Security Solution Architect (London)

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. Over the past few years, we've made significant investments in our data and tech capabilities, particularly within our CIO function. Our CIO team is at the forefront of driving innovation and ensuring our technology infrastructure supports our ambitious goals. We’ve nurtured our 4Cs culture, fostering collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.

We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The CIO team plays a crucial role in this journey, working on cutting-edge projects that enhance our digital presence and improve customer engagement.

We provide insurance to over four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure, we would love to hear from you. Our CIO team is always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference and contribute to our success.

We are seeking an experienced Security Architect with deep expertise in Microsoft Azure security to join our team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing secure, scalable, and resilient cloud architectures, ensuring compliance with security standards, and driving security best practices across our Azure environment.

Job Details

You will be at the forefront of designing, developing, and maintaining secure Azure cloud architectures that meet stringent business and compliance requirements. Your role will involve leading security reviews and threat modeling activities for cloud-based solutions, implementing robust Azure-native security controls such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud, Sentinel, Key Vault, Azure Policy, and RBAC.

You will define and enforce rigorous security configuration standards, baselines, and hardening guides for Azure resources, collaborating closely with DevOps and Engineering teams to integrate security seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines (DevSecOps). Conducting thorough risk assessments and gap analyses will be part of your remit, as will developing comprehensive remediation strategies.

Your responsibilities will include maintaining detailed documentation on security architecture, patterns, and practices, advising on critical aspects such as data protection, identity and access management, network security, and incident response within Azure. Staying abreast of the latest Azure security capabilities, threats, vulnerabilities, and industry trends will be essential.

You will also support audit, compliance, and regulatory requirements, ensuring adherence to standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR, and safeguarding the integrity and confidentiality of our systems and data.

Skills we would love you to have

• Proven experience as a Security Architect or similar role with a focus on Azure security.

• Deep knowledge of Azure services and security features (e.g., NSGs, Private Endpoints, Azure Firewall, Conditional Access).

• Experience with Azure AD, role-based access control (RBAC), and identity federation.

• Strong understanding of network and application security principles.

• Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code (e.g., Bicep, ARM templates, Terraform).

• Hands-on experience with SIEM tools, ideally Azure Sentinel.

• Understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., CIS Benchmarks, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).

• Excellent problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Relevant certifications such as AZ-500, SC-100, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert.

• Experience in regulated environments (e.g., finance, healthcare, government).

• Familiarity with multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environments.

What we offer

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company, and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training, and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

Reward

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year)

Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme – All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing – as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI) This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.

Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental Wellbeing programme – At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own, in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs

There's more! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve.

We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated – fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or throughout your journey with us at Hastings, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

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