At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large-scale Network Security Assessment and design advanced security architectures.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on enterprise network security.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rate, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for seasoned architects looking to lead and innovate in network security.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on network security in a complex, multi-site environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Enterprise Network Architecture with strong Cisco expertise.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Contract Lead Network Security Architect Immediate Start We're looking for an experienced Lead Network Security Architect to lead a large-scale Enterprise Network Security Assessment across a complex multi-site environment. This is a senior architecture role focused on defining the assessment methodology, owning the target-state security architecture, and providing technical leadership throughout the engagement. This is the first phase of an 18-month customer programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead an enterprise Network Security Assessment
- Own AS-IS and TO-BE Network & Security Architecture
- Design Network Segmentation, Zero Trust, DMZ/IDMZ and Defence-in-Depth strategies
- Conduct gap analysis and CVSS-based risk assessments
- Produce architecture documentation, remediation roadmaps and executive reports
- Provide technical leadership to Network Security Engineers
- Present recommendations to senior stakeholders
- Ensure alignment with NIST CSF, ISO 27001 and CIS Controls
10+ years' Enterprise Network Architecture experience Strong Cisco enterprise networking (Catalyst, ISR, Routing & Switching) Cisco ASA / Firepower (FTD) and Fortinet FortiGate Enterprise Network Security, Segmentation and Zero Trust OSPF, BGP, TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, ACLs, NAT NIST CSF, ISO 27001, CIS Controls and CVSS CCIE, CCDE or CCNP Enterprise CCNP Security CISSP, SABSA or TOGAF Experience within Manufacturing, Utilities, Energy or Critical National Infrastructure.
Please note: This is a pure Network Architect position. We are looking for experienced architects with proven enterprise design and technical leadership experience, rather than hands-on network engineers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Security Architect
✨Get Active on Cybersecurity Forums
Join platforms like Stack Exchange and Reddit’s r/cybersecurity to hang out with industry pros, learn the latest, and share your insights. This will not only boost your visibility but also help you connect with potential clients who might need your freelance services.
✨Show Off Your Skills with Public Projects
Create a few open-source projects or contribute to existing ones that showcase your cybersecurity skills. Use GitHub to display your work, as this is an excellent way to attract clients looking for freelancers with a proven track record.
✨Attend Local Conferences and Meetups
Make sure to hit up cybersecurity meetups, workshops, and conferences in your area. These events are goldmines for networking, and you’ll often find people looking for freelancers after a chat over a coffee – so come prepared with your business cards and a killer elevator pitch!
✨Market Yourself Smartly
Set up a professional website that showcases your portfolio, expertise, and client testimonials. Optimise it for SEO with relevant keywords so potential clients searching for cybersecurity freelancers can easily find you. Don’t forget to link to your site on all your social media and profiles!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Skills Through a Strong Portfolio:Since you're applying for a freelance role in cybersecurity, it's crucial to showcase your technical skills through a detailed portfolio. Include case studies of projects you've worked on, any security tools you've developed or assessed, and specifics on the methodologies you’ve used. This will help develop understand what you're capable of.
Certifications Matter!:Make sure to list any relevant certifications you hold, such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+. Freelance clients often value these credentials as they reflect your expertise and commitment to the field. If you’re actively pursuing more certifications, don’t hesitate to mention that too!
Rates, Availability, and Your Work Style:In your application, it’s essential to be clear about your freelance rates and availability. Clients appreciate transparency. Mention how many hours a week you can dedicate and your preferred working hours, as this sets expectations from the start and shows you're organised and professional.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Cybersecurity Experience:When crafting your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically to cybersecurity. Highlight projects, tasks, and achievements related to security assessments, vulnerabilities you've mitigated, or compliance work you've undertaken. Keywords relevant to the job can grab attention and increase your chances of landing a spot at develop.
How to prepare for a job interview at develop
✨Showcase Your Cybersecurity Skills
As a freelancer in cybersecurity, it’s crucial we demonstrate not just our knowledge but our practical skills too. Be ready to discuss specific tools you’ve used, like Wireshark or Metasploit, and share relevant experiences where you identified vulnerabilities or mitigated risks in past projects.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio
Unlike traditional roles, freelancing relies heavily on your portfolio. Let’s curate a selection of past work that showcases our best projects. If we’ve handled penetration tests, audits, or incident responses, be sure to highlight these in your portfolio, and share any client testimonials if we have them.
✨Stay Updated on Trends and Tools
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so we should be prepared to chat about recent developments and how they impact our work. Familiarise ourselves with the latest threats, tools, and frameworks, like MITRE ATT&CK, that are pertinent to the projects we’re pitching.
✨Pitching Your Value as a Freelancer
When freelancing, we often need to negotiate our rates and value propositions. Be ready to explain how our skills can help develop protect their assets and manage risks. It can help to outline some potential strategies or improvements we could implement for them based on their current setup.
