Role: Lead Security Architect

Location: Leeds (Hybrid)

Salary: up to £82,000

Package Includes: Bonus, Generous Pension, Private Medical

Start Date: ASAP

An influential UK Financial Services organisation is growing its Cyber Security Architecture capability and is seeking a Lead Security Architect to join a highly respected security function.

This role is ideal for an experienced security professional who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to influence senior stakeholders. You'll act as the security authority across a range of strategic technology initiatives, helping shape secure solutions across cloud, infrastructure, network and SaaS environments.

This is not a governance-only or enterprise architecture role. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in the technical detail, challenging designs, engaging with subject matter experts, and understanding exactly how systems, networks, protocols and technologies can be exploited and secured.

The Opportunity

Working within a specialist Cyber Security Architecture team, you will provide security leadership across complex projects and programmes, some spanning multiple years and involving significant organisational change.

You'll partner closely with architects, engineers, delivery teams and business stakeholders to ensure security is embedded throughout the solution lifecycle, balancing business objectives with effective risk management.

The environment is predominantly Microsoft-focused and increasingly cloud-based, although the organisation is technology-agnostic when it comes to the skills and experience of successful candidates.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve security architecture principles, standards, patterns and roadmaps.
  • Champion a modern, threat-informed security posture focused on reducing organisational risk.
  • Act as the lead security SME on major technology programmes and projects.
  • Review solution designs, identify vulnerabilities and recommend pragmatic mitigation strategies.
  • Embed secure-by-design principles throughout discovery, design, build and delivery.
  • Lead security design reviews, governance activities and architectural assurance processes.
  • Work closely with Enterprise Architects, Solution Architects and engineering teams to provide security expertise, options and risk-based recommendations.
  • Evaluate security considerations across cloud, infrastructure, networking and SaaS solutions.
  • Communicate complex security concepts, risks and trade-offs to both technical and senior business audiences.
  • Influence technical decisions whilst balancing security, resilience and delivery outcomes.

Essential Skills & Experience

  • Strong background within Security Architecture, Cyber Security Engineering, Security Operations, Incident Response, Infrastructure Architecture, Network Architecture or a related technical security discipline.
  • Excellent understanding of networking fundamentals, protocols, infrastructure design and security architecture principles.
  • Solid knowledge of encryption, authentication and common security technologies.
  • Experience assessing solution designs and technical documentation to identify vulnerabilities and security risks.
  • Ability to understand technical detail and translate vulnerabilities into meaningful business risk.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills with experience influencing both technical teams and senior decision-makers.
  • Track record of delivering secure solutions within complex enterprise environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Particularly Relevant Backgrounds

The hiring team is particularly interested in candidates who have progressed into security from technical disciplines such as:

  • Security Operations (SOC)
  • Incident Response
  • Penetration Testing
  • Infrastructure Engineering
  • Systems Administration
  • Network Engineering or Network Architecture

Candidates from government and other highly regulated environments are often well suited due to the breadth of technical exposure and security focus these environments can provide.

Desirable Experience

  • Knowledge of security frameworks including NIST, MITRE ATT&CK and ISO 27001.
  • Experience leading, mentoring or influencing technical teams.
  • Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM or equivalent.
  • Experience securing cloud and SaaS-based platforms.

What's on Offer?

  • Salary up to £82,000
  • Hybrid working model with approximately 50% office attendance
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Excellent pension and broader benefits package
  • Annual performance-related bonus
  • Private medical cover and income protection
  • Ongoing professional development and certification support
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