At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture and strategy for a major transformation initiative.
- Company: Public-sector body focused on national priorities and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, inclusive workplace, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security in mission-critical digital services.
- Qualifications: Chartered security professional with deep technical understanding.
- Other info: High-impact role with opportunities for leadership and influence.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: London / Glasgow / Cardiff
Security Clearance: Must have current SC
Contract Type: Inside IR35, paid via umbrella ÂŁ750 - 800 per day, 12 months
About the Organisation
Publicâsector body, their work is central to supporting major national priorities, including the transition to a secure and environmentally responsible future. They are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully. Diverse voices and perspectives are key to driving innovation and delivering services that benefit the communities we serve.
They are seeking an expert-level Principal Security Architect to lead the security architecture, strategy, and assurance for a major transformation initiative: the Corporate Systems Refresh (CSR) Programme. You will shape security vision and influence technical and programme outcomes at organisational scale. Acting as a senior advisor, you will ensure systems are designed and delivered in line with security best practice and aligned to national guidance and assurance frameworks. This is a highâimpact role that will steer the security landscape of missionâcritical, enterpriseâlevel digital services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Security Assurance and Compliance strategy for the CSR Programme.
- Define and drive the security vision, principles and longâterm strategy for systems impacted by the programme.
- Recommend and assure security design for complex or organisationalâlevel solutions.
- Influence senior stakeholders to guide architectural decisions across technical and business domains.
- Provide expert leadership on security tooling, static/dynamic analysis, and secure lifecycle practices.
- Lead security architecture assurance aligned to NCSC guidance and the Cyber Assurance Framework (CAF).
- Own the CSR Programme Security Architecture, risk register and mitigation strategies.
- Chair the CSR Security Working Group and represent security interests in wider governance forums.
- Support risk reporting, programme delivery planning and security governance activities throughout the lifecycle.
Essential Skills
- Chartered via UKCSC, CISSP, or equivalent.
- Deep technical understanding across IT infrastructure, software engineering, and systems management.
- Experience advising and influencing senior stakeholders on risk, intelligence and security matters.
- Strong background assessing security, privacy and resilience risks, building shared understanding across teams.
- Experience in managing delivery of strategic plans, tracking risk reduction and managing evolving priorities.
- Experience acting as an intelligent customer with 3rdâparty suppliers and negotiating security into contracts.
Desirable Skills
- Experience creating agile, pragmatic strategies for security, privacy and resilience across complex environments.
- Experience analysing and interpreting incidents across multifaceted systems.
- Ability to build business cases articulating the value of security and resilience enhancements.
Skills & Behaviours
- Expertâlevel Security Architecture capability, able to design and review complex systems.
- Applied Security Expertise, translating business needs into strategic security decisions.
- Strong understanding of risk management principles and ability to lead structured assessments.
- Ability to interpret threat intelligence and advise stakeholders with clarity.
- Behaviours: Communicating & Influencing, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions.
Please send your CV in word format for the attention of Alison Calder.
Principal Security Architect in London employer: Marcus Donald People Limited
Contact Detail:
Marcus Donald People Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Principal Security Architect in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes itâs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Security Architect role.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of security frameworks. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to security architecture. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when discussing your expertise.
â¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Security Architect, youâll need to influence senior stakeholders. We suggest preparing examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to guide architectural decisions effectively.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weâre always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission of creating secure and resilient systems. Letâs get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Security Architect in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Security Architect role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around security architecture and compliance strategies.
Showcase Your Achievements: Donât just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've influenced security decisions or led successful projects in the past. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We love clarity! Keep your application clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless itâs necessary, and make sure your points are easy to understand. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! Itâs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youâre considered for the role. Plus, itâs super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marcus Donald People Limited
â¨Know Your Security Frameworks
Make sure youâre well-versed in the NCSC guidance and Cyber Assurance Framework. Brush up on how these frameworks apply to the Corporate Systems Refresh Programme, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of security best practices during the interview.
â¨Prepare to Influence
Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, think about examples from your past where you've successfully guided architectural decisions. Be ready to discuss how you can communicate complex security concepts clearly and persuasively.
â¨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to dive deep into your technical knowledge across IT infrastructure and software engineering. Highlight specific projects where youâve assessed security risks or implemented security tooling, as this will showcase your hands-on experience.
â¨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of instances where youâve led a team or project, especially in a security context. Be ready to discuss how you manage risk and drive strategic plans while keeping everyone aligned.