Lead Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Professional development and training

Career leadership opportunity

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Lead SOC Analyst to head our Centurion-based SOC, directing daily operations and incident response. You will refine processes, mentor analysts, and ensure rapid detection and containment of threats.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in SOC roles with leadership experience, strong SIEM/EDR skills, and familiarity with forensic methods. A hybrid work setup and ongoing professional development are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years in an SOC, with at least 2 years in lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with SIEM platforms (Splunk, QRadar), IDS/IPS, and EDR solutions.
• Deep understanding of incident response methodologies and best practices.
• Proficiency in threat analysis, malware analysis, and forensic investigation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the SOC team, providing guidance and oversight.
• Develop and optimize SOC procedures for detection, triage, analysis, and response.
• Monitor security alerts using SIEM, EDR, and other tools.
• Analyze incidents, perform root cause analysis, assess impact.
• Manage the incident response lifecycle for timely resolution.
• Develop threat intelligence feeds and IOCs.

Skills

Leadership

SOC operations

Incident response

SIEM (Splunk)

Threat analysis

Forensic investigation

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Splunk

QRadar

EDR solutions

IDS/IPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing cybersecurity firm, is actively seeking an experienced Lead Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst to head their SOC operations in Centurion, Gauteng . This leadership role is crucial for directing the daily activities of the SOC team, ensuring rapid detection, analysis, and response to security incidents. You will be responsible for refining SOC processes, managing incident response workflows, and mentoring junior analysts. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact on a company's security posture and to lead a team of dedicated security professionals in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Security Operations Center (SOC) team, providing guidance and oversight.
• Develop and optimize SOC procedures for incident detection, triage, analysis, and response.
• Monitor security alerts and events using SIEM, EDR, and other security tools.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of security incidents, including root cause analysis and impact assessment.
• Manage the incident response lifecycle, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
• Develop and maintain threat intelligence feeds and indicators of compromise (IOCs).
• Create and present regular reports on SOC performance, incidents, and trends to management.
• Mentor and train junior SOC analysts, fostering their technical and analytical skills.
• Stay current with the latest cybersecurity threats, attack vectors, and defensive strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a Security Operations Center (SOC) environment, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Extensive experience with SIEM platforms (e.g., Splunk, QRadar), IDS/IPS, and EDR solutions.
• Deep understanding of incident response methodologies and best practices.
• Proficiency in threat analysis, malware analysis, and forensic investigation techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions during security incidents.
• Relevant certifications such as GCIH, GCFA, or CISSP are highly preferred.
• Experience with scripting for automation (e.g., Python) is an advantage.

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Hybrid work arrangements for better work-life balance.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a critical security function.