Principle Cyber Architect

Principal Cyber Architect Location: Hybrid (UK-based, Near Staines) Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £85,000 – £102,500 + Benefits Foundations Executive Search is proud to be partnering with a nationally significant organisation delivering complex, high-availability services across multiple platforms. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Cyber Architect to lead the evolution of enterprise-wide security architecture—combining high-level strategic influence with hands-on engagement across key technology projects. This is a senior-level opportunity for an architect who thrives at the intersection of enterprise security uplift, cloud innovation, and stakeholder engagement. The organisation is undergoing significant digital transformation, and this role plays a central part in ensuring security is baked into every layer of strategy and execution. The Opportunity As Principal Cyber Architect, you’ll define and deliver security architecture that meets the demands of a fast-evolving risk landscape. Working in close collaboration with cross-functional delivery teams and cyber assurance leads, you’ll shape the enterprise cyber roadmap, influence technical governance, and ensure the successful implementation of secure-by-design principles across critical projects. The role is especially suited to someone with deep expertise in cloud security (particularly AWS ), experience supporting strategic security uplift at an enterprise level, and a proven ability to work with technical and business stakeholders to ensure robust, scalable, and forward-looking architectural outcomes. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Set the direction for enterprise-wide security architecture, supporting organisational cyber maturity goals and uplift programmes. Design Ownership: Lead the creation, justification, and communication of secure architectural designs across a diverse portfolio of digital projects. Collaboration: Partner closely with agile product and platform teams, ensuring security architecture aligns with delivery needs. Cloud Security: Act as a subject matter expert for secure cloud design—especially in AWS environments. Reference Architecture & Governance: Define architectural principles, develop reference models, and represent cyber architecture in enterprise governance forums. Stakeholder Influence: Engage with senior technical and non-technical stakeholders to shape decision-making and ensure alignment with cyber strategy. Threat Awareness: Continuously assess emerging security risks and advise on proactive control improvements. Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the development of internal security standards and foster a culture of security awareness and innovation. What You’ll Bring Skills & Attributes A strong mix of strategic thinking and technical credibility Ability to guide technical teams while influencing non-technical stakeholders Deep understanding of security architecture within large, complex enterprises Confident communicator with excellent documentation and presentation skills Experience Extensive experience in cybersecurity architecture , including cloud environments (AWS preferred) Experience leading or contributing to enterprise security uplift strategies Familiarity with secure systems design, agile delivery frameworks, and DevSecOps practices Knowledge of architectural frameworks such as TOGAF, SABSA, or equivalent Relevant certifications such as CISSP, ISSAP , or equivalent desirable Experience in regulated or high-availability environments is advantageous Why Apply? This is a unique opportunity to operate at the highest level of security architecture within a nationally critical organisation. With ambitious transformation underway, your work will shape how security underpins resilience, agility, and innovation at scale. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and the opportunity to influence meaningful change in a highly collaborative environment