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- Tasks: Lead a team to identify and mitigate security risks in innovative tech projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking digital team supporting UK government initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of secure technology while making a real difference.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 6 in IS or equivalent, with strong leadership and technical skills.
- Other info: Access to training, on-site amenities, and a commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our Digital and Data technology team leads digital innovation for UK government, delivering bespoke secure software, programme support and cloud migration. This role contributes to shaping a data‑driven future and protecting vital services.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, lead, coach and develop a team of Security Information Risk Advisors.
- Identify potential security information risks associated with acquisition, implementation and use of technologies.
- Recommend controls, audit tests and input on security policies, risk assessment and architecture.
- Provide advice and guidance to management and promote security awareness across the organisation.
- Collaborate across cross‑business processes and large programmes of work.
- Report on the development of security policies and risk assessments for FCDO Services and customers.
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 6 or equivalent in IS, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor, Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
- Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques.
- Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks.
- Line management experience.
- Strong influencing and interpersonal skills.
- Able to produce clear technical documentation.
Technical Skills
- IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent.
- Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques.
- Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks.
- Line management experience.
- Strong influencing and interpersonal skills.
- Able to produce clear technical documentation.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and generous holiday entitlement.
- Civil Service pension and defined benefit scheme.
- Access to training, development opportunities and a culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- On‑site gym, nursery, café and restaurant; interest‑free loans on season tickets and bikes.
- Free shuttle bus and public/privilege days.
Security Requirements
- All candidates must meet security requirements, including Developed Vetting (DV).
- Baseline personnel security standard checks are required for working with government assets.
Application Process
- Applications are screen‑only on the answers to the job‑specific questions.
- Successful candidates will be invited to an MS Teams or face‑to‑face interview.
- Feedback will be provided only if you attend an interview or assessment.
- All employees must be security cleared before appointment.
For more information, see the FCDO Services vetting charter and baseline personnel security standard.
Lead Security Architect employer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
Contact Detail:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its security practices, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for security! During interviews, share your thoughts on current trends in cybersecurity and how you stay updated. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Lead Security Architect role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of delivering secure software and protecting vital services.
Be Clear and Concise: When answering the job-specific questions, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward answers that demonstrate your understanding of security risks and your ability to produce technical documentation.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your line management experience. We’re looking for someone who can coach and develop others, so share examples of how you've influenced and guided teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
✨Know Your Security Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security tools and techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've identified risks in past roles and the controls you've recommended. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've coached and developed others. Talk about your line management experience and how you've influenced your team to promote security awareness across the organisation.
✨Prepare for Technical Documentation Questions
You’ll need to produce clear technical documentation, so think about times when you've had to create or review such documents. Be ready to explain your process and how you ensure clarity and accuracy in your work.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
This role is about shaping a data-driven future, so demonstrate your understanding of how security fits into broader business processes. Discuss how you've collaborated across teams and contributed to large programmes of work, highlighting your ability to communicate effectively with different stakeholders.