Lead Security Architect

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay and bonus potential

Stock options and equity opportunities

Remote stipend for home office setup

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Lead Security Architect for a remote-first fintech team based in South Africa. You will shape and implement the security vision, design secure infrastructure, and drive compliance across the organization.

You will lead security initiatives, collaborate with engineering, product, and operations, and mentor security engineers while staying ahead of evolving threats and regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in security architecture.
• Proven experience designing and implementing security solutions for complex, scalable environments.
• Deep understanding of cloud security, network security, and application security.
• Expertise in security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and relevant financial regulations.
• Experience with IAM, cryptography, and data security.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote work environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement enterprise-wide security architecture and strategies.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of security technologies and solutions.
• Develop and enforce security standards, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure secure application development and infrastructure design.
• Oversee the implementation of security controls for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new and existing systems.
• Develop and manage incident response capabilities and business continuity plans.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to security engineers and architects.
• Stay informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory changes.
• Present security strategies and findings to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Security Architecture

Cloud Security

Threat Modeling

Leadership

Communication

IAM

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly growing fintech company looking for an exceptional Lead Security Architect to join their fully remote team. This position offers the unique opportunity to shape and implement the security vision for a cutting-edge organization from the ground up. You will be responsible for designing secure infrastructure, developing security strategies, and guiding the implementation of robust security controls across all aspects of the business. This role is critical in ensuring the protection of sensitive financial data and maintaining compliance with industry regulations. As a remote-first company, we foster a culture of autonomy, collaboration, and innovation, providing the tools and support you need to succeed from anywhere in South Africa. You will work closely with engineering, product, and operations teams to embed security best practices throughout the entire development lifecycle and operational infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement enterprise-wide security architecture and strategies.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of security technologies and solutions.
• Develop and enforce security standards, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure secure application development and infrastructure design.
• Oversee the implementation of security controls for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new and existing systems.
• Develop and manage incident response capabilities and business continuity plans.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to security engineers and architects.
• Stay informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory changes.
• Present security strategies and findings to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in security architecture.
• Proven experience designing and implementing security solutions for complex, scalable environments.
• Deep understanding of cloud security principles, network security, and application security.
• Expertise in security frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and relevant financial regulations.
• Experience with identity and access management (IAM), cryptography, and data security.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote work environment, demonstrating self-discipline and effective collaboration.
• Relevant advanced certifications (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA) are highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive-level salary and bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Significant stock options and equity opportunities.
• Generous remote work stipend for home office setup and ongoing expenses.
• Professional development budget for conferences, training, and certifications.
• Flexible working hours and a commitment to work-life balance.
• A dynamic, fast-paced, and innovative work environment.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing fintech company.
• Remote team-building events and a strong sense of community.
• You will be instrumental in defining the security posture of a leading innovator in the financial technology space.