Lead Security Architect - Cloud Security Focus

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Home office budget

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Security Architect to design and manage robust security architectures across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. The role emphasizes DevSecOps integration, policy enforcement, and threat mitigation in cloud contexts.

You will lead cloud security initiatives, mentor engineers, and collaborate with product teams to embed security throughout the software development lifecycle while responding to evolving threats globally.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent practical experience in CS/Cybersecurity.
• Over 10 years in information security with at least 5 years in cloud security architecture.
• Deep expertise across AWS, Azure, and GCP security.
• IaC security and container security expertise (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong networking, firewall, IDS/IPS, and encryption knowledge.
• Experience with SIEM/SOAR in cloud contexts.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder skills.
• Cloud security certifications (e.g., AWS Security Specialty, CCSP).

Responsibilities

• Design secure cloud architectures across multiple providers and hybrid clouds.
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies and guidelines.
• Lead security assessments and cloud pen tests.
• Integrate security into CI/CD pipelines (DevSecOps).
• Evaluate security technologies to enhance cloud posture.
• Develop cloud-specific incident response plans and execute them.
• Mentor junior security engineers and architects.
• Stay updated on cloud security threats and regulatory changes.

Skills

Cloud security architecture

DevSecOps

Security leadership

Threat modeling

CI/CD security

IaC security

Container security

Networking & encryption

SIEM/SOAR

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in CS/Cybersecurity

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Terraform

Job description

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking technology firm as a Lead Security Architect, operating on a fully remote basis. Our client is at the forefront of digital innovation and requires an expert to design, implement, and manage robust security architectures, with a strong emphasis on cloud environments. In this role, you will be pivotal in defining the security roadmap, ensuring that our client's digital assets are protected across various cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). You will collaborate with engineering and product teams to embed security into the software development lifecycle, championing DevSecOps principles. As a remote-first role, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere, while contributing to critical security initiatives that safeguard our client's global operations. This position demands a strategic thinker with a deep technical understanding of modern cybersecurity challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the implementation of secure cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud environments.
• Develop and enforce security policies, standards, and guidelines for cloud adoption and management.
• Lead security assessments and penetration testing efforts for cloud-based applications and infrastructure.
• Collaborate with development and operations teams to integrate security controls into CI/CD pipelines (DevSecOps).
• Evaluate and recommend security technologies and tools to enhance cloud security posture.
• Develop incident response plans specific to cloud environments and oversee their execution.
• Mentor and guide junior security engineers and architects on cloud security best practices.
• Stay current with emerging cloud security threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years focused on cloud security architecture.
• Deep expertise in security principles for major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) security and container security (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Strong understanding of networking protocols, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and encryption.
• Experience with SIEM, SOAR, and other security monitoring tools in a cloud context.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant cloud security certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate, CCSP).
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement comprehensive security strategies.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, extensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous allowance for professional development and home office setup. Our client fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing ample opportunities for career advancement. You will have the autonomy to shape security initiatives and make a significant impact from anywhere in the world.