Senior Information Security Specialist (Remote)

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

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking a Senior Information Security Specialist to drive security posture from a fully remote position within South Africa. You will lead risk assessments, design advanced controls, and guide policies while coordinating with IT and business units to protect critical data assets.

The role requires 6+ years in information security, with expertise in risk management, vulnerability assessment, and incident response.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information security, CS, or related field required.
• 6+ years of progressive information security experience.
• Certifications like CISSP/CISM are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of advanced security solutions and controls.
• Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analyses across systems.
• Develop security policies, standards, and procedures to address threats.
• Manage security projects from initiation to completion.
• Provide guidance on information security best practices to stakeholders.
• Analyze incidents and craft remediation strategies.
• Stay updated on threats, trends, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to embed security into planning.

Skills

Risk management

Vulnerability assessment

Penetration testing

Network security

Cloud security

Compliance (NIST/ISO 27001)

Leadership

Incident response

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Security or related

CISSP/CISM desirable

Tools

SIEM

EDR

IDS/IPS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Information Security Specialist for a fully remote position. Based remotely within South Africa, you will play a critical role in enhancing and maintaining the overall security posture of the organization. This position demands extensive knowledge in identifying, assessing, and mitigating complex security risks. You will be responsible for leading security projects, developing advanced security strategies, and ensuring adherence to industry best practices and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, capable of working independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. This role is essential for protecting our client's valuable data assets and maintaining operational integrity in an increasingly complex threat landscape. You will have the opportunity to leverage your expertise to drive significant improvements in security controls and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of advanced security solutions and controls.
• Conduct in-depth risk assessments and vulnerability analyses across diverse systems.
• Develop and refine security policies, standards, and procedures to meet evolving threats.
• Manage and oversee security projects from initiation to completion.
• Provide expert guidance on information security best practices to stakeholders.
• Analyze security incidents and develop effective response and remediation strategies.
• Stay current with emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to integrate security into strategic planning.
• Mentor junior security team members and contribute to their professional development.
• Ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws and industry regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Security, Computer Science, or a related discipline; advanced degrees or certifications (CISSP, CISM) are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in information security.
• Proven expertise in risk management, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing.
• Strong understanding of network security, cloud security (AWS, Azure), and endpoint security.
• Experience with security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001) and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex security projects independently.
• Experience with security technologies such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, and EDR solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote work environment.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility to work from home anywhere in South Africa. Our client provides excellent opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of Information Security. This is a significant opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a substantial impact remotely.