Lead Security Architect in Leeds

You will be protecting systems that underpin the economy and modernising how our colleagues securely work every day. As Lead Security Architect, you'll set the direction for secure‑by‑design change, shape guardrails (patterns, principles, standards), and steer major programmes so that cyber security, simplicity, and user experience move forward together. You'll combine hands‑on architectural leadership with great stakeholder influence to ensure our platforms and delivery teams build secure, usable, and cost‑effective solutions from the start, blending strategy and delivery across systems hosted in our data centres, in the cloud and SaaS.

Flexible Working Options

• Job share
• Flexible start and end time each day
• Adapt calendar to fit school run, gym, or appointments
• 50% in‑office attendance, spread across the month
• Compressed hours (subject to approval)
• Working from abroad (subject to approval)

Opportunities in Leeds

We are expanding our presence in Leeds with a modern, accessible office in the city centre. Most roles, including this one, are now available in Leeds, offering a meaningful career outside London with regular collaboration and travel to the London office.

A Day in the Role

Your day typically begins with a project team stand‑up to discuss progress and challenges. You resolve any security issues that arise, ensuring projects stay on track. Meetings are often virtual but you have opportunities to travel to London. After lunch you review design proposals against security standards, identify risks, and collaborate with experts to devise mitigation strategies. The day also includes socialising within the bank’s clubs and activities.

Role Requirements

Minimum Criteria

• Solid understanding of common infrastructure design patterns
• Good grasp of encryption and networking protocols
• Experience in a cyber role involving stakeholder management
• Proficiency in reviewing technical documentation for design issues
• Ability to articulate vulnerabilities as risks
• Experience in writing technical documentation for technical and non‑technical audiences

Essential Criteria

• Champion a modern security posture focused on reducing attack surface
• Develop and evolve security patterns, principles, standards, and roadmaps
• Embed secure‑by‑design controls with solution architects and delivery teams
• Act as senior architectural voice for high‑impact initiatives and shape option analysis
• Drive design reviews and sign‑offs; ensure compliance with delivery and assurance frameworks
• Collaborate across technology and business domains to translate strategy into target designs
• Partner with Assurance team to land appropriate controls at each stage
• Communicate complex security choices simply in meetings, workshops, and roadmaps
• Broad and deep IT/security architecture experience with a track record of delivering secure designs and steering multi‑team programmes
• Strong stakeholder leadership, documentation, and communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, ISO 27001 and ability to apply them practically
• Team leadership experience (virtual or direct line)
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM)
• Eligibility to acquire DV clearance (must be British citizen with certain parental ties)

How This Role Fits into the Wider Bank

The Cyber Security Division (CSD) is dedicated to safeguarding the Bank of England from cyber‑attacks. Protecting a complex technology landscape across data centres, cloud and SaaS requires cross‑team collaboration and deep technical expertise. Your work will assess security of solutions proposed by various bank teams, contributing significantly to the Bank’s information security.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary aligned with role level
• Discretionary performance award
• 8% benefits allowance with options to take as salary or flexible benefits
• 26 days annual leave, with option to buy up to 12 additional days
• Private medical insurance and income protection
• Non‑contributory pension with career average scheme (1/80th of annual salary for each year)

National Security Vetting Process

Employment is subject to National Security Vetting and other Bank security checks, typically taking 6 to 12 weeks after the offer.

Inclusion

The Bank values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all colleagues regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We also support applicants under the Disability Confident Scheme.