Snr Manager: IT Security & Data Networks

Job Purpose

• To provide strategic leadership, governance and operational oversight for Cell C's Information Technology Security, Data Networks, Internet Protocol IP Services, Enterprise Connectivity and Security Infrastructure environments. The role is accountable for ensuring the availability, integrity, confidentiality and resilience of enterprise network and security platforms while driving the execution of cybersecurity strategies, network architecture roadmaps, regulatory compliance requirements and operational service excellence.
• The incumbent will lead multidisciplinary technical teams and managed service providers to ensure secure, reliable and scalable technology environments that support business objectives, digital transformation initiatives, operational continuity and customer service requirements. The role will further drive innovation, risk reduction and continuous optimisation of enterprise security and network services in alignment with Cell C's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities IT Security Strategy & Governance

• Develop and implement enterprise security strategies, frameworks and operating models
• Establish cybersecurity policies, standards and security controls across the technology estate
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislative, regulatory and governance requirements
• Drive security risk assessments and remediation programmes
• Manage enterprise security audits and compliance activities
• Develop information security roadmaps aligned to business objectives
• Report security posture, risk exposure and mitigation strategies to executive stakeholders

Data Networks Management

• Lead the design, implementation and optimisation of enterprise network infrastructure
• Ensure high availability and performance of LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, ISP, Data Centre and cloud connectivity environments
• Oversee network architecture planning and capacity management
• Drive operational stability and service performance improvements
• Ensure proactive monitoring and rapid resolution of network incidents
• Maintain network resilience and redundancy standards

Cyber Security Operations

• Oversee Security Operations Centre SOC related activities and security monitoring
• Direct vulnerability management, threat intelligence and incident response activities
• Lead implementation and management of firewalls, IDS/IPS, endpoint security, identity and access management, privileged access management, network access control and security monitoring platforms
• Ensure effective cyber incident management and recovery processes

Technology Service Delivery

• Ensure effective delivery of network and security services
• Drive operational excellence across managed services
• Maintain service continuity and disaster recovery readiness
• Establish service improvement initiatives
• Monitor technology service performance and customer satisfaction

Vendor, Contract & Financial Management

• Lead strategic vendor relationships across network and security domains
• Monitor managed service performance against contractual obligations
• Drive contract compliance and service optimisation
• Manage departmental budgets and cost optimisation initiatives
• Develop business cases and investment recommendations

Business Continuity & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity strategies
• Ensure resilience of critical network and security environments
• Manage operational and cyber security risks
• Drive testing and validation of recovery plans

Leadership & People Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing technical team
• Create a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement
• Drive workforce capability development and succession planning
• Coach and mentor managers, specialists and technical professionals
• Support organisational transformation and talent retention initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum NQF 7 in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Cyber Security or related field
• Preferred: Postgraduate Degree NQF 8 in Information Technology, Cyber Security, Engineering or Business Management
• Professional certifications: CISSP, CISM, CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Check Point, CEH, ITIL, COBIT and/or equivalent

Experience

• 8 - 10 years' experience in Enterprise IT Networks, Cyber Security, Information Security Governance, ISP Operations, Infrastructure Operations or related field
• 5+ years management experience in technical leadership, vendor management, operational management and strategic technology leadership

Special Requirements

• Ability to manage multidisciplinary technical teams and managed service providers
• Strong governance, compliance, risk management and executive stakeholder reporting capability
• Ability to support operational continuity, digital transformation and service excellence across enterprise security and network services