At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement cyber security for industrial systems, ensuring safety and resilience.
- Company: Join a leading organisation driving digital transformation in cyber security.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible leave, generous pension, and health assistance.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent growth opportunities in the North West of England.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical operational systems and enhance your career in cyber security.
- Qualifications: Experience in securing OT/ICS environments and knowledge of relevant security standards.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are working with a large organisation undergoing significant cyber and digital transformation to hire a Cyber Security Architect focused on Operational Technology (OT). This role sits within a dedicated Security Architecture function and is specifically aligned to securing industrial and operational systems. The focus is on designing and assuring cyber security controls across complex OT environments, ensuring operational resilience, regulatory alignment, and risk mitigation from the outset. This is not an enterprise IT architecture role; it is centred on industrial control systems, operational networks, and IT/OT convergence.
What you'll do:
- Define and implement security architecture principles across OT / ICS environments.
- Embed secure-by-design controls into industrial systems and operational technology platforms.
- Lead design assurance across OT network segmentation, zone and conduit modelling, and industrial DMZ architectures.
- Identify architectural gaps within existing OT estates and define pragmatic remediation roadmaps.
- Align OT security architecture to recognised frameworks and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with OT engineers, operational stakeholders, and cyber teams to balance safety, availability, and security.
- Provide architectural guidance across IT/OT convergence programmes.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience securing Operational Technology (OT) or Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments.
- Strong understanding of IT/OT convergence and securing legacy or brownfield industrial estates.
- Knowledge of recognised OT security standards such as IEC 62443 (ISA-99), NIST SP 800-82, and application of the Purdue Model.
- Experience designing secure segmentation models (zones and conduits), industrial firewalls, and secure remote access solutions.
- Familiarity with industrial protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, OPC/UA, and associated security risks.
- Experience operating in regulated, safety-critical, or high-availability environments.
- Ability to translate technical risk into clear architectural decisions for engineering and operational audiences.
We welcome candidates from any industry with relevant OT/ICS experience: energy, utilities, manufacturing, transport, defence, or other industrial sectors.
What's on offer:
- 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, flexible leave options, and family-friendly policies.
- Generous employer pension contribution up to 13.5% and employee health assistance programme.
- Maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental leave, as well as flexible working and career breaks.
- Employee Assistance Programme including helpline, coaching access, wellbeing app, digital GP service, and more.
This is a strategic, high-impact role focused on securing operational systems that underpin critical business and industrial functions. This is a permanent position based in the North West of England. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship and have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years without more than 6 months living overseas.
OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect in Manchester employer: IBEX RECRUITMENT LTD
Join a forward-thinking organisation in the North West of England that prioritises cyber security and operational resilience. As an OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture that values employee growth, offering 30 days of holiday, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme. This role not only allows you to make a significant impact on securing critical industrial systems but also provides access to comprehensive health and wellbeing resources, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the OT/ICS space. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or case studies showcasing your experience with securing OT environments. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that match your skills in OT/ICS security. Tailor your approach to each company for a better shot at success!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your knowledge of OT security standards and be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past roles. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
We think you need these skills to ace OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Cyber Security Architect. Highlight your experience with OT/ICS environments and any relevant frameworks like IEC 62443 or NIST SP 800-82. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about securing operational technology and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Let us know what excites you about working with us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects involving industrial control systems or IT/OT convergence, make sure to mention them! We love seeing real-world examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at IBEX RECRUITMENT LTD
✨Know Your OT/ICS Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems. Familiarise yourself with key standards like IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800-82, as well as the Purdue Model. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Design Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in designing secure segmentation models and industrial firewalls. Have specific examples ready where you've successfully implemented security controls in complex OT environments. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the challenges involved.
✨Understand IT/OT Convergence
Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated the convergence of IT and OT in past roles. Highlight any experiences where you balanced safety, availability, and security. This is crucial for the role, so showing that you can bridge these two worlds will set you apart.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice translating technical risks into clear architectural decisions. You’ll need to communicate effectively with both engineering teams and operational stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve done this before, as it will showcase your ability to collaborate and lead in a multi-disciplinary environment.
