Information Security Operations Lead at Dis-Chem in Midrand
Dis-Chem Pharmacies · Midrand, Gauteng
Overview
Dis-Chem Pharmacies is looking for a SecOps Lead to take charge of day-to-day security monitoring, detection, and response across its technology environment in Midrand. You will manage outsourced SOC and MSSP partners, coordinate incident handling, and help embed secure-by-design practices. This is a hands-on leadership role in a fast-paced retail pharmacy group that employs over 18,500 people across South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. If you have a strong security operations background and enjoy working with vendors, this could be a great next step for you.
About the role
As the Information Security Operations Lead at Dis-Chem, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operation of core security tools such as endpoint protection, email security, network monitoring, and SIEM or SOC integrations. You will work closely with outsourced SOC and MSSP providers to ensure effective alert triage, escalation, and round-the-clock coverage.
Your role will also involve coordinating end-to-end cyber incident handling, from analysis and containment to recovery, alongside the CISO, Infrastructure team, Technology Resilience team, and external vendors. You will maintain incident runbooks, conduct post-incident reviews, and drive actions to prevent recurrence.
In addition, you will implement secure configuration baselines for infrastructure, networks, endpoints, and cloud workloads, support the rollout of security guardrails within development squads, and provide coaching to security champions. You will partner with Enterprise Architecture to validate technical designs against CISO standards.
Only successful applicants will be contacted. If you have not been contacted within two weeks after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.Requirements
- Degree in Information Security, IT, Risk Management, or a related field, or at least 7 years' experience in a similar role
- 5+ years' experience in IT security or vendor risk management, preferably in a multi-vendor environment
- Exposure to outsourced service models, SOC or MDR providers, and cloud-hosted solutions
- Strong understanding of third-party risk, vendor security controls, and security assessment methods
- Knowledge of risk domains relevant to retail pharmacy, including hosting, data protection, resilience, availability, and integrations
- Familiarity with regulatory and contractual security requirements
- Ability to influence vendors and internal stakeholders toward secure-by-design decisions
- Strong negotiation and communication skills to articulate risks and required mitigations
Responsibilities
- Lead daily operation of core security tools, including endpoint protection, email security, network monitoring, and SIEM or SOC integrations
- Manage outsourced SOC and MSSP providers, ensuring effective alert triage, escalation, and 24/7 coverage
- Review critical alerts and prioritise response actions, coordinating with platform squads and IT operations to address vulnerabilities and misconfigurations
- Ensure logging, monitoring, and detection coverage across applications, infrastructure, cloud, and retail environments
- Oversee end-to-end cyber incident handling with the CISO, Infrastructure, Technology Resilience, and external vendors
- Maintain incident runbooks and ensure readiness for security events affecting stores, IT platforms, digital engagement, and data systems
- Conduct post-incident reviews and drive follow-up actions to reduce recurrence
- Implement and enforce secure configuration baselines for infrastructure, networks, endpoints, and cloud workloads
- Support rollout of security guardrails and secure-by-design patterns within development and integration squads
- Guide security champions within squads and provide practical coaching on controls, tooling, and remediation steps
- Partner with Enterprise Architecture to validate technical designs against CISO standards
Job details
- Organisation
- Dis-Chem Pharmacies
- Location
- Midrand, Gauteng
- Job type
- Full time
- Experience level
- Lead (5+ years)
- Education
- Bachelor
- Category
- IT & Software Development
- Application Method
- Apply manually
Success Guide
This is a great opportunity if you have solid experience in security operations and enjoy working with external partners. The role is based at Dis-Chem's head office in Midrand, so you will be part of a large, dynamic retail environment.
To stand out, tailor your CV to highlight your experience managing SOC or MSSP providers and your hands-on work with security tools like SIEM, endpoint protection, and cloud security. Be ready to talk about real incidents you have handled and how you improved security processes.
In interviews, expect questions about vendor management, incident response, and how you work with internal teams to implement secure configurations. Show that you can balance technical depth with strong communication skills, because you will be influencing both vendors and colleagues. Good luck!
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