At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture to protect vital digital services and influence secure design practices.
- Company: Join DVLA, a key player in the UK's digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, flexible working, and excellent work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across government departments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while shaping the future of digital services.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 57515 - 82430 £ per year.
DVLA are looking for a Lead Security Architect to help protect and improve the security of some of the UK's most important digital services. You will bring technical depth, strong security judgement and a practical Secure by Design mindset, helping teams understand threats, make risk-based decisions and deliver secure services at scale.
This is an exciting opportunity to join DVLA as a Grade 7 Lead Security Architect, playing a leading role in protecting one of government's largest and most complex digital estates. This is a new role within the Architecture Capability, created to strengthen how security is built into technology design from the very beginning.
You will provide authoritative security architecture leadership across a broad portfolio of systems and services, ensuring that security is embedded by design throughout the full technology lifecycle. Working at the heart of DVLA's digital transformation, you will champion a risk-informed, secure-by-design approach, influencing strategy at the most senior levels and collaborating with central government departments, National Technical Authorities and industry partners.
If you are a credible security professional who can balance technical depth with strategic thinking, we want to hear from you.
- Influence senior stakeholders across DVLA and wider government departments, acting as a security advocate for the agency.
- Identify and explain complex security needs, including those linked to emerging threats, organisational risk appetite and wider business impact.
- Act as a trusted escalation point for security consultants, projects and delivery teams.
- Lead secure design activity across systems and services, including STRIDE threat modelling and design-level risk assessments.
- Ensure security controls are proportionate and aligned to Secure by Design, government security standards and defence-in-depth principles.
- Experience as a technology or cyber security professional with a strong understanding of architecture principles, secure design and how security controls are built into technology environments.
- Ability to identify, assess and manage cyber security risks proportionately, balancing risk appetite, security controls and operational needs.
- Strong knowledge of security policies, standards and frameworks, including NCSC guidance and defence-in-depth principles.
- Confident communicator who can explain complex security concepts clearly to technical teams, senior leaders, programme boards and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to influence multidisciplinary teams, provide strategic security direction and act as a trusted escalation point, supported by relevant professional development or qualifications such as CISSP, CISM, SABSA, ex-CLAS or equivalent.
- Knowledge of modern security standards, patterns or technologies across areas such as cloud, applications, data or integration services.
- Experience contributing to security architecture principles, reference architectures, standards or reusable security patterns.
As a brand-new role within DVLA's Architecture Capability, this is a real opportunity to influence how security is built into major digital services from the start. You'll help embed Secure by Design across one of government's largest technology estates, supporting services used by millions of people across the UK.
Locations
Lead Security Architect in Gorseinon, Swansea employer: Inspire People
DVLA is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Lead Security Architect to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the UK's vital digital services. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, DVLA provides flexible working options, a generous pension contribution, and a culture that champions inclusion and diversity. Located in Swansea, employees benefit from on-site amenities such as a gym and nursery, alongside a clear career development framework that supports professional growth in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Security Architect in Gorseinon, Swansea
✨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 Inspire People, 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 Inspire People
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Inspire People. 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 Lead Security Architect in Gorseinon, Swansea
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 Inspire People 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 Inspire People that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspire People
✨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 Inspire People 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 Inspire People.
✨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.
