Lead Security Architect

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High compensation

Health, dental & vision benefits

Professional development allowances

Generous PTO and holidays

Flexible remote work schedule

Bonuses and stock options

Retirement plan with company matches

Global security network

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Security Architect to join a remote-first team in South Africa. The role focuses on designing secure, resilient systems across cloud and on-prem environments, guiding security strategy and architecture.

You will mentor junior architects, drive security standards, and collaborate with stakeholders to align security with business goals. A senior, globally oriented security leadership opportunity awaits.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Security, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of information security experience with at least 5 years in security architecture.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing security solutions for large-scale environments.
• Deep understanding of security principles, network security, cryptography, IAM, and cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven experience with security architecture frameworks and methodologies (SABSA, TOGAF).
• Strong knowledge of threat modeling, risk assessment, and incident response processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; able to influence senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect enterprise-level security solutions and frameworks.
• Develop and maintain the organization's security architecture roadmap.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate security technologies to meet business and security requirements.
• Provide technical leadership on security best practices to development and operations teams.
• Conduct security architecture reviews and risk assessments for new projects and systems.
• Define security standards and patterns for cloud (AWS, Azure) and on-premises environments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into security requirements.
• Lead threat modeling exercises and develop mitigation strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, security threats, and architectural trends.
• Mentor junior security architects and engineers.

Skills

Security architecture

Cloud security

IAM

Threat modeling

Risk assessment

DevSecOps

Security frameworks

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Cloud & on-prem security

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science / Engineering / Information Security

Tools

SABSA

TOGAF

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in technology solutions, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Security Architect to join their remote team. This position is responsible for designing, building, and implementing secure and resilient systems and infrastructure across the organization. As a remote-first role, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, contributing to strategic security initiatives that protect sensitive data and intellectual property. You will define the future of our client's security posture, working with cutting-edge technologies and addressing complex security challenges. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned architect to drive innovation in the Information Security domain, operating from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal (remotely).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect enterprise-level security solutions and frameworks.
• Develop and maintain the organization's security architecture roadmap.
• Evaluate, select, and integrate security technologies to meet business and security requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on security best practices to development and operations teams.
• Conduct security architecture reviews and risk assessments for new projects and systems.
• Define security standards and patterns for cloud (AWS, Azure) and on-premises environments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business needs and translate them into security requirements.
• Lead threat modeling exercises and develop mitigation strategies.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, security threats, and architectural trends.
• Mentor junior security architects and engineers.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Security, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in security architecture.
• Extensive experience designing and implementing security solutions for complex, large-scale environments.
• Deep understanding of security principles, network security, cryptography, identity and access management (IAM), and cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven experience with security architecture frameworks and methodologies (e.g., SABSA, TOGAF).
• Strong knowledge of threat modeling, risk assessment, and incident response processes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and projects.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, TOGAF, or cloud security architect certifications are highly preferred.
• Experience with DevSecOps principles and practices.

Benefits

• Exceptional compensation package for a high-impact remote role.
• Full suite of health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous allocation for professional development, training, and certifications.
• Significant paid time off and company holidays.
• Flexible remote work schedule.
• Performance-based bonuses and stock options.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
• Access to a global network of security professionals.