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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture and governance in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the financial sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, generous pension, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape security strategies and make a real impact in a crucial industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in security architecture, especially in Azure environments, and strong presentation skills.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and continuous professional development await you.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 104000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading organisation within the financial services sector, is seeking a Principal Cyber Security Architect to join their growing security function. This is a hybrid role that blends hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, offering the opportunity to shape security architecture, policies, and governance across the enterprise.
About the Role
As the Principal Cyber Security Architect, you will define and lead the organisation’s security architecture, with a focus on Azure-first environments, regulated financial services, and executive and client advisory work. You will act as a deputy to the Head of Security, influencing enterprise-wide decisions and embedding security-by-design principles across cloud platforms, applications, and data.
Key Responsibilities
- Security Architecture & Cloud Governance
- Design target-state architectures for cloud and hybrid environments.
- Translate architectures into implementable standards, patterns, and policies.
- Embed security principles across IT, engineering, and development teams.
- Align work with recognised frameworks such as TOGAF and Well-Architected Framework.
- Maintain and refresh security policies and cloud standards.
- Ensure policies meet regulatory, AI, and emerging technology requirements.
- Support embedding policies into daily operations across IT and development.
- Act as a trusted advisor to executives and clients.
- Prepare for and participate in client assurance conversations.
- Present recommendations to Boards and senior leadership.
- Mentor junior security team members.
- Provide guidance during high-pressure incidents.
Who We’re Looking For
- Principal/Lead-level Security Architect with enterprise architecture experience.
- Hands-on experience securing Azure environments (identity, network, platform, data security).
- Strong background in application security, secure SDLC, threat modelling, and real-world OWASP Top 10 mitigation.
- Confident presenting to CIOs, senior leadership, and clients, translating technical topics into business risk language.
- Experience in regulated financial services, pensions, insurance, or similar sectors; knowledge of ISO 27001, NIST CSF, or equivalent frameworks.
- Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP preferred; TOGAF a plus.
Benefits
- Hybrid working model with flexible office days in Reading.
- Competitive salary reflective of experience and seniority.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Private healthcare and wellbeing support.
- Continuous professional development and support for certifications.
- Annual bonus scheme linked to performance.
- 25+ days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
Due to the volume of applications received for positions, it will not be possible to respond to all applications and only applicants who are considered suitable for interview will be contacted.
Proactive Appointments Limited operates as an employment agency and employment business and is an equal opportunities organisation.
Principal Cyber Security Architect employer: Proactive.IT Appointments
Contact Detail:
Proactive.IT Appointments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Cyber Security Architect
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in the cyber security space! Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Principal Cyber Security Architect role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your hands-on experience with Azure environments and how you've tackled security challenges. Let them see the real you and what you can bring to their team.
✨Tailor Your Pitch
Make sure to tailor your conversations to highlight your experience in regulated financial services. Talk about how you’ve implemented security policies and frameworks like ISO 27001 or NIST CSF. This will show you understand the industry's unique needs.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re here to help you find the right fit for your skills and aspirations. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Cyber Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Principal Cyber Security Architect. Highlight your hands-on experience with Azure environments and any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this hybrid role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced security architecture in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your passion for mentoring others.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Principal Cyber Security Architect, you'll need to present complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders. Make sure your application reflects your ability to translate technical jargon into business language. We love candidates who can bridge that gap!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proactive.IT Appointments
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Azure security and the frameworks mentioned in the job description, like TOGAF and the Well-Architected Framework. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, as this will show your hands-on experience.
✨Speak Their Language
When discussing technical topics, remember to translate them into business risk language. This is crucial for engaging with executives and clients. Practise explaining complex concepts in simple terms so that everyone can understand the implications.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Cyber Security Architect, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams through high-pressure situations or influenced enterprise-wide decisions. This will demonstrate your strategic leadership capabilities.
✨Prepare for Assurance Conversations
Since you'll be participating in client assurance conversations, think about potential questions or concerns clients might have. Prepare clear, concise responses and be ready to present your recommendations confidently to senior leadership.
