Lead Information Security Architect

Placements24; Randfontein; Remote; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first work model

Home office set-up allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Information Security Architect to drive secure, scalable, and resilient security architectures across products and services. This remote-first role requires strategic thinking, cloud expertise (AWS/Azure/GCP), and mentoring a team of security professionals.

You will define security blueprints, enforce policies, and guide security implementation across a distributed organization, fostering best practices in a remote environment within South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field or equivalent extensive experience.
• 8+ years in information security with at least 3 years in security architecture.
• Experience designing security architectures for cloud-native apps and services.
• Strong knowledge across network, data, identity & access management, cryptography.
• Experience with microservices, containerization, and DevSecOps.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR.
• Proven leadership and remote-working collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain information security architecture frameworks and roadmaps aligned to business goals.
• Lead evaluation and selection of security technologies for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Define security requirements for systems, apps, and infrastructure deployments in cloud settings.
• Develop and enforce security policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Oversee implementation of controls: access management, data protection, network/app security.
• Conduct risk assessments and threat modeling for complex systems.
• Provide architectural mentorship to security engineers and other teams.
• Lead incident response strategy development and ensure readiness.
• Stay ahead of threats and incorporate new security advances.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Security architecture

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree

CISSP

SABSA

TOGAF

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech firm, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Information Security Architect to drive the development and implementation of secure, scalable, and resilient security architectures. This is a fully remote, remote-first position, offering unparalleled flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for defining the security blueprint for our client's innovative products and services, ensuring that security is embedded at the core of all technological endeavors. This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of modern cloud environments, threat landscapes, and enterprise security principles. As a leader, you will mentor a team of security professionals and champion security best practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and maintain comprehensive information security architecture frameworks and roadmaps aligned with business objectives. Lead the evaluation and selection of security technologies and solutions, ensuring interoperability and effectiveness. Define security requirements for new systems, applications, and infrastructure deployments, particularly in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). Develop and enforce security policies, standards, and guidelines across the organization. Oversee the implementation of security controls, including access management, data protection, network security, and application security. Conduct security risk assessments and threat modeling for complex systems and initiatives. Provide expert architectural guidance and mentorship to security engineers and other technical teams. Lead incident response strategy development and ensure effective response plans are in place. Stay ahead of emerging security threats and technologies, incorporating relevant advancements into the architecture.

Requirements

A Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience. Minimum of 8 years of experience in information security, with at least 3 years in a dedicated security architecture role. Proven experience in designing and implementing security architectures for cloud-native applications and services. Deep understanding of security best practices across various domains: network security, application security, data security, identity and access management, and cryptography. Experience with microservices architectures, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and DevSecOps practices. Excellent understanding of relevant compliance frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR). Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, essential for a remote-first environment. Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, SABSA, or TOGAF are highly preferred. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a distributed, remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary with potential for significant bonuses based on performance and company success. As a fully remote role, you gain the freedom to work from any location within South Africa. We provide a generous allowance for home office setup and ongoing expenses. Opportunities for continuous learning include access to cutting-edge training platforms, conference attendance, and support for advanced certifications. Our client fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, offering significant influence over the company's security direction. You will join a dynamic and forward-thinking team, contributing to high-impact projects with national and international reach. This position offers substantial career growth potential within a leading-edge technology organization.