Junior IT Security Engineer

Dis-Chem Pharmacies has an opportunity available for a Junior IT Security Engineer, reporting into the Information Security Operations (SecOps) Lead and guided by Senior IT Security Engineers, is an entry-level technical role supporting the protection, monitoring, and resilience of Dis-Chem’s technology environments. The role focuses on building foundational cyber security and security operations capability while providing supervised support across security monitoring, vulnerability management, endpoint and infrastructure security controls, and incident response activities. The Junior IT Security Engineer contributes to operational security tasks, investigation support, control execution, and documentation, developing the skills required to progress into senior security engineering or specialist roles. The role operates within a security-critical, regulated retail environment, adhering strictly to information security policies, procedures, and defined escalation paths to protect systems, data, and customer trust.

• Diploma, Degree or Accreditation in Information Technology, or related field
• 1-2 years’ experience in IT operations, security support, or technical roles
• Exposure to security tools, monitoring, or vulnerability management advantageous
• Foundational knowledge of networks, operating systems, and security principles beneficial

Responsibilities

Security operations delivery & learning

• Provide Level 1-2 security operations support under supervision
• Assist with monitoring and triage of security alerts from security tooling and platforms
• Support basic incident investigation, evidence collection, and escalation activities
• Assist with vulnerability scanning, remediation tracking, and control validation tasks
• Build understanding of end-to-end security dependencies across applications, infrastructure, cloud, and networks

Quality, testing & operational support

• Support validation and testing of security controls and configurations
• Assist with root-cause analysis of security incidents and recurring vulnerabilities under guidance
• Follow security incident, change, and problem management processes consistently
• Support security readiness during peak trading and critical business periods
• Contribute to continuous improvement of security operational practices

Governance & ways of working

• Adhere to information security policies, standards, and operating procedures
• Operate strictly within approved controls, segregation-of-duties, and escalation frameworks
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, audit, and security requirements (e.g. data protection, retail security controls)
• Maintain accurate security documentation, evidence, and operational records
• Escalate security risks, uncertainties, or control concerns promptly to senior security engineers or the SecOps Lead

Ways of working (Agile & squad-based)

• Work as part of a Security Operations (SecOps) squad under senior guidance
• Participate in planning, coordination, and operational activities as appropriate
• Learn through hands-on security operations delivery, coaching, and structured feedback
• Operate with discipline, accountability, and a continuous improvement mindset
• Build security engineering capability while supporting stable, secure business operations

Competencies

• Foundational understanding of information security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, controls)
• Structured, analytical problem-solving approach
• High attention to detail and accuracy in investigation and execution
• Ability to follow defined security procedures, controls, and escalation paths
• Willingness to learn and develop across cyber security and technology domains
• Reliable, disciplined, and risk-aware mindset

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely resolution of assigned security incidents, alerts, and service requests
• Accuracy and quality of investigation notes, escalation handovers, and documentation
• Reduction in repeat security issues caused by configuration or execution errors
• Adherence to MTTR targets for Level 1-2 security incidents and alerts
• Compliance with security standards, policies, and approved procedures
• Accuracy and completeness of security control tasks executed under supervision
• Quality of security documentation (runbooks, evidence, findings, updates)
• Demonstrated progression in security and technical capability
• Effective use of coaching and feedback from senior security engineers
• Contributes positively to team culture, engagement, and continuous improvement

• South African citizen
• MIE, clear criminal and credit
• Driver’s license and/or own reliable transport

Remuneration and benefits:

• Market related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.