Lead Security Architect - Enterprise Security

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Company car or car allowance

Bonuses

Conference & certification budget

Centurion office location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Security Architect to drive the design and implementation of an enterprise security strategy from Centurion, Gauteng. You will shape security standards, evaluate technologies, and align security with business objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance.

In this senior role, you will mentor security engineers, collaborate with IT leadership and stakeholders, and oversee risk assessments, threat modeling, and security documentation across networks, apps, data,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
• 8+ years of information security experience with at least 3 years in security architecture.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise security architectures.
• Knowledge of NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and POPIA controls.
• Hands-on with firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection and encryption.
• Cloud security architecture experience (AWS, Azure) in hybrid environments.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain enterprise security architecture aligned with business goals.
• Define security requirements and architectural standards for systems and infra.
• Evaluate security technologies to enhance posture and risk management.
• Lead controls across network, app, data, and cloud domains.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to integrate security in SDLC.
• Conduct risk assessments and threat modeling for critical projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to security teams.
• Create and maintain security documentation, policies, and diagrams.
• Ensure compliance with PCI DSS, POPIA, ISO 27001 and related standards.

Skills

Security architecture

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Threat modeling

Security strategy

Cloud security

Networking fundamentals

Education

Master's degree in CS/IT or related field

CISSP-ISSAP or SABSA certification

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

SIEM

Endpoint protection

Encryption

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution, is seeking an accomplished Lead Security Architect to spearhead the design and implementation of their enterprise-wide security strategy. This critical on-site role, based in Centurion, Gauteng , requires a visionary leader with extensive experience in developing and managing complex security architectures. You will be responsible for defining security standards, evaluating emerging technologies, and ensuring that our security frameworks align with business objectives and regulatory requirements. This is a unique opportunity to influence the direction of security for a major organization and build resilient systems that protect valuable assets. The successful candidate will possess a strategic mindset, a deep understanding of various security domains, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the overall enterprise security architecture, ensuring it supports business goals and mitigates risks.
• Define security requirements and architectural standards for new systems, applications, and infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions to enhance the organization's security posture.
• Lead the design and implementation of security controls across various domains, including network, application, data, and cloud security.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, development teams, and business units to integrate security into the entire system development lifecycle.
• Conduct security risk assessments and threat modeling for critical systems and projects.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to security engineers and analysts.
• Develop and maintain security architecture documentation, including diagrams, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards (e.g., PCI DSS, POPIA, ISO 27001).
• Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; advanced security certifications (e.g., CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 3 years in a security architecture role.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing comprehensive enterprise security architectures.
• In-depth knowledge of security principles, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), and best practices.
• Experience with various security technologies, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, endpoint protection, and encryption.
• Strong understanding of networking protocols, operating systems, and application security.
• Experience with cloud security architecture (AWS, Azure) and hybrid environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies.
• Experience in the financial services sector is a significant advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R , reflecting the seniority and impact of the role.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave and additional paid days off.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and obtaining advanced certifications.
• Prime office location in Centurion, Gauteng .
• Company-provided car or car allowance.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Access to cutting-edge security technologies and resources.
• A challenging and rewarding role within a leading financial institution.
• Supportive leadership and a culture that values innovation.