At a Glance
- Tasks: Secure data platforms and AI initiatives while shaping innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Allwyn UK, a leader in responsible lottery operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible benefits, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving positive change in communities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring security in cutting-edge data and AI projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture and cloud-based environments required.
The predicted salary is between 76806 - 93874 £ per year.
Description
At the heart of everything we do is our vision to change lives every day, and our mission to grow The National Lottery responsibly and champion its impact.
We are Allwyn UK, part of the Allwyn Entertainment Group – a multi-national lottery operator with a market-leading presence across the USA (Michigan and Illinois) and Europe, including Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, Cyprus and Italy.
While the main contribution of The National Lottery to society is through the funds to good causes, at Allwyn we put our purpose and values at the heart of everything we do.
Join us as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime, largescale transformation journey by creating a National Lottery that delivers more money to good causes.
We’ll talk a bit more about us further down the page, but for now – let’s talk about the role and who we’re looking for…
A bit about the role
Working within Allwyn’s Data & AI function, the Data & AI Security Engineer is responsible for embedding security architecture and risk management directly into the design and delivery of Allwyn’s data platforms, analytics capabilities, and AI initiatives.
The role has a dotted‑line relationship into Enterprise Security, ensuring alignment with Allwyn’s security strategy, standards, and risk appetite, while operating day‑to‑day as a trusted security architecture partner to Data & AI delivery, engineering, and product teams.
The role exists to enable Data & AI teams to move quickly and safely, ensuring that platforms such as AWS Redshift, Reporting(Power BI), AWS Data platform systems and AI workloads are secure by design, compliant by default, and resilient at scale.
- What you’ll be doing
- Embedded Security Architecture & Engineering (Data & AI)
Act as the embedded security architect within Data & AI, shaping solutions from discovery through design and delivery.
- Lead the definition and application of security architecture patterns for AWS‑hosted data and analytics platforms, with a focus on Amazon Redshift, data pipelines, and supporting services.
- Define secure architectural approaches for AI and advanced analytics workloads, including data ingestion, model training, experimentation, inference, and integration into downstream services.
- Ensure designs address key security concerns such as data protection, identity and access management, encryption, environment segregation, monitoring, and resilience.
- Security Assurance & Risk Management
- Provide proactive security architecture assurance to Data & AI initiatives, ensuring early engagement and secure‑by‑design outcomes.
- Produce and maintain security artefacts including threat models, architectural risk assessments, solution security designs, and control definitions.
- Identify, articulate, and manage security risks arising from data usage, analytics, and AI adoption, supporting informed decision‑making where trade‑offs are required.
- Alignment with Enterprise Security
- Maintain strong alignment with Enterprise Security through a dotted‑line relationship, ensuring consistency with:
- Security strategy and standards
- Risk appetite and governance expectations
- Regulatory and compliance obligations
- Contribute to the evolution of enterprise security patterns, standards, and guidance based on practical experience from Data & AI delivery.
- Act as a trusted bridge between Data & AI teams and Enterprise Security, translating requirements in both directions in a pragmatic and delivery‑focused way.
- Stakeholder Collaboration & Influence
- Partner closely with Data Engineering, AI, Cloud Engineering, Architecture, and Product teams to influence design decisions and promote security‑first thinking.
- Engage confidently with senior technical and business stakeholders, explaining security risks and recommendations in clear, outcome‑focused terms.
- Support capability uplift by coaching engineers and architects on cloud, data, and AI security principles.
- What experience we’re looking for
- Proven experience operating as a Security Architect or senior security advisory practitioner within complex, cloud‑based environments.
- Strong practical experience securing AWS‑hosted data platforms, including Amazon Redshift and related analytics services.
- Demonstrable understanding of security architecture principles across:
- Cloud and platform security
- Data platforms and data pipelines
- Identity and access management
- Encryption and key management
- Experience assessing and mitigating security risks associated with AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics.
- Solid knowledge of recognised security frameworks and standards (e. g. NCSC CAF, ISO/IEC 27001, CIS Benchmarks).
- Ability to balance technical depth with delivery pragmatism, providing advice that enables progress while remaining defensible.
- Experience working in agile, product‑centred, or project‑based delivery environments.
About us
At Allwyn, we are dedicated to changing lives and growing the National Lottery responsibly, championing its positive impact on people, places, and the planet.
• Innovation - We pride ourselves on it!
We’re constantly looking for new ways to excite our customers, bringing new products to market to enjoy which is all supported by our responsible play values and making them accessible to all.
- Giving back – Did you know that playing the lottery generates around £30m a week for charities and good causes in the UK?
Our aim is to have doubled this number by the end of the first 10-year license.
- Sustainability – Our aim is to become a net zero national lottery.
We have 2030 targets to decarbonise our operations and energy.
We’ve already transitioned to renewable energy providers, made our London and Watford offices zero gas, and ensured our fleet consists of low-emission vehicles.
In addition, we’re working with our value chain partners to develop a net zero target date.
- Empowering every voice – We believe in creating a culture where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, has access to opportunities and can thrive for the benefit of good causes.
Our diverse teams are working hard to make all parts of The National Lottery inclusive – whether people play a game in a store or online, because when everyone can play, everyone wins..
An inclusive reward offering with wellbeing at the centre
At Allwyn, inclusion is built into how we care for our people.
Our benefits and policies support colleagues and their families at every stage of life and career.
By prioritising wellbeing and belonging, we create a workplace where everyone feels valued, rewarded, and empowered to succeed.
Our people are more than colleagues - they’re winners, driving positive change and making a real difference in communities.
Benefits
- Company Bonus Scheme
- Matched pension contributions up to 8.5%
- 26 days annual leave + 2 Life Days (and bank holidays)
- Single Private Health Cover
- Complimentary Private Medical
- Income Protection
- Flexible Benefits – EV Scheme, Money Coach, Will Writing, Mortgage Advice, Dental and Eye Care Schemes.
- Enhanced Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoption)
- Wellness Allowance £500
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted Health Assessments
- Volunteering Days
- Matched Funding
We are a Disability Confident Leader which means we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure our workplace is accessible and inclusive for disabled and neurodivergent colleagues and candidates.
As part of this we offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential requirements of the job.
If you need any assistance or adjustments to this job description or in the application process, please contact a member of the talent team at careers@allwyn. co. uk and we’ll be happy to help.
Data & AI Security Engineer in Watford employer: Allwyn UK
At Allwyn UK, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives and every voice is heard. As a Data & AI Security Engineer, you will not only play a pivotal role in securing our cutting-edge data platforms but also benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including generous leave, wellness initiatives, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying the support of a company that prioritises wellbeing and champions diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data & AI Security Engineer in Watford
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Allwyn UK, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
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Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Allwyn UK
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Allwyn UK. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Data & AI Security Engineer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Allwyn UK insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Allwyn UK that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allwyn UK
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
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Expect the interviewers at Allwyn UK to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Allwyn UK.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
