Lead Physical Security Architect in London

The Lead Security Architect will be responsible for defining, maintaining, and evolving global physical security standards for our hyperscale data centres as part of the Global Reference Design (GRD). This role ensures that all physical security measures - including access control, CCTV, intrusion detection, and related technologies are designed and implemented to meet DCS standards, industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The position requires close collaboration with internal teams, customers, and external vendors to deliver secure, scalable, and cost-effective solutions across multiple regions. You will support as required other departments to review and accept proposed changes to site-specific infrastructure which deviates against our design standards when appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and update global physical security standards within the GRD framework, applying ‘secure by design’ principles.
• Ensure alignment with DCS security policies, compliance requirements, industry benchmarks and emerging technologies.
• Lead the integration of physical security systems (access control, CCTV, intrusion detection and perimeter security).
• Work closely with the wider Architectural team to ensure security zoning is implemented.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance security posture.
• Assess and interpret customer specific security requirements during pre-sales and design phases.
• Provide technical expertise to sales teams for RFP’s and customer presentations.
• Collaborate with Regional Engineering teams to ensure consistent implementation of global standards.
• Evaluate and qualify security technology vendors and integrators.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as CSA & MEP engineers, IT, security & resilience, and sustainability leads.

Skills Required

• Extensive knowledge & experience of Security design, deployment, and commissioning of Data Centres or similar critical environments.
• Experience in interfacing with both internal and external project stakeholders such as customers, project managers, design consultants, commissioning agents, cost consultants, equipment suppliers and general contractors.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing design standards across multiple regions or large-scale portfolios.
• Deep understanding of Security Systems and their integration into the BAS network.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity and physical security principles in BAS design.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation such as Electricity at Work Act and CDM regulations.
• Proven experience in preparing and submitting technical documentation including scope of services, technical requirements, standards, design guides etc.
• Commitment to transparency and integrity.
• Passion and initiative to drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Commercial awareness to understand the business context of projects and the design of cost-effective solutions.
• Must have the ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Must be able to operate in an open management style and structure with an emphasis on team working and within a global matrix.
• Must be willing to travel on reasonable short notice to visit project’s sites or existing facilities globally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Security Technology, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in physical security design and architecture, preferably in data centre or critical infrastructure environments.
• Familiarity with global security standards (BS EN 50600, BS EN 60839, BS EN 62676, ISO 27001, TIA-942, etc.) and compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency in design tools such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio or similar.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required.

The Team

The Global Design & Engineering Team, reporting to the Chief Real Estate Officer, is formed of subject matter experts (Civils, Structural, Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Building Automation Systems, Commissioning, BIM etc), with the main responsibility of owning and maintaining the GRD, completing front-end engineering during site acquisition and project kick off, the technical selection & governance of equipment, ensuring at each stage that the projects are compliant with our standardised delivery plan. Regional Engineering Teams consisting of Design Managers and Specialists (BMS, Security etc) are responsible to deliver the project and interface or escalate technical challenges to the Global Design & Engineering Team for technical direction and guidance.