Senior Cybersecurity Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Cybersecurity Specialist in the Western Cape region. The role focuses on protecting digital assets, implementing security controls, and proactively identifying vulnerabilities.

You will work within a dedicated security team to safeguard critical infrastructure and data. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in Computer Science or Cybersecurity, with 5+ years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, and possesses strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity operations.
• Proven experience with security technologies and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of network security, operating system security, and application security.
• Experience with incident response, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence.
• Knowledge of security frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001.
• Certifications such as Security+, CySA+, CEH are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Implement, configure, and manage cybersecurity tools and technologies (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, EDR).
• Monitor security systems for threats and anomalies; respond to incidents promptly.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses.
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Assist in the development and execution of incident response plans.
• Provide security guidance and support to IT staff and end-users.
• Stay current with cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.
• Contribute to security awareness training programs.
• Participate in security architecture reviews and recommend improvements.
• Perform security investigations and forensic analysis as needed.

Skills

Cybersecurity operations

Network security

Incident response

Threat intelligence

Security reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Cybersecurity

Tools

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

SIEM

EDR

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading technology firm in the heart of the winelands, Paarl, Western Cape , is searching for a highly skilled Senior Cybersecurity Specialist. This role is integral to protecting the organization's digital assets, infrastructure, and sensitive data from an ever-increasing array of cyber threats. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and managing security controls, responding to incidents, and proactively identifying vulnerabilities. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path for a cybersecurity professional looking to make a significant impact within a dynamic and innovative company. You will be part of a dedicated security team focused on maintaining the highest standards of protection and resilience. The role requires a deep technical understanding combined with strategic thinking to combat sophisticated cyber-attacks.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement, configure, and manage cybersecurity tools and technologies (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, EDR).
• Monitor security systems for threats and anomalies, and respond to security incidents in a timely manner.
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in systems and applications.
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Assist in the development and execution of incident response plans.
• Provide security guidance and support to IT staff and end-users.
• Stay current with the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and technologies.
• Contribute to security awareness training programs.
• Participate in security architecture reviews and recommend improvements.
• Perform security investigations and forensic analysis as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in cybersecurity operations or a related field.
• Proven experience with security technologies and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of network security, operating system security, and application security.
• Experience with incident response, vulnerability management, and threat intelligence.
• Knowledge of security frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.
• Strong communication and reporting abilities.
• Relevant cybersecurity certifications (e.g., Security+, CySA+, CEH) are a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple priorities.
• Must have valid work authorization for South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits package including medical and dental coverage, and a retirement savings plan.
• Employees benefit from generous paid time off and opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.
• The role is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Paarl, Western Cape .
• We foster a collaborative and supportive work environment with a strong focus on employee growth and well-being.
• This is an excellent opportunity for a cybersecurity professional to advance their career in a stimulating and growth-oriented company.