At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture for identity verification and ensure safe communication for citizens.
- Company: Join DWP, a recognised leader in diversity and digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous holidays, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with dynamic teams across various digital hubs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security and trust in public services.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture and cloud security in large organisations.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
DWP’s Identity & Trust team is building a strategic platform that enables safe, secure and seamless communication between citizens and the services they rely on. We are looking for a Senior Security Architect to provide specialist security leadership, architectural direction and hands‑on guidance across a range of identity verification projects. This high‑impact role directly shapes how DWP protects citizens, services and data at a national scale.
Responsibilities
- Lead security architecture design and modelling techniques, tools and standards for identity verification platforms.
- Provide architectural guidance for application and cloud security across complex environments.
- Drive secure‑by‑default thinking, refine patterns and help teams make confident, informed security decisions.
- Influence long‑term identity solutions, strengthening trust and secure access in DWP and across public services in the UK.
Qualifications
- Security architecture design and modelling techniques, tools and standards.
- Application and cloud security across complex environments.
- Experience in enterprise‑scale IT, in at least one recent Security Architect role within a large, complex national or multi‑national organisation.
- Network security; strong understanding of network protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF) and experience securing routers, switches, firewalls and load balancers.
- Threat analysis and mitigation using tooling such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint detection systems.
- Encryption & cryptography expertise (e.g. SSL/TLS, IPsec, Kerberos, VPNs, PKI) including securing data in transit and at rest.
- Strong knowledge of AuthN/AuthZ technologies such as OIDC, OAuth, JWT and SAML.
- Knowledge of cloud‑native technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Istio) and CI/CD tooling (e.g. Jenkins, GitLab).
Details
- Location: Digital hubs in Blackpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield (hybrid model – some time at home, some in a hub).
- Hybrid working – spend time collaborating face‑to‑face in a hub.
- Pay up to £83,917 (£57,946 salary + Government Digital and Data Allowance up to £25,971).
- Pension: 28.97% employer contributions, worth up to £16,786 per year.
- Holidays: 26 days rising to 31 days over time, plus up to 3 extra days off per month on flexi‑time and all public holidays.
Benefits Package
- Flexible working including flexible hours.
- Time off volunteering and charitable giving.
- Interest‑free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket.
- Sports and social activities.
- Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.
Awards and Culture
- DWP recognised as 2024 Diversity Employer of the Year at the Computing Women in Tech Excellence awards.
- Diverse and Inclusive Leadership at Digital Leaders Awards 2024.
- Best Place to Work in Digital category in the Computing Digital Technology Leaders awards 2025.
- Best Public Sector Employer at 2025 Women In Tech Employer Awards.
Process
- The application and selection process is just two stages: Apply and Interview (a single stage online interview).
Senior Security Architect employer: Graphics Unlimited (Vic) Pty Ltd
Contact Detail:
Graphics Unlimited (Vic) Pty Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups or webinars, and connect with current DWP employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can give us insider info and might even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research DWP’s projects and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to show them we’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit for their Senior Security Architect role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you, focusing on technical questions related to security architecture and cloud security. This will help us feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨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, it shows we’re serious about joining the DWP team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Security Architect role. Highlight your experience with security architecture design and any relevant tools or standards you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about security architecture and how you can contribute to our mission at DWP. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your experience in enterprise-scale IT.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially around network security and cloud-native technologies. Mention specific tools and techniques you’ve used, as this will help us understand your hands-on experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Graphics Unlimited (Vic) Pty Ltd
✨Know Your Security Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in security architecture design and modelling techniques. Brush up on the specific tools and standards relevant to identity verification platforms, as this will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Cloud and Application Security Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with application and cloud security in complex environments. Highlight any past projects where you’ve successfully implemented security measures, especially in enterprise-scale IT settings.
✨Showcase Your Threat Analysis Skills
Familiarise yourself with threat analysis and mitigation strategies. Be ready to talk about the tools you’ve used, like SIEM or IDS/IPS, and how you’ve applied them to secure networks and data effectively.
✨Engage with AuthN/AuthZ Technologies
Since knowledge of authentication and authorisation technologies is crucial, prepare to discuss your experience with OIDC, OAuth, JWT, and SAML. This will demonstrate your ability to influence long-term identity solutions and strengthen trust across public services.