At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture and assurance for major Defence programmes, ensuring robust cyber solutions.
- Company: Join PwC, a leader in Cyber, Data & Technology Resilience with a focus on national security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical cover, and six volunteering days a year.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration with top security authorities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Defence by shaping cyber security solutions and mentoring future leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture within Defence, with relevant certifications like CISSP or TOGAF.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About the role
PwC’s Cyber, Data & Technology Resilience practice works at the intersection of national security, critical infrastructure protection, and enterprise risk. We advise governments, Defence organisations, and their supply chains on complex cyber security challenges that require specialist expertise and experience.
Defence is a key growth priority for PwC UK. As demand continues to expand, we are looking for experienced leaders to help shape and deliver cyber security solutions across large-scale Defence programmes, strengthening resilience across mission-critical systems and sensitive environments.
As a Senior Manager, you will lead security architecture and assurance workstreams within major Defence engagements. You will design how security operates across complex environments—from classified cloud platforms to operational military systems—ensuring alignment with MOD security governance and enabling successful programme delivery. This is a highly visible, client-facing role combining technical leadership, delivery ownership, and stakeholder engagement.
What your days will look like
- Lead the design of cyber solutions and proposals that enable PwC to win and deliver impactful work in the Defence sector.
- Lead security architecture design across Defence programmes, defining controls, patterns, and governance for systems operating at OFFICIAL, SECRET and above.
- Own and drive Secure by Design assurance activities throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Lead accreditation and assurance processes, including security cases, risk assessments, and MOD-aligned documentation.
- Advise senior programme stakeholders on security risk and trade-offs, translating technical issues into business decisions.
- Manage relationships with MOD security authorities, CISOs, and accreditors.
- Lead delivery teams across security workstreams within large transformation programmes.
- Contribute to bids and proposals, bringing technical credibility and real-world delivery insight.
- Mentor and develop Managers and Senior Associates within the team.
This role is for you if:
- You have experience in security architecture within Defence or Central Government environments, including systems operating at OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE or above.
- You understand MOD security governance, including Secure by Design, JSP 440, JSP 604, and accreditation processes.
- You bring experience across Defence environments such as classified cloud, cross-domain solutions, identity, and network segmentation.
- You have delivered within large-scale programmes, with understanding of enterprise architecture, programme governance, and multi-vendor environments.
- You demonstrate strong leadership, including stakeholder engagement, team management, and high-quality security documentation, supported by relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP, CCP, TOGAF or equivalent).
What you’ll receive from us:
No matter where you may be in your career or personal life, our benefits are designed to add value and support, recognising and rewarding you fairly for your contributions. We offer a range of benefits including empowered flexibility and a working week split between office, home and client site; private medical cover and 24/7 access to a qualified virtual GP; six volunteering days a year and much more.
Senior Manager - Security Architecture & Assurance in London employer: PricewaterhouseCoopers
PwC is an exceptional employer, particularly for those in the Senior Manager - Security Architecture & Assurance role, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to extensive training opportunities and mentorship, while enjoying flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Located at the heart of the Defence sector, PwC provides a unique chance to engage with critical national security projects, making your contributions impactful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Security Architecture & Assurance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the Defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience in security architecture and MOD governance. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Each company has its own vibe, especially in the Defence sector. Research PwC’s values and recent projects, and align your discussions to show how you can contribute to their mission. This will make you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨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 our team at PwC and contributing to impactful Defence programmes.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Security Architecture & Assurance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in security architecture and assurance, especially within Defence environments. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Use your application to share examples of how you've led teams or projects, particularly in high-stakes environments. We love seeing real-world delivery insights!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your experience and qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at PricewaterhouseCoopers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of security architecture, especially within Defence environments. Familiarise yourself with MOD security governance and key frameworks like Secure by Design and JSP 440. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in high-stakes environments. Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and team management to prove you can handle this client-facing role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to cyber security solutions and risk assessments. Brush up on your knowledge of accreditation processes and be ready to explain how you've applied these in previous roles. This will help you translate complex technical issues into business decisions during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so don't forget to engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current Defence programmes and how they approach security challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.