Principal Security Architect - Cloud Security

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity fund

Performance bonuses

Professional development (training,Con

Cape Town office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Security Architect focused on Cloud Security in Cape Town. The role leads design, implementation, and governance of the organization’s cloud security strategy across AWS, Azure, and GCP.

You will influence engineering and operations, translate business needs into secure, scalable cloud solutions, and advise senior management on cloud security matters. This is a senior leadership opportunity based in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in CS, cybersecurity, or related field.
• 10+ years in information security with at least 5 years in cloud security architecture.
• Proven experience securing multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) environments.
• Knowledge of CSA CCM and NIST frameworks.
• IaC and container security experience (Terraform, CloudFormation, Docker, Kubernetes).
• Relevant cloud security certifications (CISSP, CCSP, AWS Security-Specialty, Azure Security Engineer).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Develop and enforce cloud security policies and standards.
• Lead evaluation of cloud security technologies and solutions.
• Architect and oversee IAM implementations.
• Design controls for data, network, app, and operational security in cloud.
• Coordinate security assessments, pen testing, and vulnerability management.
• Embed security into CI/CD pipelines (DevSecOps).
• Mentor security engineers and architects.
• Deliver security awareness training on cloud topics.
• Stay updated on cloud security threats and regulatory changes.
• Act as subject matter expert during audits and reviews.

Skills

Cloud security architecture

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Cloud IAM

DevSecOps

Infrastructure as Code

Docker

Kubernetes

Encryption & DLP

Risk assessment

Education

Master's degree or equivalent in CS/Cybersecurity

Tools

Terraform

CloudFormation

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial institution based in Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking an exceptional Principal Security Architect with a specialization in Cloud Security. This senior leadership position is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the organization's cloud security strategy across multiple cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). You will be a visionary leader, driving the adoption of secure cloud architectures, policies, and best practices. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in securing complex cloud environments, a deep understanding of modern security principles, and the ability to influence technical direction across engineering and operations teams. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate business requirements into secure, scalable, and resilient cloud solutions, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our client's digital assets. You will be a key advisor to senior management on all cloud security matters, shaping the future of our client's cloud infrastructure. The position is integral to maintaining trust and security in an increasingly digital world, making it a highly impactful and rewarding opportunity in Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust, scalable, and secure cloud architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.


• Develop and enforce cloud security policies, standards, and best practices aligned with industry regulations and compliance requirements.


• Lead the evaluation and selection of cloud security technologies and solutions.


• Architect and oversee the implementation of cloud identity and access management (IAM) solutions.


• Design security controls for data protection, network security, application security, and operational security in cloud environments.


• Conduct security assessments, penetration testing coordination, and vulnerability management for cloud deployments.


• Collaborate with development and operations teams to embed security into the CI/CD pipeline (DevSecOps).


• Provide expert guidance and mentorship to security engineers and architects.


• Develop and deliver security awareness training for cloud-related topics.


• Stay current with emerging cloud security threats, technologies, and regulatory changes.


• Act as a subject matter expert for cloud security during audits and compliance reviews.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field.


• Minimum of 10 years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years focused on cloud security architecture.


• Proven experience designing and securing large-scale, multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) environments.


• In-depth knowledge of cloud security best practices, principles, and frameworks (e.g., CSA CCM, NIST).


• Expertise in cloud IAM, network security controls (e.g., security groups, firewalls), encryption, and data loss prevention (DLP) in cloud contexts.


• Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation) and container security (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).


• Strong understanding of DevSecOps principles and practices.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


• Relevant cloud security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CCSP, AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Azure Security Engineer Associate).


• Ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams.

Benefits

• Our client provides a highly competitive salary and benefits package.


• This includes a comprehensive medical aid plan, a retirement annuity fund, and performance-related bonuses.


• Professional development is actively encouraged through access to training, conferences, and certifications.


• The role is based in our state-of-the-art Cape Town office, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.


• Employees also enjoy generous leave allowances, wellness programs, and opportunities for career advancement within a globally recognized organization committed to security excellence.