At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security efforts to protect our community's vital services and systems.
- Company: Join Kensington and Chelsea Council, dedicated to a safer, fairer borough.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while advancing your career in cyber security.
- Qualifications: Degree in ICT or Computer Science, with relevant security certifications and experience.
Protect our technology and help secure the vital services our community relies on. As our Security Architect, you’ll help strengthen our cyber security posture, using your technical leadership to keep our borough safe.
What You'll Be Doing
In this new role, you’ll act as our senior technical authority on cyber security, ensuring our systems and digital services are secure by design. Following a cyber attack in November 2025, we’re actively strengthening our approach to ICT delivery, and you’ll be at the forefront of defining our secure design principles, standards and patterns.
Your daily focus will involve reviewing solution designs, leading threat modelling and conducting risk assessments to inform crucial go/no-go decisions regarding technical security. You’ll work across teams to strengthen controls across our Microsoft 365 and Azure environments while pragmatically managing risks within our legacy systems as we transition towards a Zero Trust model.
Collaboration is vital, and you’ll provide clear, risk-based guidance to project boards, technical teams and external suppliers – ensuring our technology choices always support secure, resident-focused services.
What You’ll Bring
You’ll bring a degree in ICT or Computer Science, or equivalent professional experience, alongside relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM or specialised Microsoft security credentials. You have substantial experience as a security architect or senior specialist within a complex organisation, showing a deep understanding of threat modelling and secure-by-design principles.
Your technical expertise spans Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Entra ID, Defender, Intune and Purview, as well as public-sector frameworks like CAF and PSN. Because you’ll be establishing this new role, your ability to build strong, influential relationships with both technical and non-technical colleagues is essential.
You possess a pragmatic, risk-aware mindset, capable of balancing ideal security standards with the operational realities of legacy technologies. Above all, you’re someone who demonstrates a strong commitment to fairness, integrity and equal opportunities, embedding our core values into every decision you make.
Why join us
At RBKC, we’re all in – investing in our people, our communities and our future. This role gives you a rare opportunity to make a Council-wide impact, directly contributing to the safety and resilience of a borough serving diverse communities. We provide a competitive salary that recognises your expertise, alongside excellent opportunities for continuous professional development, training and career growth. You’ll work within a supportive, collaborative environment where your technical leadership is valued, and where you can see the direct results of your efforts in building a safer digital infrastructure for everyone.
About Us
Kensington and Chelsea is home to diverse communities, thriving businesses and unique local places. Everything we do is focused on supporting our residents, strengthening our approach and creating a fairer borough. As a competent and caring Council, we take pride in our work every day, ensuring our services are delivered with care and competence. We listen to our residents, act with integrity and work together to build a borough that is greener, safer and fairer for all.
In this role, you’ll truly embody the ‘we’re all in’ mindset by getting stuck into our complex digital landscape. Establishing a new role and navigating the recovery from a major cyber attack means it won’t always be plain sailing, but every ounce of your effort will pay off as you protect resident data. Whether you’re collaborating in the office, working from home or engaging with suppliers, your commitment will turn security challenges into opportunities for growth – strengthening our entire organisation from the ground up.
Working Style
You’ll be based in the Borough for three days a week, playing a key role in serving the local community. Whether you’re working on-site or collaborating remotely, you’ll be part of a dedicated team protecting our digital environment.
Interview Details
Interviews will be held in person on 25th & 26th August 2026.
Ready to join us? We’re all in – are you? If you share our values and have the skills to contribute, we’d love to hear from you.
We reserve the right to extend or close this vacancy early without warning subject to the volume of suitable applicants. We are committed to promoting equality and respecting diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Security Architect employer: ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where community engagement and consumer protection are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration, ensuring that you can grow your skills while making a meaningful impact in safeguarding consumers and promoting fair trade within the borough.
Contact Details:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA, 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA. 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 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
✨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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA.
✨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.
