At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and governance of security architecture across various technology platforms.
- Company: Join AXA, a global leader in insurance and financial services.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work from home with occasional travel; excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping security strategies in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security and infrastructure architecture is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About AXA: AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them. As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance. We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.
AXA UK Support Functions look after our three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure and expertise to make sure we can be there for our customers.
We have a new opportunity for a Security Architect to join us within our Infrastructure Architecture team. You’ll be responsible for defining, governing and evolving the organisation’s security architecture across infrastructure, cloud, networks, platforms, endpoints, applications and identity services. This role provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure security is embedded into the design, delivery and operation of technology services. We’re looking for someone with broad cyber security knowledge, strong infrastructure and cloud architecture experience, sound commercial and risk judgement and the ability to balance security, resilience, regulatory obligations, operational efficiency and business needs.
Key responsibilities:
- Define, maintain and communicate the organisation’s security architecture, target state, roadmap, standards, principles and technical control requirements.
- Ensure security is considered from the earliest stages of technology design, procurement, implementation, change and operational transition.
- Work with Infrastructure and Cloud teams to ensure security controls are embedded into platform design, build standards, configuration baselines, patching and operational processes.
- Support the design and governance of network security controls, including network segmentation, firewalls, secure connectivity, remote access, web gateways, DNS security and network monitoring.
- Provide architectural governance for identity and access management capabilities, ensuring authentication, authorisation and access-control services are secure, scalable, auditable and aligned with business requirements.
- Review and assure security designs, architecture proposals, technology solutions and significant changes to ensure compliance with security policies, standards and approved architecture patterns.
- Lead or contribute to root-cause analysis following security incidents or material operational events, ensuring that lessons learned are incorporated into standards, architecture patterns and roadmaps.
Work arrangements:
At AXA we work smart, this role is non-office based meaning you can predominantly work from home or if in a field-based role, you’ll travel to visit offices or client sites as required. We’re also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.
Your skills & experience:
- Significant experience in cyber security, security architecture, infrastructure architecture or a related senior technical security discipline.
- Ability to design, govern and assure security controls across on-premises infrastructure, cloud services, SaaS platforms and hybrid technology estates.
- Cloud security principles and controls, ideally across Microsoft Azure, AWS and/or GCP.
- Expertise defining security architecture strategies, target architectures, roadmaps, standards, principles and technical control requirements.
- Competence leading security architecture reviews, technical risk assessments, threat modelling and design assurance activities.
- Proficiency contributing to large-scale transformation programmes, cloud adoption, infrastructure modernisation, application migration or major technology change.
- Ability to lead, mentor or develop technical teams, colleagues or delivery partners.
How to apply:
To apply, click on the ‘apply now’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to lauren.standen@axa-insurance.co.uk.
Security Architect employer: AXA Group
AXA XL in London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the insurance sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers in underwriting while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Architect
✨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 AXA Group, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
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 AXA Group
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at AXA Group. 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 Security Architect
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 AXA Group 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 AXA Group that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at AXA Group
✨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.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at AXA Group 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 AXA Group.
✨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.
