Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Medical benefits

Retirement benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager for a leading telecommunications provider. Based in East London, Eastern Cape, this hybrid role leads a 24/7 security operations function, guiding incident detection and response to protect networks and assets.

You will manage SOC analysts, optimize processes and technologies (SIEM, EDR, IDS/IPS), and integrate threat intelligence while reporting to senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in information security with at least 3 in SOC leadership.
• Proven experience in security operations, incident response, and threat analysis.
• Deep knowledge of SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR and threat intel tools.
• Strong leadership and communication skills in a hybrid/multisite environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a 24/7 SOC team and ensure effective monitoring and response.
• Oversee incident detection, investigation and remediation activities.
• Develop and refine SOC playbooks, processes and workflows.
• Optimize SOC technologies and threat intelligence integration.
• Coordinate reporting to management and stakeholders.
• Mentor SOC analysts and drive performance reviews.
• Collaborate with IT and security teams to strengthen defenses.
• Stay up-to-date with cyber threats and attack methodologies.

Skills

Leadership

SOC management

Incident response

Threat intelligence

Security monitoring

SIEM

EDR

Forensic analysis

Team management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field

CISSP/CISM or GCIA/GCIH (desirable)

Tools

SIEM platforms

EDR

IDS/IPS

Threat intel platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading telecommunications provider, is looking for a strategic and experienced Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager to lead their incident detection and response efforts. This hybrid role, based in our East London, Eastern Cape office, requires a leader capable of managing a 24/7 security operations function. You will be responsible for overseeing the monitoring of security alerts, incident investigation, and response activities to protect the organization's network and systems from cyber threats. This position involves managing a team of SOC analysts, optimizing SOC processes and technologies, and ensuring effective threat intelligence integration. The role demands strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. Join a vital team focused on safeguarding the organization's digital assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the Security Operations Center (SOC) team, ensuring effective 24/7 monitoring and incident response coverage.
• Oversee the detection, analysis, and response to security incidents and events.
• Develop, implement, and refine SOC procedures, playbooks, and workflows.
• Manage and optimize SOC technologies, including SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR, and threat intelligence platforms.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of security incidents to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development opportunities for SOC analysts.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to enhance threat detection and incident response capabilities.
• Stay current with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack methodologies.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with third-party security vendors and partners.
• Contribute to the overall information security strategy and risk management framework.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in information security, with at least 3 years in a SOC management or lead role.
• Proven experience in managing security operations, incident response, and threat analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of SIEM, IDS/IPS, EDR, network security monitoring, and threat intelligence tools and concepts.
• Strong understanding of cyber attack vectors, malware analysis, and forensic techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment and managing distributed teams is beneficial.
• Relevant security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GCIA, GCIH) are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the telecommunications industry is an advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and generous leave. This hybrid role provides the flexibility to work remotely part of the week, complemented by regular team engagement in our East London, Eastern Cape office. Career development opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge security technologies are key benefits.