Principal Security Architect (Remote)

Placements24; Graafwater; Hybrid; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a distinguished Principal Security Architect to join our remote cybersecurity division. This senior role shapes security strategy, drives technology roadmaps, and ensures secure design across enterprise systems from a remote-first hub, with proximity to Paarl in the Western Cape, ZA.

You will mentor security teams, lead architecture reviews, and collaborate with global teams to sustain security excellence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of information security experience, with at least 5 years in security architecture.
• Deep expertise in cloud security (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS) and network, application, and data security.
• Familiarity with security compliance frameworks (NIST CSF, ISO 27001, SOC 2).
• Certifications such as CISSP, SABSA, or TOGAF are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall security architecture vision and strategy.
• Design secure solutions for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), on‑premises infrastructure, and hybrid models.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of new security technologies and platforms.
• Develop security standards, guidelines, and best practices for application development and infrastructure deployment.
• Provide expert guidance on security best practices for data protection, access control, cryptography, and threat mitigation.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and operations teams to ensure secure design and implementation of systems and services.
• Conduct architectural reviews and security assessments of proposed solutions.
• Develop and manage security roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Mentor and influence security teams and architects across the organization.
• Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies, incorporating relevant insights into the architecture.

Skills

Security architecture

Cloud security

IAM

Threat mitigation

Leadership

Communication

Education

Master's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a distinguished Principal Security Architect to join their elite, fully remote cybersecurity division. This strategic role involves architecting and driving the implementation of cutting-edge security solutions across the entire enterprise landscape. You will be the principal advisor on security strategy, influencing technology roadmaps and ensuring that security is intrinsically woven into the fabric of our client's digital transformation. This is a senior leadership position demanding deep technical expertise, visionary thinking, and the ability to guide complex security projects to successful completion. The ideal candidate will thrive in a remote-first culture, collaborating with global teams and driving security excellence from their location, potentially near Paarl, Western Cape, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain the overall security architecture vision and strategy for the organization.
• Design secure solutions for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP), on-premises infrastructure, and hybrid models.
• Lead the evaluation and selection of new security technologies and platforms.
• Develop security standards, guidelines, and best practices for application development and infrastructure deployment.
• Provide expert guidance on security best practices for data protection, access control, cryptography, and threat mitigation.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and operations teams to ensure secure design and implementation of systems and services.
• Conduct architectural reviews and security assessments of proposed solutions.
• Develop and manage security roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
• Mentor and influence security teams and architects across the organization.
• Stay current with emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies, incorporating relevant insights into the architecture.

Requirements

Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 10+ years of experience in information security, with at least 5 years in a senior security architecture role. Extensive experience designing and implementing security solutions in complex, large-scale environments. Deep understanding of cloud security best practices and services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). Expert knowledge of network security, application security, data security, and identity and access management (IAM). Familiarity with security compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, ISO 27001, SOC 2). Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex security concepts to diverse audiences. Professional certifications such as CISSP, SABSA, or TOGAF are highly desirable. Proven track record of successful collaboration and influence in a remote setting.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentives. Employees receive top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance, along with comprehensive wellness programs. We offer generous paid time off, holidays, and a flexible work schedule tailored for remote professionals. Significant investment in professional development, including advanced training, conferences, and certification support, is provided. A robust retirement savings plan with generous company matching is available. This is your opportunity to shape the future of security for a global organization from your remote workstation, based in or near Paarl, Western Cape, ZA .