Principal Cloud Security Technical Architect

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Cloud Security Architect to serve as a senior cybersecurity presales leader, partnering with enterprise sales, consulting, alliance, and delivery teams to develop and position innovative cloud security solutions across South Africa and the Middle East & Africa.

This role will be responsible for helping clients securely adopt, modernize, and operate workloads across AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud while leveraging NTT DATA's cybersecurity portfolio, strategic hyperscaler relationships, and leading security technology partners including Palo Alto Networks.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, translating business, security, risk, and compliance requirements into differentiated cybersecurity solutions that accelerate digital transformation while reducing cyber risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead cybersecurity solution architect for strategic pursuits and large opportunities.
• Partner with account teams, client executives, and alliance partners to develop differentiated cybersecurity solutions.
• Lead client discovery sessions, executive workshops, and cybersecurity strategy engagements.
• Support RFI/RFP responses, solution narratives, technical proposals, and bid defenses.
• Design multi-cloud security architectures spanning AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Develop security reference architectures covering CSPM, CNAPP, IAM, Data Protection, Network Security, DevSecOps, Kubernetes Security and Zero Trust.
• Position NTT DATA cybersecurity services across Cloud Security, IAM, UDR/MDR/MXDR, Threat Management, Data Security, Network Security, GRC and Cybersecurity Advisory.
• Act as the primary technical interface for hyperscaler and cybersecurity alliances.
• Support joint go-to-market initiatives with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Palo Alto, CyberArk, Okta, SailPoint and other strategic partners.
• Position modern SOC, MDR, MXDR, SIEM, SOAR, Threat Intelligence and Identity Threat Detection & Response solutions.
• Represent NTT DATA in client events, webinars, conferences and partner engagements.
• Mentor architects and support capability development across the cybersecurity practice.
   

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in cybersecurity, cloud architecture, or security consulting.
• 5+ years supporting presales, solution architecture, or cybersecurity consulting engagements.
• Deep expertise across AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud security services.
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust, Cloud Security, Identity Security, Security Operations, Threat Management, Cyber Resilience and GRC.
• Proven experience leading enterprise cybersecurity transformation initiatives.
• Strong executive presentation, workshop facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience developing solution proposals, business cases and RFP responses.
   

Preferred Certifications

Cloud:

• AWS Certified Security – Specialty
• AWS Solutions Architect Professional
• Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
• Google Professional Cloud Architect

Security:

• CISSP
• CCSP
• CISM
• CCSK
• GIAC Certifications

Vendor:

• Palo Alto Networks Certifications
• Microsoft Security Certifications
• CyberArk Certifications
• SailPoint Certifications
• Okta Certifications
   

Preferred Experience

• Experience with Palo Alto Prisma Cloud, Cortex XSIAM and Cortex XDR.
• Experience with Microsoft Defender Suite and Microsoft Sentinel.
• Experience with CNAPP, CSPM, CWPP, DSPM and SaaS Security solutions.
• Experience positioning MDR, MXDR, SOC transformation and managed security services.
• Understanding of Identity Security, ITDR, PAM, IGA and Zero Trust initiatives.
• Experience working with hyperscaler partner programs and alliance teams.
• Experience supporting cybersecurity transformation programs across regulated industries.
• Understanding of AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions and automation platforms.