At a Glance
- Tasks: Support business change by embedding effective cyber security into design and delivery.
- Company: Join a leading UK life and pensions mutual insurer with a proud history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days' holiday, competitive pension scheme, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working pattern with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security while working with modern technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in embedding security into projects and clear communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the Role
As a leading UK life and pensions mutual insurer with a proud history dating back to 1843, we exist to help people live financially confident lives protecting their income while they work and maximising it when they stop. Today, over one million members and customers trust us to look after their futures, families and finances. Joining us means becoming part of a team that puts our members, customers and advisers at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive. We are proud to have built a workplace where our colleagues feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued, reflected in our recognition as one of the Financial Times UK's Best Employers in 2025 and 2026. We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger, so bring your true self and help shape the future of LV=.
We're seeking a proactive, technical Principal Consultant/Security Architect for a 9-month contract to support business change. You'll help teams understand and embed effective cyber security into design and delivery. You will collaborate with project teams, architects, engineers and governance forums to define requirements, guide implementation and ensure decisions and evidence are captured through to go-live. The role follows a hybrid working pattern, with attendance required at our Bournemouth office or other LV= locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Support business change initiatives, ensuring security requirements are considered early and throughout design, delivery, testing and deployment.
- Contribute to governance forums (Risk Forum, Architecture Board, Technical Design Authority), translating controls into practical requirements.
- Review technology changes, including AI solutions where relevant, against risk and control expectations.
- Clearly communicate security and technology risks, controls, design and decisions to stakeholders.
- Assist project teams to document requirements, decisions, exceptions and evidence to an audit-ready standard.
- Provide security input into architecture (HLDs, LLDs) and implementation guidance.
- Define and support security testing and resolution of findings pre go-live.
- Support service readiness and secure integration with existing services and target platforms (identity, access, encryption, logging, APIs).
- Share insights to continuously improve security standards and guidance.
- Provide pragmatic security advice to enable delivery at pace while maintaining controls.
What You'll Bring
- Experience embedding security into projects with diverse stakeholders.
- Clear, practical communication style.
- Ability to translate policies into actionable requirements and evidence.
- Pragmatic approach balancing risk, regulation and delivery goals.
- Understanding of governance forums (e.g. LAB, TDA).
- Continuous improvement mindset and strong documentation skills.
About You
- Comfortable working in structured, regulated environments.
- Experience with modern technology and security controls (including AI where relevant).
- Familiar with frameworks (e.g. NIST) or regulated sectors such as financial services.
- Confident engaging senior stakeholders and contributing to governance forums.
Technical Expertise
- Strong cloud and application security across modern architectures (APIs, microservices, identity, encryption).
- Secure SDLC knowledge (OWASP-aligned).
- Experience across on-prem, cloud and hybrid environments.
Qualifications (desirable)
- Certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, ISSAP, SABSA) are beneficial, or equivalent experience.
Rewards & Benefits
This role is a Band C in the LV= Structure. At LV= Savings and Retirement, you'll go above and beyond to do the right thing for our customers. We'll reward your hard work with an attractive, competitive salary and benefits package, which includes:
- 30 days' holiday, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- Competitive pension scheme - LV= Life and Pensions will double-match the amount you pay, up to 14% (subject to National Minimum Wage requirements).
- An annual bonus scheme based on personal performance.
- Single-cover private medical insurance (with the option for you to upgrade to family cover).
- Flexible benefits, including a cycle to work scheme, personal accident insurance, critical illness cover and dental insurance.
- Up to 20% discount on our life products for you and your immediate family.
- A group life assurance policy with 4 x your basic pay to go to your dependents (you'll have the option to increase to 8 x cover).
- Group Income Protection (if you become a member of the Pension scheme and reach 5 years of service).
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for support when you need it.
- A virtual GP service.
- Shared parental leave.
Please note all salary sacrifice benefits are subject to National Minimum Wage requirements i.e. you are unable to select any benefits that would reduce your base pay below the minimum wage threshold.
We're proud of our inclusive culture at LV= and, as an equal-opportunity employer, we continually work to remove unconscious bias from our recruitment process. We value our colleagues for what they bring to our team regardless of any protected status or characteristics they may have. Talk to us about flexible working as part of your application; if it's right for you, our members and customers, and our business, then we'll do everything we can to make it happen. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship for this role. Therefore, you must ensure that you are eligible to work in the UK without our sponsorship in order for your application to be considered. Go on, bring your true self to LV=.
Security Architect 9 month FTC in Stratton employer: LV=
At LV=, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our Bournemouth location provides a vibrant environment with opportunities for professional growth, complemented by generous benefits such as 30 days’ holiday and a competitive pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Architect 9 month FTC in Stratton
✨Get Engaged in Cybersecurity Communities
Dive into online forums or local meetups, like OWASP events or Cybersecurity conferences. These spaces are packed with pros who can share insights and might even know about temporary roles at places like LV=.
✨Showcase Your Skills Publicly
Link your GitHub or create a series of blogs sharing your knowledge on cybersecurity topics. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and attract attention from hiring managers, especially when they see your passion in action.
✨Stay On Top of Temp Opportunities
Keep an eye on platforms that list temporary positions specifically in tech. Websites focusing on contract roles in cybersecurity can lead straight to employers like LV=.
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We think you need these skills to ace Security Architect 9 month FTC in Stratton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In cybersecurity, it's vital to highlight your skills with relevant tools and technologies. Make sure your CV showcases your experience with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and any cybersecurity frameworks you've worked with. This gives LV= a clear view of your capabilities right off the bat.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, flaunt them! These not only validate your skills but also show that you’re committed to the field. Add a section to your CV specifically for this, because in a temporary role like this, those credentials can really set you apart.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:For a temporary position, we want to see your willingness to learn and adapt quickly. Make your cover letter specific to the role at LV=; mention why you’re excited about the opportunity and how it fits your career goals. A personal touch can make a big difference!
Don’t Forget the Soft Skills:In cybersecurity, technical skills are crucial, but so are soft skills like teamwork and communication. Make sure to weave examples of how you've collaborated with teams or communicated complex ideas into your application. This shows that you're not just a tech whizz but also a great team player, perfect for a temporary role at LV=.
How to prepare for a job interview at LV=
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques, like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware analysis. During the interview with LV= for the Security Architect 9 month FTC, be prepared to discuss specific scenarios where you tackled security threats or vulnerabilities.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Cybersecurity is all about thinking on your feet. Expect technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. You might be presented with a mock security breach scenario, so practising your responses to potential threats can be a game changer!
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
As this is a temporary role, showing that you're adaptable and quick to learn is crucial. Talk about times you've picked up new skills or reacted to changing situations quickly. Employers want to know you can hit the ground running and keep things secure during your short stay at LV=.
✨Bring Relevant Certifications
If you have any relevant cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, be sure to mention them. This can really help you stand out during a temporary hiring process, as it showcases your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the Security Architect 9 month FTC role at LV=.
