Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Hybrid role

Training programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager to lead our Pretoria-based SOC team. This leadership role oversees daily operations, threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring, shaping SOC processes and tool governance.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in information security with 3+ years in SOC leadership, strong SIEM/SOAR knowledge, and relevant CISSP/CISM/GIAC certifications are highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 7 years in information security, with at least 3 years in leadership within a SOC.
• Proven experience with security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.
• In-depth knowledge of SIEM technologies, log analysis, and security event correlation.
• Experience with SOAR platforms and security orchestration is a plus.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC (e.g., GCIH, GCIA) are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the Security Operations Center (SOC) team, including staffing, training, and performance management.
• Oversee the 24/7 monitoring of security alerts and events, ensuring timely and accurate detection and response.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOC procedures, playbooks, and operational workflows.
• Manage and optimize SOC tools, including SIEM, SOAR, IDS/IPS, and threat intelligence platforms.
• Lead and coordinate incident response efforts, ensuring effective containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to enhance threat detection capabilities and incident response readiness.
• Analyze security trends and provide regular reports to senior management on the organization's security posture and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the SOC to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Security operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / Information Security

CISSP/CISM/GIAC certifications desirable

Tools

SIEM

SOAR

IDS/IPS

Threat intelligence platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and strategic Security Operations Center (SOC) Manager to lead their dedicated SOC team in **Pretoria, Gauteng**. This leadership role is responsible for the oversight of daily SOC operations, including threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring. You will play a crucial role in developing and refining SOC processes, managing security technologies, and ensuring the continuous improvement of the organization's ability to detect and respond to cyber threats. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, extensive experience in security operations, and a comprehensive understanding of security event analysis, threat intelligence, and incident management frameworks. This is a pivotal position to enhance and maintain a robust security defense posture for a prominent organization in **Pretoria**.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the Security Operations Center (SOC) team, including staffing, training, and performance management.
• Oversee the 24/7 monitoring of security alerts and events, ensuring timely and accurate detection and response.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOC procedures, playbooks, and operational workflows.
• Manage and optimize SOC tools, including SIEM, SOAR, IDS/IPS, and threat intelligence platforms.
• Lead and coordinate incident response efforts, ensuring effective containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to enhance threat detection capabilities and incident response readiness.
• Analyze security trends and provide regular reports to senior management on the organization's security posture and risks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the SOC to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in information security, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role within a SOC environment.
• Proven experience managing security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response operations.
• In-depth knowledge of SIEM technologies, log analysis, and security event correlation.
• Strong understanding of various attack vectors, threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
• Experience with SOAR platforms and security orchestration is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions during security incidents.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC certifications (e.g., GCIH, GCIA) are highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits including medical and pension plans, and opportunities for career advancement. You will benefit from a supportive management structure and a culture that prioritizes continuous learning and professional development. This hybrid role allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, situated in **Pretoria**. Employees have access to cutting-edge security technologies and training programs. Join a dedicated team focused on protecting critical information assets and making a significant impact on the organization's security.