At a Glance
- Tasks: Design secure technology solutions and guide teams through architecture and design.
- Company: Join a global retail organisation with a focus on innovation and security.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security in technology while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Solution Architecture with strong security expertise.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Caraffi is recruiting on behalf of our client, a global retail organisation, for an experienced Solution Architect – Security to join their Technology Strategy & Architecture function. This is a permanent role within a growing architecture practice, supporting large‑scale transformation across the business. This position will play a key role in shaping secure‑by‑design technology solutions, strengthening enterprise security posture, and guiding delivery teams through end‑to‑end architecture and design.
What You’ll Do
- Design secure‑by‑design solutions across complex enterprise environments, ensuring alignment to architectural and security standards
- Translate security policies and regulatory requirements into practical, implementable solution designs
- Define security non‑functional requirements and ensure they are embedded throughout delivery
- Provide end‑to‑end design oversight within delivery teams, ensuring consistency, quality and risk mitigation
- Identify and address security risks early in the design lifecycle
- Collaborate with stakeholders across technology, cyber, engineering and business functions
- Support governance processes including design reviews, assurance and documentation
- Advise on security tooling such as logging, monitoring and identity protection
- Contribute to cloud security design, with a focus on Azure environments
- Engage in audits, reviews and assessments to ensure compliance and continuous improvement
What You’ll Bring
- 5+ years’ experience designing and delivering enterprise‑scale technology solutions
- Strong background in Solution Architecture within complex organisations
- Deep expertise across key security domains including IAM (Entra ID, AD, SSO), network security, application security, data protection and encryption
- Ability to translate security requirements into actionable solution designs
- Experience working with Azure cloud security and cloud‑native security services
- Familiarity with security tooling for monitoring, identity protection and logging
- Strong communication skills, able to explain security concepts to non‑technical audiences
- Experience working embedded within delivery teams providing architectural oversight
- Solid understanding of systems development lifecycles and delivery best practice
- Minimum 8 years in technology with relevant degree or professional qualifications
- Exposure to regulated environments (PCI‑DSS, GDPR)
- Knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST or ISO 27001
- Familiarity with Zero Trust principles
- Experience with DevSecOps and secure engineering practices
- Understanding of cloud‑native security services (Azure security stack, CNAPP)
- Experience supporting security reviews, audits or penetration testing
- Background in retail or fashion industry technology landscapes
- Experience providing technical leadership to junior architects or engineers
Solutions Architect - Security in Reading employer: Caraffi
At Caraffi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. As part of a global retail organisation, our Solutions Architect – Security role provides not only competitive benefits but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive architecture practice. Join us in shaping secure technology solutions while enjoying a culture that values diversity, creativity, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect - Security in Reading
✨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 Caraffi, 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 Caraffi
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Caraffi. 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 Solutions Architect - Security in Reading
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 Caraffi 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 Caraffi that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caraffi
✨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 Caraffi 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 Caraffi.
✨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.
