Principal Network Security Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement fund

Performance bonuses

Advanced security training

Certifications

Industry security forums

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA, seeks a Principal Network Security Specialist for an on-site role within the security operations team. You will architect and mature network security strategies, lead incident response, and guide engineers to protect critical infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has a decade of senior experience in network security, strong threat intelligence, and hands-on expertise with SIEM, EDR, and firewalls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS, Cybersecurity, IT or related field; Master’s is desirable.
• Minimum 10 years in network security with specialist or lead experience.
• Deep knowledge of security principles, protocols and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain advanced network security solutions (firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, SIEM).
• Develop and enforce security policies, standards, and procedures.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and remediation.
• Lead incident response and containment efforts for breaches.
• Monitor traffic and alerts, detecting suspicious activity and threats.
• Mentor junior analysts and engineers; provide security awareness training.
• Ensure regulatory and standards compliance (e.g., GDPR, POPIA).
• Collaborate with IT and network teams to embed security across the network.

Skills

Network security

Threat intelligence

Incident response

Risk management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

SIEM

EDR

Firewalls

VPNs

IDS/IPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major force in the telecommunications sector, is seeking an exceptional Principal Network Security Specialist to join their dedicated security operations team in Polokwane, Limpopo, ZA . This senior role is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and management of robust network security measures to protect our critical infrastructure and data assets. You will lead the charge in identifying and mitigating advanced security threats, developing cutting‑edge security policies, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in network security technologies, threat intelligence, incident response, and risk management. This on‑site position offers a vital role in safeguarding our operations in the Limpopo province.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain advanced network security solutions, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and SIEM systems.


• Develop and enforce comprehensive network security policies, standards, and procedures.


• Conduct regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration tests to identify and remediate weaknesses.


• Lead incident response efforts for security breaches, including investigation, containment, eradication, and recovery.


• Monitor network traffic and security alerts for suspicious activity and potential threats.


• Stay current with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation techniques.


• Collaborate with IT and network operations teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the network infrastructure.


• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to junior security analysts and engineers.


• Develop and deliver security awareness training to employees.


• Ensure compliance with relevant security standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, POPIA).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related field; Master’s degree or advanced certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCIE Security) are highly desirable.


• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in network security, with a significant portion in a specialist or lead role.


• In‑depth knowledge of network security principles, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, TLS/SSL, IPsec), and technologies (firewalls, routers, switches).


• Hands‑on experience with security tools such as SIEM, vulnerability scanners, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.


• Proven experience in threat analysis, incident response, and digital forensics.


• Strong understanding of network architectures, operating systems, and cloud security principles.


• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.


• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex security concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.


• Demonstrated ability to manage security projects and respond effectively to crises.


• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements is a strong advantage.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary


• Robust medical coverage


• A retirement fund


• Performance‑based bonuses


• Advanced security training


• Certifications


• Participation in industry security forums