Johannesburg: Network Security Architect

Qualifications & Experience Required: Matric plus a relevant IT diploma/degree (or equivalent experience). CCNA certification At least 4 years of experience in technical architecture or related roles. Relevant professional certifications are advantageous, such as: CCNP or equivalent networking certification Palo Alto PCNSA certification Cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect) CompTIA Security or equivalent security certifications Hands-on experience with firewall technologies (Palo Alto preferred) and multi-vendor network troubleshooting. Key Responsibilities: Solution Design & Architecture: Design comprehensive technical solutions that meet business requirements, produce detailed technical documentation and architecture diagrams, evaluate and recommend appropriate technologies, and ensure all solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with business goals. Projects & Implementation: Lead the technical delivery of solution implementation projects, coordinate with project teams and stakeholders, oversee deployment activities, and ensure successful transition from design to production. Research & Development: Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends, conduct proof-of-concepts, and assess the viability and ROI of new solutions to enhance business performance. Network Infrastructure & Security: Design scalable network architectures with a focus on performance, reliability, and integrated security. Architect firewall topologies (including NGFW and WAF), develop zero-trust frameworks, implement network segmentation strategies, and design secure cloud connectivity patterns. Business Collaboration: Work closely with business stakeholders to gather and interpret requirements, translate complex technical concepts into clear, business-friendly language, and present solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Vendor Management & Support: Engage and manage multiple technology vendors, evaluate products and services, negotiate technical specifications, and serve as the key technical liaison for vendor-led implementations. Incident Response & Support: Provide technical expertise during security incidents and outages, collaborate with security teams on investigations, participate in post-incident reviews, and document preventive measures.