Principal Security Architect

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Pension fund contributions

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Security Architect in Mossel Bay, Western Cape to lead the design and implementation of enterprise security architectures for a major financial services institution.

The role requires 10+ years in information security, a Master’s degree, and CISSP/CCSP, with deep expertise in cloud security (AWS/Azure), threat modeling, risk management, and regulatory compliance (POPIA, GDPR, PCI DSS). This position emphasizes strategic leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity or related field.
• 10+ years in information security; at least 5 years in a dedicated security architecture role.
• Experience designing security architectures for large-scale enterprise environments, incl. cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• CISSP or CCSP certifications are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Design and evolve security architecture aligned with business objectives.
• Develop security blueprints, standards, and guidelines for cloud, on-prem, applications and data.
• Lead security design reviews for new systems and projects; provide expert guidance on security best practices.
• Conduct threat modeling and risk assessments for complex systems and emerging technologies.
• Evaluate and recommend new security technologies and solutions to enhance the security posture.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, development teams, and compliance officers to integrate security.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to security engineers and architects.
• Ensure adherence to industry regulations and compliance frameworks (POPIA, GDPR, PCI DSS).

Skills

Threat modeling

Security architecture

Cloud security (AWS/Azure)

GRC / risk management

Risk assessment

Identity & Access Management

Compliance & regulation

Leadership & mentorship

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

CISSP

CCSP

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major financial services institution, is seeking an exceptional Principal Security Architect to join their esteemed technology division in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This senior-level position is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of cutting‑edge security architectures that protect the organization's vast digital assets. The ideal candidate will possess a deep, comprehensive understanding of enterprise security frameworks, threat modeling, and risk management, with a proven ability to translate complex business requirements into robust, scalable security solutions. You will play a critical role in setting the security direction for the company, influencing technology choices, and ensuring alignment with regulatory compliance mandates. This is a unique opportunity to shape the cybersecurity posture of a leading financial entity in Mossel Bay. We seek an innovative and strategic thinker who can provide thought leadership and drive security excellence across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Designing and evolving the organization's overall security architecture, ensuring it is resilient, scalable, and aligned with business objectives.
• Developing and maintaining security blueprints, standards, and guidelines for various technology domains (cloud, on‑premises, applications, data).
• Leading security design reviews for new systems and projects, providing expert guidance on security best practices.
• Conducting threat modeling and risk assessments for complex systems and emerging technologies.
• Evaluating and recommending new security technologies and solutions to enhance the security posture.
• Collaborating closely with IT leadership, development teams, and compliance officers to integrate security effectively.
• Providing technical leadership and mentorship to security engineers and architects.
• Ensuring adherence to relevant industry regulations and compliance frameworks (e.g., POPIA, GDPR, PCI DSS).

Requirements

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in information security, with a minimum of 5 years in a dedicated security architecture role.
• Extensive experience in designing security architectures for complex, large‑scale enterprise environments, including cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Deep knowledge of various security domains, including network security, application security, data security, identity and access management (IAM), and cryptography.
• Proficiency in threat modeling methodologies (e.g., STRIDE, PASTA) and risk assessment techniques.
• Experience with security governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• CISSP and/or CCSP certifications are mandatory.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptionally competitive remuneration package, performance‑based bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, pension fund contributions, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development in Mossel Bay. This role is office‑based, providing a stable and collaborative work environment. Join a team committed to innovation and protecting critical financial data.