Job Description

Senior Cyber Security Specialist - Architecture
Location: Cape Town (Hybrid, 3 days in office)
Type: Full-time, permanent
Recruiter: Redherd (on behalf of a major South African enterprise)
Role Overview
We are hiring a Senior Cyber Security Specialist to join a small, highly technical architecture and engineering team within a mature cyber security function. This role focuses on designing, maintaining, and evolving enterprise security architecture across both cloud and on-premise environments. You'll help define and drive security by design, zero trust principles, reference architecture standards, and proactive threat modelling across technology teams.
The ideal candidate is experienced in enterprise architecture, collaborative across business and engineering domains, and able to translate strategy into scalable, secure solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain and improve cybersecurity architecture for both on-premise and cloud environments
Contribute to the development of security reference architecture and reusable security patterns
Identify architecture enhancements (e.g. improved visibility, automation, noise reduction, consolidation)
Drive implementation of security by design across projects and business enablement
Conduct security architecture reviews and proactively identify design gaps
Support enterprise threat modelling activities and advise on technical risk
Own and promote security architecture principles and standards across teams
Contribute to security policies, guidelines, and procedures
Stay up to date with global security trends and incorporate them into team strategy
Collaborate across cyber, technology, and business stakeholders to align security architecture with strategic goals
Required Skills and Experience
8+ years experience in cyber and information security
3+ years in security engineering
3+ years in security architecture
Strong knowledge of cloud security architecture and enterprise infrastructure
Familiarity with security operations tools, frameworks, and processes
4-year IT qualification or relevant degree
Experience driving architectural reviews, risk assessments, and secure design
Ability to work independently and collaborate across technical and business functions
Advantageous Experience
Programming and scripting (e.g. Python, Bash)
Industry certifications such as AWS, Google Cloud, Palo Alto, Qualys
Experience maturing SOC capabilities or working with security automation
Exposure to AI/ML in security tooling
Practical experience with frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK
Understanding of PCI-DSS and regulatory requirements
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
Candidate Profile
You enjoy solving complex architectural problems, translating business needs into secure technical designs, and influencing secure-by-default practices across an organisation. You're comfortable navigating between strategic and hands-on work, and bring both leadership and technical depth to a role that supports real transformation.
To apply, contact Redherd or follow the application link.

Skills Required