Lead Security Architect - Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Conferences and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Security Architect for a multinational client in Cape Town. You will design and oversee enterprise security architecture across cloud, network, and data protection, translating business needs into actionable roadmaps while ensuring regulatory compliance.

You will lead a team of security engineers, drive risk assessments, threat modeling, and the selection of security technologies, collaborating with IT, development, and compliance to secure the organization.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field.
• 10+ years in information security with 5+ years in security architecture.
• Experience with security architecture frameworks (TOGAF, SABSA).
• Cloud security expertise (AWS/Azure/GCP) and IAM.
• Regulatory compliance knowledge (POPIA, GDPR) is important.
• Desirable advanced security certifications (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP, TOGAF Certified).

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the implementation of enterprise-wide security architecture strategies and roadmaps.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions to enhance the overall security posture.
• Develop security standards, guidelines, and best practices for infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments.
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new projects and existing systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT operations, development, and compliance, to integrate security into all aspects of the business.
• Lead and mentor a team of security engineers and architects.
• Ensure security architecture complies with industry regulations and legal requirements (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Define security requirements for procurement and vendor management.
• Develop and maintain security architecture documentation, including diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on complex security issues and incidents.

Skills

Security architecture

Leadership

Communication

Threat modeling

Risk assessment

Cloud security

IAM

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Tools

TOGAF

SABSA

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

IAM solutions

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent multinational corporation with a significant presence in Cape Town , is looking for an experienced and visionary Lead Security Architect to spearhead their cybersecurity infrastructure. This is a critical leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a secure and resilient IT environment that supports the company's strategic objectives. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client's security landscape, ensuring that architectural decisions align with business needs and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of various security domains, including network, cloud, application, and data security, coupled with strong leadership and communication skills. This position demands a strategic thinker who can translate complex security challenges into actionable architectural plans and guide engineering teams in their execution within the vibrant business ecosystem of Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the implementation of enterprise-wide security architecture strategies and roadmaps.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions to enhance the overall security posture.
• Develop security standards, guidelines, and best practices for infrastructure, applications, and cloud environments.
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for new projects and existing systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT operations, development, and compliance, to integrate security into all aspects of the business.
• Lead and mentor a team of security engineers and architects.
• Ensure security architecture complies with industry regulations and legal requirements (e.g., POPIA, GDPR).
• Define security requirements for procurement and vendor management.
• Develop and maintain security architecture documentation, including diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on complex security issues and incidents.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent extensive experience.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in a security architecture role.
• Extensive experience with security architecture principles, frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, SABSA), and best practices.
• Deep knowledge of cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP), network security, identity and access management (IAM), and data protection.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing secure solutions for large-scale enterprises.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with threat modeling, risk assessment methodologies, and security testing.
• Relevant advanced security certifications (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP, TOGAF Certified) are highly desirable.
• Experience in a regulated industry such as finance or telecommunications is a plus.
• Must be authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Exceptional remuneration package reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Executive-level benefits including comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A stimulating work environment with opportunities to influence strategic security decisions.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates outside of Cape Town .
• Access to industry conferences and training.