Principal Solution Architect in Cheltenham

The Principal Solution Architect is a senior technical role within NCC Group’s Sales Engineering & Field Strategy team, responsible for shaping and delivering complex, high-value cyber security solutions across both professional and managed services. This role serves as a technical authority and strategic partner to clients, translating business challenges into secure, scalable, and commercially viable solutions. In addition to leading solution design and client engagements, the Principal Solution Architect plays a key role in mentoring and developing the wider team of Solution Architects. They provide technical guidance, coaching, and quality assurance to ensure consistency, innovation, and excellence in solution delivery. Acting as a role model and escalation point, they foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical curiosity across the team. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, commercial awareness, and strong interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders, support sales activities, and drive the evolution of NCC Group’s service offerings in response to emerging threats and market demands.

Summary

• Lead the creation of technical solution designs and bid responses for large-scale client opportunities, integrating services across NCC Group’s offerings.
• Provide expert technical solution consultancy, including scope definition, approach, dependencies, assumptions, and cost modelling aligned with governance processes.
• Act as a senior technical advisor in client engagements, translating business needs into actionable cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Delivery, and Product Management teams to ensure alignment of proposed solutions with client requirements and internal capabilities.
• Own the quality assurance of client-facing documentation, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and technical integrity.
• Mentor and support Solution Architects, acting as a technical escalation point.
• Identify market trends and gaps to inform service development and maintain competitive advantage.
• Contribute to account planning and opportunity development, supporting strategic growth initiatives.
• Deliver internal training and briefings on NCC Group services, research, and intellectual property.
• Represent NCC Group at client meetings, conferences, and industry events, occasionally requiring national travel.

What we are looking for in you

• Proven experience in designing and delivering complex cyber security solutions in a pre-sales or consulting capacity.
• Strong understanding of network architecture, IT infrastructure, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), and emerging technologies.
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity threats, threat actors, and mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with penetration testing methodologies and outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience with at least two of the following frameworks: NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, CIS Controls.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance client needs and profitability.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present technical content to non-technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical documentation tools.
• Relevant certifications such as CISM, CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent demonstrable expertise.

Desired Requirements

• Experience in integrating cybersecurity solutions into enterprise environments.
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements across different sectors.
• Exposure to managed security services and operational security models.
• Experience working with international clients and multi-region solution deployments.
• Knowledge of in-region cyber security regulations, compliance and privacy framework.

Ways of working

• Focusing on Clients and Customers.
• Working as One NCC.
• Always Learning.
• Being Inclusive and Respectful.
• Delivering Brilliantly.

Our company

At NCC Group, our mission is to create a more secure digital future. That mission underpins everything we do, from our work with our incredible clients to groundbreaking research shaping our industry. Our teams partner with clients across a multitude of industries, delving into, securing new products, and emerging technologies, as well as solving complex security problems. As global leaders in cyber and escrow, NCC Group is a people-powered business seeking the next group of brilliant minds to join our ranks. Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and NCC Group is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, authenticity, and accountability. We want colleagues to put down roots at NCC Group, and we offer a comprehensive benefits package, as well as opportunities for learning and development and career growth. We believe our people are at their brilliant best when they feel bolstered in all aspects of their well-being, and we offer wellness programs and flexible working arrangements to provide that vital support.

What do we offer in return?

• Flexible Working: Balance your work and personal life with our flexible working options.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days of annual leave.
• Medicash & Critical Illness Scheme.
• Financial & Investment Benefits: Enjoy peace of mind with our Pension, Life Assurance, and Share Save Scheme.
• Community & Volunteering Programmes: Make a difference in your community with our volunteering opportunities.
• Green Car Scheme: Drive green and save money with our eco-friendly car scheme.
• Cycle Scheme: Stay fit and healthy with our cycle-to-work scheme.
• Special Time Off: Take time off for those big moments in life, like getting married/entering into a civil partnership, becoming a grandparent, and welcoming home a new pet.
• Family Planning: Benefit from our generous maternity and paternity leave, as well as time off and support for those undergoing fertility treatments.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, then we would love to hear from you! Click on apply to this job to send us your CV and cover letter and the relevant member of our global talent team will be in touch with you. Alternatively send your details to global.ta@nccgroup.com.

We review every application received and will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we’re looking for. If you don’t hear back from us within 10 days, please don’t be too disappointed – we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies and we would encourage you to keep an eye on our career opportunities as there may be other suitable roles.

If you do not want us to retain your details, please email global.ta@nccgroup.com. All personal data is held in accordance with the NCC Group Privacy Policy. We are committed to diversity and flexibility in the workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, please tell us at any stage.

Please note that this role involves mandatory pre-employment background checks due to the nature of the work NCC Group does. To apply, you must be willing and able to undergo the vetting process. This role being advertised will be subject to BS7858 screening as a mandatory requirement.