At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture strategy and ensure safe technology choices for our customers and colleagues.
- Company: Join Hastings Direct, a dynamic and fun insurance provider focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and a generous bonus scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping security practices.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in security architecture and cross-functional collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 30332 - 37072 £ per year.
Hastings Direct is an agile, data and digitally focused general insurance provider to the UK market, offering a full range of car, van, bike and home insurance products. It’s our attitude and the way we run our business that makes us different. It’s a dynamic, flexible, fun and constantly changing environment, so it takes a certain kind of individual to thrive here - just ask any of our 4700 colleagues. If you’re clearly a Hastings Direct person, you’ll enjoy the scope to make a real difference for our customers, influence our company, benefit the communities we work in and have fun along the way!
As a member of the Group Architecture Leadership Team, the role contributes to enterprise-wide architecture strategy, governance, technology investment decisions, talent development and the evolution of architecture practice across Hastings. The Head of Security Architecture is accountable for turning security strategy into safe, resilient and value-led technology choices that protect customers, colleagues and the business. The role provides architecture leadership across CIO, CISO, business functions and technology partners, ensuring security capabilities and solutions are aligned to business priorities, the target architecture and required controls.
About you
- Strategic vision and alignment: Strong track record of defining current state, target state, transition roadmaps, standards, patterns and architecture guardrails that guide secure delivery at scale across complex enterprise technology estates, with proven practical application of Zero Trust architecture and Secure by Design principles.
- Security solution and platform architecture: Strong understanding of how secure solutions are designed, integrated, monitored and operated across enterprise platforms, including identity, access, network security, cloud security, application security, data protection, APIs, secrets management, encryption, logging, monitoring and resilience.
- Secure by Design, Zero Trust and threat modelling: Experience embedding security into delivery lifecycles through Secure by Design practices, Zero Trust architecture, threat modelling, security requirements, architecture review, control mapping, secure development practices, secure configuration, least privilege and continuous security improvement.
- Cross‑functional collaboration: Ability to build strong partnerships across CIO, CISO, across the organisation and supplier teams, creating shared accountability and integrated problem-solving.
- Change leadership: Proven ability to lead architecture in a large, complex, fast‑moving organisation, balancing security expectations with delivery pace, resilience, customer outcomes, regulatory confidence and long‑term technology health.
Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and £6k car allowance
- Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach – please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail
- Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus
- Physical wellbeing – as a Band 5 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen
- Financial wellbeing – as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award winning package which includes discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support
- Mental wellbeing programme – we have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs
- There’s more! – 27 days annual leave +
Head of Security Architecture in London employer: Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer for Actuarial Graduates, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a robust bonus scheme, and access to mental health resources. The collaborative culture encourages the development of cutting-edge actuarial skills through hands-on experience with modern tools like Python and AI, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals to launch their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Security Architecture in London
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Hastings Direct, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Hastings Direct
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Hastings Direct. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Security Architecture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Hastings Direct insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Hastings Direct that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Hastings Direct to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Hastings Direct.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
