At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the security architecture function and ensure consistent application of security standards.
- Company: Join NESO, a key player in transforming Great Britain's energy system for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible holidays, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on tackling climate change and securing energy for the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy security while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 € per year.
About The Role
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
- 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 and 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.
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%.
Benefits
- Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
- Additional Birthday Day Off
- Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
- Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance
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 vision and public value.
More Information
This role closes at 23:59 on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
Lead Security Architect in Wokingham employer: National Energy System Operator
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and a robust pension scheme, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a fast-paced environment dedicated to tackling climate change. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying unique perks such as flexible bank holidays and health insurance options, all within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.
Contact Detail:
National Energy System Operator 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! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at NESO. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, bring them along to interviews. Demonstrating your expertise in security architecture can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for security architects and practice your answers. Being able to articulate your thought process will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also strategic.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining NESO and contributing to a cleaner energy future.
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; demonstrate how your skills align with the role. Talk about your experience with cloud security, risk management, and how you've led teams in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand for both technical and non-technical readers.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator
✨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, network security, and application security to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Security Architect, you'll be expected to mentor and guide teams. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to set quality standards and develop team capabilities to show you can elevate the security architecture function.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Communication is key! Be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams and engaged stakeholders in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to articulate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Prepare for Risk and Compliance Discussions
Familiarise yourself with regulatory requirements and risk management strategies relevant to security architecture. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously identified and managed architectural risks, and how you can ensure compliance within the organisation's risk appetite.
