Director security architecture & engineering in London

Colt provides network, voice and data centre services to thousands of businesses around the world, allowing them to focus on delivering their business goals instead of the underlying infrastructure.

Why we need this role

We’re looking for a strategic security leader to shape the future of our enterprise security architecture. As Director of Security Architecture and Engineering, reporting to the Chief Security Officer, you will define and execute the security strategy, set architectural standards, and embed best‑in‑class practices to protect Colt and our customers from evolving threats. You will lead our security engineering domains, steer architectural reviews, and strengthen our overall security posture. This role is about influence, clarity, and partnership — translating complex technical concepts into actionable guidance while building trusted relationships across the organisation. You will design reference architectures, threat models, and secure design patterns across hybrid, cloud‑native, and on‑premises environments, establishing the frameworks and guardrails that drive consistent, resilient, and scalable security controls.

What you will do

• Security Architecture Leadership
  • Lead the enterprise security architecture framework, ensuring alignment with business priorities and industry best practice.
  • Own the design and review of secure solutions, ensuring robust and scalable configurations.
  • Build strong, collaborative relationships with customer stakeholders — from engineering teams to C‑level leaders — understanding their security needs and articulating Colt’s capabilities.
• Engineering Leadership
  • Lead and develop a skilled team of security engineers responsible for designing, implementing, and optimising security platforms and controls.
  • Drive continuous improvement, automation, and the adoption of repeatable patterns that strengthen engineering consistency.
• Security Technology Roadmap
  • Own and evolve the security technology roadmap to reduce risk, enable innovation, and drive adoption of emerging technologies.
  • Partner with senior business and technology stakeholders to align security initiatives with strategic objectives.
  • Build and nurture a high‑performing cybersecurity team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, growth, accountability and collaboration.

What we’re looking for

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in security architecture and engineering within large, complex global environments — telecoms experience is highly desirable.
• Deep expertise in security principles, protocols and technologies, including modern engineering practices, automation and deployment pipelines.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security or a related field.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks such as TSA, NIS2 and DORA.
• Proven ability to assess complex security challenges and make sound, informed decisions.
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.

Personal attributes

• A dynamic security leader who thrives on challenge and impact, with a passion for solving complex problems and a strong growth mindset.
• Exceptional communicator who can adapt style for diverse audiences and build trust quickly.
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative nature, and the ability to build high‑performing, cross‑cultural teams.
• Strategic thinker with natural curiosity and the ability to “join the dots” across architecture, engineering, and business priorities.

What we offer you:

Looking to make a mark? At Colt, you’ll make a difference. Because around here, we empower people. We don’t tell you what to do. Instead, we employ people we trust, who come together across the globe to create intelligent solutions. Our global teams are full of ambitious, driven people, all working together towards one shared purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of our customers wherever, whenever and however they want. We give our people the opportunity to inspire and lead teams, and work on projects that connect people, cities, businesses, and ideas. We want you to help us change the world, for the better.

Diversity and inclusion

Inclusion and valuing diversity of thought and experience are at the heart of our culture here at Colt. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to be yourself because we believe that’s what helps our people to thrive. We welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, neurodiversity, age, marital status, pregnancy status, or place of birth.

Most recently we have:

• Signed the UN Women Empowerment Principles which guide our Gender Action Plan
• Trained 60 (and growing) Colties to be Mental Health First Aiders

Please speak with a member of our recruitment team if you require adjustments to our recruitment process to support you. For more information about our Inclusion and Diversity agenda, visit our DEI pages.

Our benefits support you through all parts of life, for both physical and mental health.

• Flexible working hours and the option to work from home.
• Extensive induction program with experienced mentors and buddies.
• Opportunities for further development and educational opportunities.
• Global Family Leave Policy.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Internal inclusion & diversity employee networks.

A global network

When you join Colt you become part of our global network. We are proud of our colleagues and the stories and experience they bring – take a look at ‘Our People’ site including our Empowered Women in Tech.