Job Description

Cybersecurity Head Job Opportunity in South Africa

Company: Discovery Limited
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
Position: Cybersecurity Head
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Information Security & Cyber Risk Management
Salary: ZAR 1,600,000 – ZAR 2,800,000 per annum (based on qualifications, certifications, leadership experience, and industry expertise)
Reporting To: Group Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Company Overview

Discovery Limited is one of South Africa’s leading financial services and insurance groups, operating across health insurance, life insurance, banking, investments, and wellness solutions. With millions of customers and a strong digital ecosystem, Discovery places cybersecurity, data protection, and technology resilience at the center of its business operations.

Position Summary

Discovery Limited is seeking a highly experienced Cybersecurity Head to lead enterprise-wide information security programs, cyber risk management initiatives, security governance, threat intelligence operations, and digital resilience strategies. The successful candidate will oversee security teams, cybersecurity frameworks, incident response capabilities, and regulatory compliance programs while supporting business innovation and digital transformation.

This role is ideal for professionals pursuing Cybersecurity Head jobs in South Africa, information security jobs in Johannesburg, and executive-level cybersecurity leadership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute enterprise cybersecurity strategies.
• Lead cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance programs.
• Establish and maintain information security policies and standards.
• Oversee Security Operations Center (SOC) activities and monitoring.
• Direct cyber threat intelligence and vulnerability management initiatives.
• Lead incident response, cyber crisis management, and recovery programs.
• Implement enterprise-wide cyber risk management frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, ISO 27001, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee penetration testing and security assessment programs.
• Collaborate with technology, legal, risk, and business teams.
• Manage third-party cybersecurity risk assessments.
• Drive cloud security and digital transformation security initiatives.
• Present cybersecurity performance reports to executive leadership.
• Build security awareness and employee training programs.
• Develop long-term cybersecurity roadmaps aligned with business objectives.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline.
• Master’s Degree in Information Security, Cybersecurity, Technology Management, or Business Administration preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC, CEH, GIAC, or ISO 27001 Lead Implementer highly desirable.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in cybersecurity, information security, technology risk, or cyber governance.
• At least 5 years in senior cybersecurity leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing enterprise security programs.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and cyber risk frameworks.
• Experience within financial services, banking, insurance, or large enterprise environments preferred.

Core Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in:

Cybersecurity Leadership, Information Security Management, Cyber Risk Management, SOC Operations, Cloud Security, Cybersecurity Jobs in South Africa, Cyber Defense Operations, Executive Security Leadership, Cybersecurity Manager Jobs in South Africa, Technology Risk Management, Data Protection Compliance, and Enterprise Security Strategy.

Training & Professional Development

The selected candidate will receive:

• Executive cybersecurity leadership programs.
• Advanced threat intelligence training.
• Cloud security certification sponsorship.
• Global cybersecurity conference participation opportunities.
• Regulatory compliance workshops.
• Leadership and strategic management development programs.
• Continuous professional learning support.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive compensation package.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Pension and retirement benefits.
• Hybrid work flexibility (where applicable).
• Executive wellness programs.
• Professional certification sponsorship.
• Career advancement opportunities within a leading multinational organization.

Professionals seeking jobs in South Africa and Cybersecurity Head jobs in Johannesburg are encouraged to apply. This role is particularly suitable for candidates interested in information security jobs in South Africa, cyber risk jobs in Johannesburg, and technology leadership jobs in South Africa.

Candidates can explore additional employment opportunities through cybersecurity jobs in South Africa for vacancies across cybersecurity, finance, engineering, and executive leadership sectors.

Applicants searching for jobs in Cape Town, cybersecurity manager jobs in South Africa, IT security jobs in Johannesburg, and cloud security jobs in South Africa will find this position highly rewarding.

Professionals interested in broader African career opportunities may also review openings listed at cyber security jobs in Ghana while exploring regional technology leadership pathways.

The role is attractive to candidates pursuing chief information security officer jobs, enterprise security jobs in South Africa, cyber governance jobs in Johannesburg, and security operations jobs in South Africa.

Individuals seeking international exposure and broader professional opportunities may benefit from reviewing vacancies available through cybersecurity jobs in Egypt  as part of their long-term career development planning.

Additional employment opportunities across East Africa can also be explored through cybersecurity jobs in Uganda for professionals interested in regional technology and cybersecurity careers.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit:

• Updated CV/Resume.
• Cover Letter.
• Academic qualifications.
• Professional certifications.
• Contact details of professional references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and further assessment.