At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of security architecture for critical infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join a major UK Utilities organisation transforming its digital landscape.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, and generous pension and bonus schemes.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact team shaping secure enterprise architecture in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Security Architect with experience in IT/OT environments.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a transformative national programme.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 105000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds Area or Newcastle Area (Hybrid Working)
Salary: Up to £75,000 + 12% Pension + 15% Bonus + £3K Car Allowance
Employment Type: Permanent | Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP | Interviewing Now
Help shape the future of secure enterprise architecture. Join a major UK Utilities organisation leading a £100M transformation of its digital and operational technology estate. From ServiceNow implementation and back-office system upgrades to cloud integration and modernisation of on-premise data centres, this is a rare opportunity to architect security across one of the UK's most critical infrastructure environments.
As a Security Architect, you'll embed secure-by-design principles across IT and OT systems, working alongside Solution Architects and a dedicated Cybersecurity team. You'll guide technical decisions that ensure risk, compliance, and innovation are aligned from day one.
What You’ll Do
- Define and deliver enterprise-wide security architecture across hybrid cloud, on-prem, and OT environments.
- Collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders to embed security into solutions from design through to delivery.
- Develop reusable security patterns, architecture principles, and frameworks.
- Drive security architecture across digital programmes such as ITSM (ServiceNow) and back-office modernisation.
- Conduct threat modelling, risk analysis, and define security requirements for systems including remote access (VPNs) and secure OT-to-IT data exchange.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards such as ISO27001, NIS Directive, and NCSC's Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).
- Support long-term architectural planning, contributing to multi-year roadmaps and aligning solutions with regulatory and business strategy.
What You’ll Bring
- 3+ years of experience as a Security Architect, ideally in enterprise or regulated environments.
- Deep understanding of IT/OT architecture, including air-gapped systems and the Purdue model.
- Experience supporting large-scale transformation programmes with cloud, infrastructure, and legacy system exposure.
- Familiarity with industry standards and secure system development life cycles.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, able to align security decisions with business goals.
Desirable
- Hands-on experience with ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms.
- Familiarity with utilities, energy, or critical infrastructure sectors.
- Prior experience working with or in a Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
- OT security experience is highly beneficial, but we also welcome strong cloud/infrastructure candidates looking to grow in this space.
What You’ll Get
- Base Salary: Up to £70,000
- 12% Company Pension + Annual Bonus (up to 15%)
- Car Allowance (~£3K)
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Long-term career progression in a high-impact national infrastructure programme
Your Focus: Security Architecture. You’ll lead on design and governance, while working closely with a separate Cybersecurity team handling operational response and tooling. Apply now to play a strategic role in securing one of the UK's most ambitious digital transformations.
Contact Detail:
Harvey Nash Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific security frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as ISO27001 and the NCSC's Cyber Assessment Framework. Being able to discuss these frameworks in detail during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the company's needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the utilities and critical infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide you with insights into the challenges they face and how you can position yourself as a solution.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with hybrid cloud environments and on-premise systems. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully integrated security measures in these settings, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your stakeholder engagement skills by preparing examples of how you've collaborated with both technical and non-technical teams in past projects. Highlighting your ability to align security decisions with business goals will be key in demonstrating your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Security Architect. Focus on your understanding of IT/OT architecture, cloud transformation, and any hands-on experience with ServiceNow or similar platforms.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for security architecture and how your skills align with the company's goals. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to embed secure-by-design principles.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Provide examples in your application that illustrate your strong stakeholder engagement skills. Highlight instances where you successfully aligned security decisions with business objectives.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Emphasise your familiarity with industry standards such as ISO27001 and the NIS Directive. This will show your understanding of compliance requirements and your ability to ensure adherence within the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey Nash
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Security Architect does, especially in the context of IT and OT environments. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as threat modelling and compliance with standards like ISO27001.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in security architecture, particularly in enterprise or regulated environments. Highlight any large-scale transformation programmes you've supported, especially those involving cloud and legacy systems.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your strong stakeholder engagement skills by preparing examples of how you've collaborated with both technical and non-technical teams. Be ready to explain how you align security decisions with business goals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards
Brush up on relevant industry standards and frameworks, such as the NIS Directive and NCSC's Cyber Assessment Framework. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your commitment to compliance and best practices in security architecture.