Programme Manager: Cyber Security Networks

Optimal Growth Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal Growth Technologies seeks an experienced Programme Manager to lead a Cyber Security Networks initiative across group markets. You will coordinate planning, delivery, and governance to meet programme objectives and ensure robust security across diverse networks.

The role requires extensive leadership experience, strong governance skills, and the ability to align ISO27001/NIST standards with business priorities. A multi-market delivery mindset and stakeholder engagement are essential.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12.
• 3-year degree or relevant qualification in Information Technology or Cyber Security.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in cyber security and network security.
• 5+ years in leadership or programme management delivering large multi-country initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, and delivery of the network security programme across Group markets.
• Oversee end-to-end programme management for initiatives and business cases across various security domains.
• Ensure six workstreams and seven objectives are executed with secure configurations and compliance.
• Manage risk assessments, resources, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement across markets.
• Monitor progress and produce assurance reports for executive governance forums.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between technical teams, assurance functions, and business owners.
• Provide leadership to market delivery teams to achieve a resilient network environment.

Skills

Leadership

Programme management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

3-year degree in IT or Cyber Security

Matric / Grade 12

Job description

Duration: 12 months

Programme Manager –Cyber Security Networks

Location: Midrand

Duration: 12 months

Role purpose

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of the network security programme across Group markets, ensuring alignment to the programme's objectives and governance framework.
• Oversee the end-to-end programme management of initiatives as well as associated business cases covering Enterprise Customer Premise Equipment, IP Core Networks, Network Management Systems, Office Connectivity, Monitoring & Analytics, and Measurement & Assurance.
• Ensure consistent execution of the programme's six workstreams and seven objectives, embedding processes that drive secure configurations, regulatory compliance, and sustainable security posture improvements in line with ISO27001 and NIST standards.
• Manage risk assessments, resource allocation, dependencies, and stakeholder engagement across all markets.
• Monitor progress against agreed milestones, producing accurate assurance and performance reports for executive and governance forums.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment between technical delivery teams, assurance functions, and business owners.
• Provide leadership to market-level delivery teams, driving accountability, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement to achieve a resilient, future-ready network environment.

Key Accountabilities

Programme Leadership & Security Strategy

• Execution Lead the delivery and execution of cyber security strategies across mobile, fixed, satellite, cloud, and IoT networks, ensuring resilience against evolving threats. Maintain alignment with group-wide security objectives, programme governance, and strategic business priorities.

Workstream Governance & Delivery Oversight

• Oversee and coordinate the delivery of all six security workstreams—Enterprise CPE, Core Network, Network Management Systems, Office Connectivity, Cyber Security Controls, Monitoring & Analytics, and Measurement & Assurance—ensuring clear scope definition,

Risk, Compliance & Assurance Management

• Direct the execution of risk assessments and vulnerability mitigation activities across network infrastructure, ensuring alignment with ISO 27001, NIST, and regulatory frameworks.
• Embed assurance processes to validate that implemented controls meet defined standards and remediate identified gaps.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Act as the primary liaison for executive, regulatory, and cross-functional stakeholders, providing accurate programme updates, assurance reports, and escalation management.
• Ensure all programme tracking, metrics, and tooling data are integrated, reliable, and aligned to governance reporting requirements.

Leadership & Capability Enablement

• Support the Principal, Senior, and Specialist-level team members, promoting a culture of innovation, accountability, and delivery excellence.
• Foster collaboration between technical teams, markets, and governance functions to ensure effective execution of security initiatives.

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Matric / Grade 12.
• 3-year degree or relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Cyber Security, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in cyber security and network security, with at least 5 years in a leadership/programme management role delivering large-scale security initiatives across multi-country or enterprise environments.
• Proven track record in managing cross-functional programmes for Enterprise/IP Networks and security capability implementation.

Desired

• Relevant industry certifications such as ISO 27001 Lead Implementer/Lead Auditor, PMP/Prince2/Agile Lead
• Experience in telecommunications and multi-market programme delivery within regulated environments.