At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead secure design of cloud services and influence security practices across teams.
- Company: Join a growing cyber security team in a leading UK organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 35 days leave, share options, and private health cover.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor talent and contribute to the wider security community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security for critical platforms and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in cloud security and strong knowledge of security standards required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Senior Security Architect
A senior leadership role shaping how security is designed and delivered across some of the UK's most critical platforms and services.
Why This Role
The cyber security function has grown from 6 to 16 people in six months and is heading to 30 to 35 within the year. This is a deliberate, quality‑led expansion, not a headcount drive. The CISO is building a specialist‑led team and is prepared to wait for the right people.
At this level, you will not just be delivering security. You will be setting the standard for how it is done, influencing the direction of the practice, and helping shape a team that works on some genuinely consequential programmes, from visa and passport processing to hospital medical record platforms and global financial management systems.
The Role
As Senior Security Architect you will take the lead on the secure design of cloud services and solutions, setting direction across agile delivery teams and ensuring that security is embedded from the start, not bolted on at the end. You will bring expertise, not just experience, and you will be expected to challenge, advise, and influence at every level, from engineers to executive stakeholders.
What You Will Be Doing
- Leading the secure design and delivery of cloud services and solutions, setting architectural direction across delivery teams.
- Identifying security issues in existing system designs and recommending mitigations that balance cost, risk, and usability.
- Advising on and applying security standards including NCSC, ISO, NIST, SOC, PCI, and GDPR across complex regulated environments.
- Running threat modelling exercises and architecture reviews with delivery teams and customers.
- Embedding security into CI/CD pipelines and guiding teams on Continuous Security practices.
- Managing, coaching, and developing a small number of architects and engineers.
- Sharing knowledge externally as well as internally, contributing to the wider security community.
- Contributing to pre‑sales and solution discussions, representing the practice at a senior level.
What We Are Looking For
We need deep specialists with real sector experience. If you have genuine expertise in one of the following areas and a track record of delivering in complex, regulated environments, we want to hear from you:
- AI/ML and data security
- Cloud security architecture (AWS or Azure)
- Microsoft Security stack (M365, Defender, Sentinel, Entra, Purview)
- DevSecOps security architecture
Essential:
- Expertise in leading the secure design of cloud services and solutions at scale.
- Expertise in identifying security issues in system designs and recommending proportionate, practical mitigations.
- Strong knowledge of security standards including NCSC, ISO, NIST, SOC, PCI, and GDPR.
- Experience in application architecture, software development, or infrastructure architecture.
- Sector experience in Public, Healthcare, Defence, or Commercial environments.
- Experience testing the security of software and infrastructure using appropriate tools.
- Experience with Continuous Security, CI, and CD practices.
- Knowledge of network security (OSI, TCP/IP), web application security (OWASP), and cryptographic controls (PKI, TLS).
- A track record of managing, mentoring, and developing security talent.
- Excellent communication skills across technical and non‑technical audiences including senior stakeholders.
- Applicants must be eligible for UK Security Check (SC) clearance. This role requires active SC clearance or the ability to obtain it prior to starting.
Desirable:
- Experience with identity management, authentication, and authorisation patterns.
- End‑to‑end security involvement including governance, risk, compliance, and supply‑chain security.
- Active involvement in the security community, conference speaking, or published work.
- Penetration testing qualification such as OSCP, CREST, or TIGER.
The Package
- Share options
- Hybrid/remote working from Belfast
- 35 days annual leave including statutory
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Private health cover
Please apply now if you are meeting the above criteria or contact Andrew Harrison directly.
Senior Security Architect employer: Ocho People
Ocho People is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture in Belfast, perfect for those looking to advance their careers in finance. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer study support alongside competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring our team members thrive both professionally and personally in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Security Architect
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Ocho People, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Ocho People
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Ocho People. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Ocho People insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Ocho People that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocho People
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Ocho People to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Ocho People.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
