At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security architecture and assurance for defence programmes, ensuring secure systems and platforms.
- Company: Boutique defence consultancy focused on national security and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to mentor, and work in mission-critical environments.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape secure-by-design solutions and make a real impact in national security.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in security architecture and active DV clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 140000 € per year.
A boutique defence consultancy is seeking a Chief Architect to lead cyber security architecture and assurance across sensitive defence and national security programmes. This is a senior client-facing role for someone who can set architectural direction, provide design authority, and lead assurance activity in highly secure, mission-critical environments.
The successful candidate will shape secure-by-design solutions, oversee architecture governance, support bids and growth, and act as a trusted advisor to defence clients and senior stakeholders. The role requires active DV clearance and substantial on-site delivery in secure locations.
Responsibilities- Lead cyber security architecture and assurance across multiple defence programmes, providing senior technical oversight and direction.
- Act as design authority for secure systems and platforms, identifying risks and driving proportionate mitigation.
- Define security architecture standards, principles, and reusable patterns across consultancy engagements.
- Support governance, accreditation, RMADS, and wider assurance activities with clients and authorities.
- Work with senior stakeholders to turn security requirements into practical, scalable architectural outcomes.
- Contribute to bids, solution shaping, and capability growth within the consultancy.
- Mentor consultants and architects, helping build a high-performing cyber architecture capability.
- Strong background in senior security architecture roles within defence, national security, or government.
- Proven experience leading cyber security architecture assurance for complex, high-assurance systems or programmes.
- Deep knowledge of secure system design, threat modelling, risk management, and architecture review.
- Experience working within defence or HMG security frameworks and formal assurance processes.
- Strong stakeholder skills, with the credibility to operate across client leadership, technical teams, and delivery functions.
- Broad security architecture expertise across enterprise, solution, cloud, infrastructure, application, and data domains.
- Strong understanding of assurance, governance, and secure-by-design delivery in classified environments.
- Active DV clearance is essential.
- Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, SABSA, TOGAF, or equivalent are desirable.
- Must hold ChCSP (Security Architecture) or equivalent UKCSC Chartered title and supporting evidence.
Chief Security Architect employer: Apex Resources Ltd
As a boutique defence consultancy, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer extensive growth opportunities and mentorship for our team members, ensuring they are equipped to lead in the dynamic field of cyber security. Located in secure environments, our team enjoys the unique advantage of working on mission-critical projects that contribute to national security, all while being supported by a competitive salary and benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the defence and cyber security sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice common interview questions related to cyber security architecture and think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your expertise. We want you to shine when you get that chance to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach for each opportunity. Research the company and its projects, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. We’re all about making connections that matter, so show them why you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Let’s get you on the path to landing that Chief Security Architect role!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in cyber security architecture and assurance, especially in defence or national security. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Chief Security Architect role. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor in high-stakes environments.
Showcase Your Certifications:Don’t forget to mention your relevant certifications like CISSP, CISM, or TOGAF. These credentials are important to us and show that you’re serious about your professional development in cyber security.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apex Resources Ltd
✨Know Your Cyber Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of cyber security architecture and assurance. Be ready to discuss specific frameworks, standards, and methodologies you've used in past roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or mentored others in the past. Highlight your experience in turning security requirements into actionable plans.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the consultancy and their clients thoroughly. Understand their mission-critical environments and the specific challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you can act as a trusted advisor who understands their unique context.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to secure system design, risk management, and threat modelling. Brush up on your knowledge of relevant certifications like CISSP or TOGAF, and be prepared to discuss how these apply to real-world scenarios in defence and national security.
