Remote Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Placements24; Richards Bay; Remote; ZAR 3,000,000 - 5,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Private medical insurance

Generous retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead global cybersecurity strategy in a fully remote capacity. You will drive a security-first culture, oversee risk management, and ensure regulatory compliance across regions.

Requires 10–15 years in information security with at least 5 years in senior leadership, plus strong governance, incident response, and stakeholder influencing skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Management, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of information security experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (CISO/VP Security).
• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide security programs.
• Deep understanding of security technologies, frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), and risk management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company-wide information security strategy and roadmap.
• Establish and maintain an information security governance framework with policies, standards, and procedures.
• Oversee and manage the information security team, fostering expertise and continuous improvement.
• Lead incident response planning and execution for security breaches and cyber-attacks.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR, POPIA) and industry best practices.
• Manage information security budget and vendor relationships.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Promote security awareness training and education across the organization.
• Liaise with executive leadership, board members, and external auditors on security matters.
• Stay updated on emerging threats, technologies, and regulatory changes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Communication

Budget management

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science / Cybersecurity / Information Management

Tools

NIST framework

ISO 27001

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding multinational e-commerce platform, is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead their global cybersecurity strategy. This is a fully remote position, offering the ultimate flexibility to work from anywhere within the designated regions. The CISO will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive information security program that protects the company's data assets, intellectual property, and customer information from evolving cyber threats. This executive role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization. You will be the ultimate authority on security matters, driving a security-first culture across all departments and ensuring compliance with international regulations. The strategic importance of this role cannot be overstated as the company continues its aggressive growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company-wide information security strategy and roadmap.
• Establish and maintain a robust information security governance framework, including policies, standards, and procedures.
• Oversee and manage the information security team, fostering a culture of expertise and continuous improvement.
• Lead incident response planning and execution for security breaches and cyber-attacks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, POPIA) and industry best practices.
• Manage the information security budget and vendor relationships.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
• Promote security awareness training and education throughout the organization.
• Liaise with executive leadership, board members, and external auditors on security matters.
• Stay abreast of emerging threats, technologies, and regulatory changes impacting the cybersecurity landscape.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in information security, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CISO, VP of Security).
• Proven experience in developing and implementing enterprise-wide security programs.
• Deep understanding of security technologies, frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001), and risk management methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Experience managing large budgets and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate business objectives into security initiatives.
• Experience in e-commerce or high-growth technology environments is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of global data privacy laws and regulations.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote, fast-paced, and dynamic international setting.

Benefits

This executive position offers a highly competitive salary, significant performance-based bonuses, stock options, and a comprehensive executive benefits package. This includes top-tier private medical insurance, a generous retirement plan, and substantial paid time off. The fully remote nature of the role provides unparalleled flexibility. Our client invests heavily in leadership development and offers opportunities for executive networking and influence on a global scale. This role offers the chance to shape the security posture of a leading international brand from anywhere in the world.