Principal Specialist Cyber Security Financial Services Digital Lifestyle Services

Job Description

Our client is a leading provider in the telecommunications and financial services industry with a strong presence in digital lifestyle solutions. They are committed to innovation, security, and customer-centric digital solutions. As they expand their financial services and digital offerings, they are seeking an experienced Principal Specialist in Cyber Security to oversee the security strategy and governance across these sectors.

We are looking for a Principal Cyber Security Specialist to drive and oversee cyber security strategies within the financial services, insurance, and lending divisions. This role requires expertise in security governance, risk management, compliance, and stakeholder influence. You will play a critical leadership role in ensuring secure digital and financial services, maintaining compliance with regulations, and mitigating security risks.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Cyber Security Leadership
   • Develop and oversee the 3 to 5-year Cyber Security Strategy for the financial services and digital lifestyle divisions.
   • Define and implement an industry-leading security governance framework for financial services security.
   • Ensure security controls align with regulatory compliance and legal standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, PCI DSS, and ITIL.
   • Maintain and enhance the Cyber Security Maturity Level for financial services.
2. Risk & Compliance Management
   • Conduct cyber risk assessments and manage the Cyber Risk Register ensuring timely resolution.
   • Provide audit and assurance management to achieve compliance with financial security regulations.
   • Drive cybersecurity awareness training and compliance programs across the organization.
3. Cyber Security Incident Management
   • Establish and manage a Cyber Security Incident Response Practice across financial services.
   • Lead initiatives to reduce cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities for financial services platforms.
   • Ensure effective remediation tracking for all audit and compliance findings.
4. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting
   • Build strong relationships with senior executives and communicate security risks in a business-oriented manner.
   • Generate key cybersecurity metrics (KPIs, KRIs) using automation and security intelligence tools.
   • Lead reporting development on cyber risk insights, compliance monitoring, and incident response.
5. Technology & Security Architecture
   • Provide guidance on security architecture, firewalls, VPNs, threat intelligence, and encryption.
   • Ensure secure cloud security frameworks and digital banking security policies are in place.
   • Oversee implementation of advanced cybersecurity controls across financial and digital services.

Must-Have Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Cyber Security, or related field.
• 8 years of experience in Cyber Security leadership including governance, risk, and compliance.
• Proven experience in IT Audit, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance (ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS, SOC 2, SOX, ITIL, COBIT, GDPR, POPIA).
• Expertise in cloud security risks, assurance, and mitigation strategies.
• Hands-on experience with firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, malware detection, and encryption.
• Ability to manage complex security programs and incident response initiatives.
• Strong executive-level communication and stakeholder management skills.

Required Experience:

Staff IC

Key Skills:

Electro Mechanical, Instrument Maintenance, Adobe Dreamweaver, Document Control Management, E-Commerce

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1