriate countermeasures. Develop and deliver cybersecurity awareness training programs for all employees. Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure security is integrated into all system design and development lifecycles. Manage security incident response plans and lead the investigation and remediation of security breaches. Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations and industry best practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity, with at least 3 years in a leadership or team management role. Proven expertise in network security, endpoint security, cloud security, and application security. Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and regulatory compliance. Experience with security tools such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, vulnerability scanners, and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Relevant cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CEH) are highly desirable. Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Willingness to be based in Upington and commit to an on-site role.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and expertise. This includes a comprehensive medical aid plan, a generous retirement annuity contribution, and performance-based incentives. Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications will be provided to support career growth. The company fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being. This role is based in Upington , offering a chance to lead cybersecurity efforts in the Northern Cape region and make a significant impact on the organization's security posture. This is a critical, office-based role essential for direct oversight and team leadership.