Business Information Security Officer (BISO)

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Santam BITS has a career opportunity for a senior role of Business Information Security Officer (BISO) in the Business Information and Technology Services (Santam Technology Services) department, which will be based in the Western Cape or Gauteng.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and manage a Santam Business Unit (SBU) Information Security Programme.
• Implement cybersecurity awareness campaigns.
• Participate in Group Information Security Programme (GISP) initiatives.
• Information Security Governance and Assurance.
• Document processes and artefacts that prove that the relevant governance and assurance processes were implemented as designed.
• Information Security Incident Response and Cyber Crisis Management.
• Application (including cloud), Infrastructure Security, and Cybersecurity Education, Training and Awareness.
• The BISO will implement processes and controls as agreed with the Group Information Security Officer (GISO), GISP and the Group CIO.
• The BISO will be responsible for the quality and cost-effectiveness of information security services delivery in the SBU and will report on these metrics to the GISP and GISO.
• Provide regular feedback to Santam Manco on Group-wide information security issues.
• The BISO will report to the GISO on new initiatives, plans, and progress, which will be discussed with the Group Information Security Committee.Review and improve existing IT and Information
• Risk assessment, reporting and management practices.
• Update the Santam IT and Information Security Risk register.
• Document a security risk management action plan. This must include the relative priorities of agreed-upon actions, ownership of the actions, and agreed-upon timelines.
• Priorities will be aligned to Santam and GISP priorities. The BISO must have an action plan to implement these initiatives in Santam.
• Up to date and complete Santam cloud technology outsourcing and third-party register (where applicable).
• Review and respond to PSPG and risk acceptance requests within the agreed time.
• Clear and timely communication to management and users regarding planned group awareness campaigns.
• Risk assessment that identifies a requirement for additional awareness or targeted education, training, and awareness interventions.
• Alignment with the Group's annual security education, training and awareness plan.
• Document the logical access review schedule for Line of Business Applications, review the results, facilitate resolution, and report on the progress made in resolving issues identified during the reviews.
• Review and respond to all security-related audit findings.
• Report all cybersecurity incidents, or information security incidents (including privacy-related incidents) where the compromise was through technology to the Sanlam Group Technology (SGT) CSIRT

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be a primary contact for cybersecurity incidents identified by the SGT CSIRT.
• Ensure appropriate actions are taken when policy breaches are identified in the SBU.
• Assist by facilitating engagement and communication with key stakeholders in the Santam during a major incident.
• Produce Quarterly Group ISO Forum and GISP reports.
• Ensure that security 'gates' are a formal part of the SDLC/ Agile/ relevant solution development methodology.
• Interventions and role-players must be clearly specified.
• Active participation in Sanlam-sanctioned industry bodies (e.g. ISF Live, ISACA, FS-ISAC)
• Timeous escalation of new, high or escalating cybersecurity risks.
• Engage with application owners and the Group Cyber Security Centre (GCSC) Operations Team to ensure that system vulnerabilities identified during penetration tests, Red Team exercises, or vulnerability scans are addressed.
• Ensure that the Group CIO is aware of risks and actions required.
• Facilitate workshops and risk documentation during Control Self Assessments or Crown Jewel Risk Assessment processes.
• Find & provide root cause analysis and implement permanent and/or long-term fixes for cyber-related incidents.
• Strong understanding of integration between Workstations and Network/Servers.
• Installations and monitoring of devices using automated tools (e.g. SCCM) & scripting.
• Responsible for maintaining a configuration register of assets and licenses.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Information Systems or other related field, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience.
• Cyber and information security certifications (such as CISM, CISSP, CCSP, CISA, ISO 27000 Lead Implementer/ Auditor) are in force. If the candidate does not possess such certifications, evidence is required that the candidate is studying toward them.

COMPETENCIES

• High Stress Tolerance.
• Building and maintaining relationships.
• Teamwork and ability to function independently.
• Facilitation Skills.
• Adaptability.
• Attention to detail.
• Planning and organising.
• Interpersonal savvy. 

Our commitment to transformation

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover—we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short-term opportunities. 

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro-inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive. 

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!