At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security design activities and create high-level security solutions for innovative projects.
- Company: Cognizant, a leader in tech transformation with a focus on security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge security solutions.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on security architecture.
- Qualifications: Strong background in cyber security and experience in high-level design.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Cognizant is seeking an experienced Security Solution Architect, operating as an embedded member of the Client security architecture function. Working primarily on a large security transformation programme but may also be required to provide internal security consultation for Technology and business colleagues. The role requires strong, broad security design expertise, with proven experience leading feasibility assessments and producing high‑level security designs across a wide range of solutions. The consultant must be able to take ownership of security design activities end‑to‑end, from early feasibility through to clear, implementable high‑level designs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as a trusted security solution architect within Client, supporting change initiatives across IT and, where required, OT environments.
- Leading security feasibility, options analysis, and technical design for new and evolving solutions.
- Producing clear, high-quality high‑level security designs (HLDs) aligned to Client standards and risk appetite.
- Able to articulate complex solutions and problems concisely and effectively tailoring the message for the audience.
- Confidence to analyse and make documented design decisions and advocate within governance forums (such as Technical Advisory Groups and Design Authority) and delivery teams for those decisions.
- Providing pragmatic security design input and assurance to delivery teams and stakeholders and conducting architectural governance reviews.
- Engaging effectively with technical and business stakeholders to shape secure, workable solutions.
Essential skills and experience:
- Strong background in cyber security solution design.
- Proven very strong experience in authoring high‑level security designs.
- Ability to assess, design, and articulate security solutions across multiple security domains.
- Confidence to operate independently within a large, regulated organisation.
- Experience of security design in hybrid cloud architectures, preferably Azure but AWS also advantageous.
- Experience of working in an end-user (non SI/Consultancy) environment such as Client on large scale programmes with multiple partners and end-user parallel delivery requiring a collaborative and integrated approach.
- Strong communication and collaborative skills working closely with stakeholders and delivery teams, choosing in person communication wherever possible.
- Skilled in the application and alignment of security frameworks such as NIST CSF.
Nice to have (not essential):
- Experience within a water or utilities environment (regulated).
- Experience of the Networks and Information Systems Regulation (NIS-R) and PCI DSS.
- Exposure to Operational Technology (OT).
- Experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM).
- Experience of securing data platforms and the wider data security domain.
- Exposure to Zero Trust security models.
- Experience of securing artificial intelligence solutions.
Security Solution Architect employer: Cognizant
Cognizant is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Security Solution Architect, you will be part of a large security transformation programme, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive culture that values your expertise. Located in a vibrant area, Cognizant provides a unique chance to engage with diverse stakeholders while contributing to meaningful security initiatives that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Security Solution Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your high-level security designs and any projects you've led. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. Practice explaining complex security concepts in simple terms. Remember, you’ll need to engage effectively with both technical and business stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in security solution design. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with various stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect how you can articulate complex security solutions effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with hybrid cloud architectures or security frameworks like NIST CSF. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognizant
✨Know Your Security Frameworks
Make sure you’re well-versed in security frameworks like NIST CSF. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in your previous roles, especially in hybrid cloud environments like Azure or AWS.
✨Articulate Your Design Process
Prepare to explain your approach to creating high-level security designs. Use specific examples from past projects where you led feasibility assessments and produced clear, implementable designs that met client standards.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Showcase your communication skills by discussing how you’ve effectively engaged with both technical and business stakeholders. Highlight instances where you tailored your message to different audiences to ensure understanding and buy-in.
✨Demonstrate Independent Decision-Making
Be ready to share examples of how you’ve made documented design decisions independently within a large organisation. Discuss how you advocated for these decisions in governance forums and the impact they had on project outcomes.
