At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the security architecture function and ensure consistent application of security standards.
- Company: Join NESO, a key player in transforming the UK's energy system sustainably.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while ensuring robust security measures.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 € per year.
National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
The Lead Security Architect is responsible for overseeing and facilitating the daily operations and development of the security architecture function. This position ensures that enterprise security architecture standards are applied consistently, using a pragmatic and risk-based approach across solution design, delivery, shared technology platforms, and business initiatives. Additionally, the Lead Security Architect serves as the operational lead and primary escalation point for the security architecture function.
Reporting to the Enterprise Security Architect, the Lead Security Architect helps turn strategic initiatives and direction into secure, practical, and repeatable designs that can be used by both architectural and delivery teams across the organisation.
Key Accountabilities
- Security Architecture Operations: Run the day-to-day security architecture function. Apply security standards consistently across all areas of the organisation. Turn enterprise security strategy into practical designs and patterns. Review and approve security aspects of technical and solution architectures. Provide security architecture guidance to architectural teams as part of the design, delivery and change.
- Technical Leadership: Design security across cloud, on-premises, hybrid and SaaS platforms. Define reusable security patterns and guardrails. Guide teams across identity, network, application, data and platform security. Assess emerging technologies for security impact.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with wider architectural, engineering, platform and delivery teams. Champion embedding security early in delivery lifecycles. Advise teams on risk and security considerations. Participate in architecture and governance forums.
- Risk, Compliance and Assurance: Work with the Security Assurance teams to ensure architecture designs meet regulatory and industry requirements. Support the identification of risk, assessing impact, and helping teams remain within the organisations risk appetite. Support threat modelling and security reviews.
- Team and Capability Development: Lead and mentor a team of security architects. Set quality standards and development plans to ensure the team stays current with the changing threat landscape and emerging technologies. Identify and improve processes, documentation and tooling.
About You
We’re forging the path towards a sustainable energy future, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in security architecture or senior security engineering role
- Strong knowledge of cloud security architecture, identity and access management, network security and ideally application security.
- Experience in working in large, complex environments with multiple workstreams – ideally regulated industries.
- Strong communicator with excellent writing skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented mindset.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to think critically and strategically about architectural challenges and opportunities.
- Must have a “can do” attitude when working in a fast-paced and high-pressured environment.
- Relevant cyber security qualification(s), for example Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) – CISSP preferred.
What success looks like
- Security architecture is used consistently throughout the organisation, becoming an enabler an efficiency for supporting delivery.
- Design, delivery and change teams proactively engage security architects at the appropriate stages of development.
- Architectural risks are identified early, clearly understood and articulated and effectively managed and reduced.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NESO, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.
What You'll Get
A competitive salary of £75,000 - £85,000 dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits.
About Us
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.
In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thinking and public value.
The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.
Lead Security Architect in Wokingham employer: National Energy System Operator Limited
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a flexible working model, and a strong focus on professional development, NESO is an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the energy sector. Join us in shaping a sustainable future while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and innovation.
Contact Detail:
National Energy System Operator Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Security Architect in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially how they relate to security architecture. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills and be ready to discuss them in detail. For a Lead Security Architect role, brush up on cloud security, identity management, and risk assessment. Show that you can think critically about security challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Security Architect in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in security architecture. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; give examples of how you've applied your skills in real-world situations. We want to see how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to security architecture in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as you can. This gives us more time to review your application and increases your chances of standing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator Limited
✨Know Your Security Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in security architecture principles, especially around cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Brush up on your knowledge of identity and access management, as well as network and application security. This will help you articulate your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and understanding of security risks. Review common architectural challenges and think about how you would approach them. Being able to discuss real-world scenarios will demonstrate your practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Lead Security Architect, you’ll need to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and decisions in simple terms. This will show that you can bridge the gap between different teams effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your experience in championing security early in the delivery lifecycle and how you’ve managed stakeholder expectations. This will illustrate your ability to work within a team-oriented environment.
