Lead Cybersecurity Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work model

Annual training & certifications

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Cybersecurity Architect for a remote-first role across South Africa. You will design, build, and implement advanced security architectures to protect cloud and on-premises infrastructures, while guiding security strategy and governance.

You will mentor junior architects, lead security reviews, and stay ahead of threats, while embracing emerging technologies. Remote work offers flexible scheduling and opportunities to attend industry conferences.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS, Info Security, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of cybersecurity experience focused on architecture and design.
• Experience designing security architectures for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven ability to develop and document complex security architectures and policies.
• Experience with governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with DevSecOps principles and tools.
• CISSP, TOGAF, or similar certifications are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop secure enterprise-level network and system architectures.
• Define and enforce security standards, best practices, and roadmaps.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of security technologies and tools.
• Collaborate with engineering and development teams to integrate security into the SDLC.
• Develop and maintain threat models, security reference architectures, and security patterns.
• Provide expert guidance on cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and infrastructure hardening.
• Lead security architecture reviews and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Develop and manage security incident response architecture and capabilities.
• Mentor junior security architects and engineers in a remote setting.
• Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

DevSecOps

Threat modeling

Security architecture

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

CISSP or TOGAF (desirable)

Job description

About the Role

Join Our client, a global leader in digital transformation, as a Lead Cybersecurity Architect, operating in a fully remote capacity. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary architect to design, build, and implement cutting-edge security solutions that protect our client's expansive digital infrastructure and client data. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of cybersecurity across our organization, ensuring resilience against evolving threats. This role is designed for a remote-first professional, offering unparalleled flexibility and the chance to work from anywhere within South Africa. If you are passionate about building secure systems and leading architectural initiatives, this role in Cape Town is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop secure enterprise-level network and system architectures.
• Define and enforce security standards, best practices, and roadmaps for the organization.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of security technologies and tools.
• Collaborate with engineering and development teams to integrate security into the SDLC.
• Develop and maintain threat models, security reference architectures, and security patterns.
• Provide expert guidance on cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP) and infrastructure hardening.
• Lead security architecture reviews and provide recommendations for improvements.
• Develop and manage security incident response architecture and capabilities.
• Mentor junior security architects and engineers in a remote setting.
• Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with a strong focus on architecture and design.
• Deep understanding of security principles, networking protocols, cryptography, and common attack vectors.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing security solutions for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven ability to develop and document complex security architectures and policies.
• Experience with security governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing technical and business leaders.
• Experience with DevSecOps principles and tools.
• CISSP, TOGAF, or similar certifications are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in a fully remote, collaborative work environment.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, annual bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Our client provides a generous annual leave allowance, medical aid contributions, and retirement fund benefits.
• We invest in our employees' growth through extensive training programs, certifications, and opportunities to attend leading industry conferences.
• You will have the autonomy to manage your work schedule and environment, supported by a company culture that champions innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance.
• This role offers the unique advantage of being part of a forward-thinking organization without the need for physical relocation, making it ideal for professionals seeking a truly flexible career.