Enterprise Hybrid Cloud Platform Security Architect (Advisory) - Senior Manager - National Security

Important - due to the nature of the work, it is essential for applicants to hold current 'National Security Vetting’ aligned to a UK National Security organisation.

KPMG is part of a global network of firms that offers Audit, Tax, Consulting, Deal Advisory and Technology services. Through the talent of over 17,000 colleagues, we bring our creativity and insight to our clients’ most critical challenges. With offices across the UK, we work with everyone from small start-ups and individuals to major multinationals, in virtually every industry imaginable. Our work is often complex, yet our vision is simple: to be the clear choice for our clients, for our people and for the communities we work in.

KPMG’s Cloud practice is a rapidly growing team of consultants that helps clients transform the way they deliver technology services to business stakeholders. We help the UK’s largest and most complex organisations to:

• Develop strategies for the adoption and exploitation of cloud in conjunction with modernised on premises capabilities
• Build the operating models, architectures and capabilities to deliver value from Cloud and Hybrid platforms
• Help clients operate their cloud or hybrid estates effectively and cost‑efficiently over the long term.

We need Hybrid Platform Security Architects that are comfortable providing advice to C-suite leaders and senior client technologists across our whole client base but, in particular, this role will be aligned to our well‑established Defence Consulting team.

The National Security sector is one of KPMG’s key priority sectors, designated for high growth over the next three years. It is anticipated that this role will be a key contributor to that growth.

Enterprises, when starting on their cloud journey, often imagine that they will simplify their environment. The reality for many, however, is that adoption of cloud adds additional technologies and capabilities, drives divergence in operating models, often splits business processes across multiple tech stacks in different landing zones and, overall, adds significant complexity to the enterprise estate. The Hybrid Platform Security Architect is charged with ensuring that business objectives can be realised in a secure and compliant manner in this new more complex world. Security must be seen to be an enabler and not a bottleneck.

We are seeking vibrant technical leaders who can communicate and manage relationships with senior stakeholders, build compelling transformation journeys and be a key player in their delivery. You will have proven experience in helping clients to shape and deliver technology‑enabled change that delivers value, security, agility and efficiency.

You have experience of delivering complex large‑scale security solutions on cloud or hybrid environments and particularly integration into the wider enterprise. You must have a strong knowledge of both traditional security approaches, technologies and operating models, as well as a thorough appreciation of the security capabilities of the major cloud platforms (GCP, Azure and AWS). You understand, and can balance, the trade‑offs in using “one size fits all” vs “landing zone specific” security solutions. You should be conversant with IdAM solutions, and understand the principles and challenges behind zero‑trust‑based systems. You should have a thorough appreciation of different operating models associated with both legacy and cloud environments, and be able to contribute to operating model design and implementation. You should have experience with security testing and security auditing. You have real understanding of IT operating models including DevOps approaches and working practices and how to enhance security through their use. You can manage the security aspects of technical reviews and assessments of cloud strategy, roadmaps, cloud data models, cloud integration and cloud migration tools. Ideally you will hold recognised industry qualifications appropriate to the role and your seniority. You must be a practitioner as well as a theorist. You are passionate about technology, but thrive in multidisciplinary teams. You must be highly credible in front of both client and your colleagues. You will act as a source of support for customers, throughout the transformation journey, building relationships and helping to ensure the successful implementation of major change.

As a Senior Manager we will expect you to:

• Provide highly credible and informative thought leadership, based on real life experience.
• Design and build cloud/technology roadmaps, implementation strategies, transformation plans and high‑level architecture.
• Provide impartial assessment of cloud strategy and vendor technology proposals.
• Provide broad and detailed insight across a range of technology areas including integration and hybrid hosting scenarios.
• Contribute to the development of vibrant and profitable Cloud and Defence Consulting practices.
• Work with colleagues to maximise the use of our knowledge and experience.
• Share knowledge – coaching and advising colleagues.
• Develop strong client relationships with client stakeholders, to understand their business problems, and identify commercial opportunities for KPMG.

The role may be based at any of our UK offices with an expectation of being on‑site for a couple of days a week when not on client site. Note, however, that client constraints may result in a requirement to be on site for a significant proportion of the week (depending on project). Significant travel within the UK may be required.