Cyber Security Architect

Our large enterprise client are seeking an experienced and highly motivated freelance Cyber Security Architect to design and oversee the implementation of robust security architectures for our clients in Belgium. You will play a key role in shaping the security strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals, and mitigating risks across IT and OT environments. This role requires deep expertise in security frameworks, infrastructure, and cloud technologies, combined with excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive cybersecurity architecture strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Design secure, scalable, and resilient IT and OT security solutions, including network security, identity and access management, cloud security, and data protection.
• Lead threat modeling, risk assessments, and security impact analyses to guide architecture decisions.
• Collaborate with enterprise architects, security teams, and business units to integrate security controls throughout projects and operations.
• Define security standards, policies, and best practices based on industry frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, or GDPR.
• Evaluate and recommend security technologies, tools, and vendors to enhance the security posture.
• Provide expert guidance on secure cloud adoption (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and hybrid environments.
• Mentor and advise development, infrastructure, and security teams on secure design principles.
• Stay current on evolving cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and regulatory requirements impacting Belgium and the EU.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Extensive experience (5+ years) in cybersecurity architecture or related roles.
• Proven ability to design and implement enterprise security architectures across networks, cloud, endpoints, and applications.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, standards, and compliance regulations (GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001).
• Hands-on experience with identity and access management (IAM), Zero Trust, encryption, and cloud security architecture.
• Familiarity with threat modeling techniques, security risk assessments, and incident response processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; fluent in English; knowledge of French and/or Dutch is advantageous.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP-ISSAP, SABSA, TOGAF, CISM, or CCSP are highly desirable.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with OT/ICS security architecture is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and tools.
• Familiarity with security automation and orchestration (SOAR).
• Experience with Microsoft security stack (Defender, Sentinel) or other advanced security platforms.