At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement security architecture for Operational Technology environments.
- Company: Join a leading organisation driving cyber and digital transformation.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible leave, generous pension, and health assistance.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth in the North West.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on securing critical industrial systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT/ICS security and knowledge of relevant standards.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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 employer: IBEX RECRUITMENT LTD
Join a forward-thinking organisation in the North West of England that prioritises cyber security and operational resilience. As a 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 rewarding and meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups related to OT/ICS cyber security. It's all about making connections and showing your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with securing operational technology environments. This will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on key concepts like IT/OT convergence and security standards. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect
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 Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems, and don’t forget to mention any relevant frameworks like IEC 62443 or NIST SP 800-82.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about securing OT environments and how your skills align with our needs. Be specific about your past experiences and how they relate to the job.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your technical expertise, especially in areas like secure segmentation models and industrial protocols. We want to see how you can bring value to our team right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 industrial protocols such as Modbus and DNP3. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for 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 implemented secure-by-design controls in OT environments. This will demonstrate your practical skills and understanding of the complexities involved.
✨Understand the Business Impact
Be ready to explain how your architectural decisions can balance safety, availability, and security. Think about how you can translate technical risks into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders. This shows that you can communicate effectively across teams, which is crucial in this role.
✨Research the Company’s Transformation Journey
Since the organisation is undergoing significant cyber and digital transformation, do your homework on their current initiatives. Understanding their goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate how you can contribute to their success in securing operational systems.
