Lead Security Engineer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus opportunities

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Professional development

Flexible hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Security Engineer to spearhead information security initiatives from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a team of security professionals, develop the cybersecurity strategy, and protect critical infrastructure and data.

This hybrid role combines on-site leadership with remote flexibility, requiring strong technical depth, risk management, and collaboration with IT and business units to embed security across operations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field or equivalent.
• 7+ years in information security with 2+ years in leadership.
• Deep technical expertise across network, cloud and endpoint security.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of security engineers and analysts.
• Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps.
• Oversee design, implementation and maintenance of security infra (firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, DLP).
• Direct incident response activities and ensure swift resolution.
• Conduct advanced threat hunting and vulnerability assessments.
• Establish and enforce security policies, standards and procedures.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to embed security across operations.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate new technologies.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Skills

Network security

Cloud security (AWS, Azure)

Endpoint security

Cryptography

SIEM

Threat intelligence

Incident response

Secure coding

GRC

Scripting (Python, PowerShell)

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

DLP

SIEM

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing industrial conglomerate with operations across the region, is seeking a Lead Security Engineer to spearhead their information security initiatives from their Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office. This leadership role will involve guiding a team of security professionals, developing and executing the company's cybersecurity strategy, and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and sensitive data. The ideal candidate will possess extensive technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities to manage security operations effectively. This role embraces a hybrid work model, offering a blend of on-site engagement and remote flexibility, promoting both collaboration and personal balance. Join our client in safeguarding their vital assets in Richards Bay .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of security engineers and analysts.
• Develop and implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of security infrastructure, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, and DLP solutions.
• Direct incident response activities, ensuring swift and effective resolution of security breaches.
• Conduct advanced threat hunting and vulnerability assessments.
• Establish and enforce security policies, standards, and procedures across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to integrate security into all aspects of operations.
• Manage security vendor relationships and evaluate new security technologies.
• Develop and deliver security awareness training programs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations and standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in information security, with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Deep technical expertise in network security, cloud security (AWS, Azure), endpoint security, and cryptography.
• Proven experience with SIEM platforms, threat intelligence, and incident response frameworks.
• Strong understanding of secure coding practices and application security vulnerabilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with security governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).
• Industry certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or GIAC are highly desirable.
• Ability to manage complex projects and a proven track record of delivering results.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, attractive bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, and a generous pension fund.
• Professional development is highly valued, with support for further certifications and training.
• Employees enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement, balancing office-based collaboration with the convenience of remote work.
• Join a stable and reputable organization in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , where your expertise will be recognized and rewarded, contributing to critical industrial security.