At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data security initiatives and enhance Microsoft 365 controls.
- Company: Dynamic tech firm with a focus on data security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical cover, and career breaks.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in data security while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft Purview and Insider Risk Management required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Hybrid – Edinburgh, Telford or Birmingham office. Expected 1–2 days per week in the office, subject to business needs.
Closing date: 28/04/2026
Salary and benefits: £45,000 – £60,000 plus an indicative bonus of 16% (up to 32%), private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12× salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3× volunteering days and much more.
Role: This is a senior data security role, focused on leading and improving technical data security controls across Microsoft 365, with a primary emphasis on Microsoft Purview, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Insider Risk. You will act as a senior practitioner and delivery lead, responsible for driving data security initiatives, control effectiveness and measurable risk reduction, while supporting a small team of analysts and an engineer. This is not a data engineering or platform role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leading data security initiatives and project delivery, including:
- DLP uplift and optimisation
- Insider Risk capability development
- Microsoft Purview enhancement
- Owning the effectiveness of DLP controls across Microsoft 365:
- Policy design, tuning and optimisation
- Reducing false positives and business friction
- Improving control coverage and outcomes
- Driving Insider Risk use cases:
- Policy development and refinement
- Alert triage and investigation approaches
- Alignment with wider security and governance processes
- Acting as the bridge between operations, engineering and governance:
- Translating regulatory expectations into practical controls
- Ensuring controls are enforceable, measurable and audit‑ready
- Providing data security expertise across the wider technology estate:
- Defining control requirements and expected outcomes
- Assessing control effectiveness and identifying gaps
- Working with relevant teams to ensure appropriate controls are in place
- Supporting and guiding analysts and engineers:
- Setting direction and priorities
- Acting as escalation for complex data security issues
- Working across technologies including:
- Microsoft Purview (DLP, Information Protection, Insider Risk)
- Varonis / Data Access Governance
- Microsoft Defender and Sentinel
- Supporting audit and regulatory activities:
- Producing clear, defensible control evidence
- Articulating control design in a regulated environment
Essential Experience:
- Hands on experience with Microsoft Purview (DLP, Information Protection, Sensitivity Labelling)
- Good experience of Insider Risk Management (or closely related capabilities)
- Proven experience leading or delivering data security initiatives or projects
- Owning policy tuning and optimisation
- Able to reduce false positives
- Delivering measurable risk reduction
- Data security within Microsoft 365
- Data leakage risks and user behaviour patterns
- Ability to translate regulatory expectations into operational controls
Senior Data Security Engineer in Birmingham employer: Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and an impressive benefits package including private medical cover, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career breaks. With a hybrid working model in vibrant locations like Edinburgh, Telford, or Birmingham, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and supports your development as a Senior Data Security Engineer.
Contact Details:
Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Data Security Engineer in Birmingham
✨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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group), 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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group). 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 Data Security Engineer in Birmingham
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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) 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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)
✨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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) 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 Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).
✨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.
