Principal Security Consultant

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 leads a prestigious global cybersecurity practice in Sandton, Gauteng, seeking a Principal Security Consultant. The role focuses on strategic guidance, architecture design, and risk management for diverse clients, with a hybrid work model in a Johannesburg-based office.

Ideal candidates bring 12+ years in information security, deep expertise across cloud, app, and network security, IAM, and cryptography, plus strong executive communication skills and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, CS, or related field; PhD is a plus.
• 12+ years of progressive information security experience with senior consulting/advisory roles.
• Expertise across multiple security domains: cloud, application, network, IAM, cryptography.
• Proven track record leading large-scale security transformation and risk management initiatives.
• Knowledge of major frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, COBIT) and regulatory landscapes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and executive influencing skills.
• Advanced certifications (CISSP-ISSAP, CISM, CRISC, TOGAF) are desirable.
• Experience with threat modeling and advanced risk assessment techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic and technical cybersecurity consulting to clients.
• Lead client engagements, including risk assessments and security architecture reviews.
• Develop and present tailored security roadmaps and strategies for clients.
• Advise on best practices for security controls, incident response, and data protection.
• Design secure solutions for complex enterprise environments.
• Mentor junior consultants and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead pre-sales activities and assist in proposal development.

Skills

Security leadership

Cloud security

Application security

Network security

IAM

Cryptography

Education

Master's degree in Cybersecurity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious global cybersecurity consulting firm, is seeking a highly experienced and authoritative Principal Security Consultant to join their Johannesburg practice, based in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This role involves providing expert-level strategic advice and technical guidance to a diverse range of clients, helping them to enhance their security posture, manage risks, and achieve compliance. You will lead complex security assessments, design sophisticated security architectures, and guide clients through challenging cybersecurity initiatives. The **Sandton** office serves as a hub for innovation and client engagement, with a hybrid work model offering flexibility. This is a leadership position for a seasoned professional looking to drive significant impact across multiple organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic and technical cybersecurity consulting services to clients.
• Lead client engagements, including risk assessments, security architecture reviews, and compliance assessments.
• Develop and present tailored security strategies and roadmaps for clients.
• Advise clients on best practices for security controls, incident response, and data protection.
• Design and architect secure solutions for complex enterprise environments.
• Stay abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies, translating them into client recommendations.
• Mentor and guide junior consultants within the practice.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Contribute to the firm's intellectual property and service development.
• Lead pre-sales activities and assist in proposal development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field; PhD or equivalent research experience is a significant plus.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in information security, with a significant portion in a senior consulting or advisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in multiple security domains, including but not limited to cloud security, application security, network security, IAM, and cryptography.
• Proven experience in leading large-scale security transformation projects and risk management initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of major security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, COBIT) and regulatory landscapes.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence senior executives.
• Relevant advanced certifications (CISSP-ISSAP, CISM, CRISC, TOGAF) are highly desirable.
• Experience with threat modeling and advanced risk assessment techniques.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and client expectations.

Benefits

Our client offers an exceptional compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and extensive benefits. Continuous learning and development are encouraged, with support for advanced training and industry leadership opportunities. The hybrid work model provides flexibility. Join our elite team in **Sandton**, **Gauteng**, and help shape the cybersecurity strategies of leading organizations.