Principal Cloud Security Architect

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium medical aid

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Training & certifications

Bonus incentives

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Cloud Security Architect to lead security across multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) in a hybrid Pretoria role.

You will design, implement, and govern secure cloud environments, ensuring compliance and robust risk management for critical data and apps. Strong leadership is essential for mentoring security engineers and shaping enterprise security strategy.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in CS/InfoSec or related field.
• 10+ years in cybersecurity with 5+ years cloud security architecture.
• Deep expertise in securing AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Experience designing complex cloud security solutions (IAM, encryption, WAFs).
• Familiarity with NIST CSF, ISO27001; GDPR/PCI DSS compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement security architectures for multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Lead security controls for cloud infrastructure, including IAM and network security.
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for cloud solutions.
• Oversee security of cloud deployments, CI/CD pipelines, and containers (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Mentor junior security engineers and architects.

Skills

Cloud security architecture

Threat modeling

Leadership & mentoring

Risk assessment

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a multinational corporation renowned for its innovation in digital transformation, is seeking an exceptional Principal Cloud Security Architect to lead their cloud security initiatives. This hybrid role, primarily based in Pretoria , will be responsible for designing, implementing, and governing secure cloud environments across AWS, Azure, and GCP. You will architect robust security solutions that protect the company's vast data assets and critical applications in the cloud, ensuring compliance and mitigating complex risks. This is a strategic leadership position for a deeply experienced architect aiming to shape the security landscape of a major enterprise within Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement comprehensive security architectures for multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP). Develop and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and best practices. Lead the implementation of security controls for cloud infrastructure, including identity and access management (IAM), network security, and data protection. Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for cloud solutions. Oversee the security aspects of cloud deployments, CI/CD pipelines, and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes). Evaluate and recommend cloud-native security tools and third-party solutions. Collaborate with engineering, operations, and development teams to ensure security requirements are met throughout the cloud lifecycle. Develop and maintain incident response plans for cloud-based security events. Provide expert guidance on cloud security best practices, compliance, and emerging threats. Mentor junior security engineers and architects.

Requirements

Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity, with a minimum of 5 years focused on cloud security architecture. Deep expertise in securing AWS, Azure, and GCP environments. Proven experience designing and implementing complex cloud security solutions, including IAM, network segmentation, encryption, and WAFs. Strong understanding of infrastructure as code (IaC) security and security automation. Familiarity with security frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001) and compliance regulations (e.g., GDPR, PCI DSS). Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Exceptional communication, presentation, and leadership abilities. Relevant cloud security certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Security – Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate) are highly desirable. Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model from our Pretoria office.

Benefits

Our client offers a top-tier compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, significant bonuses, and long-term incentives. Comprehensive benefits include premium medical aid, a generous retirement plan, and life insurance. Extensive opportunities for professional growth, including access to cutting-edge training, certifications, and industry conferences, are provided. This position operates on a Hybrid model, offering flexibility while maintaining essential collaboration from our Pretoria hub. Join a pioneering organization and lead the charge in securing our future in the cloud within Gauteng .