Principal Security Architect

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 2,000,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Executive health insurance

Generous annual leave

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Security Architect to lead strategic security initiatives for Port Elizabeth operations within a multinational manufacturing group. You will design robust, scalable IT and OT architectures, set technical direction, and ensure security is embedded in the design of all systems and services.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in information security with deep expertise in security architecture, NIST and ISO 27001, cloud security, IAM, and cryptography, plus strong

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's in CS, information security, engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in information security with focus on architecture and design.
• Experience designing secure solutions for large IT and OT environments.
• Familiarity with NIST, ISO 27001 and threat modeling methodologies.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead secure enterprise IT and OT architecture design.
• Define security requirements, standards and patterns for new systems and infrastructure.
• Evaluate security technologies to address threats and business needs.
• Mentor security teams and IT professionals.
• Conduct risk assessments and threat modeling for complex systems.
• Develop security architecture roadmap and strategy.
• Ensure security is embedded in SDLC across projects.
• Stay updated on threats and regulatory changes.
• Define security controls for cloud and on-prem environments.
• Advocate secure design principles across the organization.

Skills

Security architecture

Leadership

Threat modeling

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or Information Security

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

AWS

Azure

GCP

IAM

Cryptography

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a multinational corporation with significant operations in the manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Security Architect to lead their strategic security initiatives in Port Elizabeth.

This critical role involves designing and implementing robust, scalable, and secure architectures for the company's global IT and OT (Operational Technology) infrastructure.

You will be responsible for setting the technical direction for security, driving innovation, and ensuring that security is embedded into the design of all new systems and services.

The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong influencing skills to guide diverse teams.

This position operates on a Hybrid basis, offering a blend of on-site strategic planning and collaborative sessions in Port Elizabeth with the flexibility of remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of secure enterprise-level architectures for IT and OT environments.
• Define security requirements, standards, and patterns for new systems, applications, and infrastructure.
• Evaluate and recommend security technologies and solutions to address emerging threats and business needs.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to security teams and IT professionals.
• Conduct architectural risk assessments and threat modeling for complex systems.
• Develop and maintain the organization's security architecture roadmap and strategy.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure security is integrated throughout the system development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging threats, and regulatory changes impacting security architecture.
• Define security controls and measures for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and on-premises infrastructure.
• Champion security best practices and influence stakeholders across the organization to adopt secure design principles.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with a significant focus on security architecture and design.
• Proven experience designing secure solutions for large-scale, complex environments (IT and OT).
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), and threat modeling methodologies.
• Expertise in network security, application security, cloud security (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), identity and access management (IAM), and cryptography.
• Experience with various security technologies and platforms.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Demonstrated experience in guiding architectural decisions and driving security initiatives.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA, or TOGAF are highly advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Top-tier annual salary package up to R , commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive executive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and personal development leave.
• Executive pension plan with significant company contribution.
• Key role in shaping the global security strategy of a major corporation.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional conferences.
• Access to advanced cybersecurity research and tools.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and collaboration.
• Performance-based bonus structure.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.