At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement security for industrial systems, ensuring safety and resilience.
- Company: Join a leading organisation driving cyber transformation in operational technology.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, flexible leave, generous pension, and health assistance.
- Other info: Permanent role in the North West with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact securing critical systems in a high-stakes environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in OT/ICS security and knowledge of relevant standards required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re 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 Birchwood employer: Ibex Talent Solutions
Join a forward-thinking organisation in the North West of England that prioritises cyber security and operational resilience. As a Cyber Security Architect, you will be part of a collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee growth, offering generous benefits such as 30 days' holiday, a substantial pension contribution, and comprehensive health assistance programmes. This role not only provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on critical industrial systems but also supports a healthy work-life balance with flexible working options.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect in Birchwood
✨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 Ibex Talent Solutions, 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 Ibex Talent Solutions
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Ibex Talent Solutions. 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 OT/ICS Cyber Security Architect in Birchwood
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 Ibex Talent Solutions 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 Ibex Talent Solutions that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ibex Talent Solutions
✨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 Ibex Talent Solutions 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 Ibex Talent Solutions.
✨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.
