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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design secure network architectures and protect applications in a regulated financial environment.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm focused on innovative security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in securing financial applications while working with top industry experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in application architecture and network security, preferably in financial services.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on cutting-edge security practices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Security Solution Designer to work with a financial services client, combining application architecture and network security design in a highly regulated environment. This role blends application-first architecture with a deep understanding of how networks must be designed to securely support and protect applications. The contract is inside IR35 and we need someone willing to be in the Sheffield office up to 3-days per week.
The Role
You will own and produce reference architecture for application and network security, with a strong focus on network segmentation, application protection, and security controls. Working closely with CTO teams, security architecture, engineering, and regulatory stakeholders, you will ensure solutions are secure, compliant, and fit for purpose from design through to delivery. You will be comfortable operating at senior level, presenting designs at design authorities, and providing technical thought leadership across multiple programmes.
Essential Experience
- Strong application architecture background (standards, patterns, designs) – must-have
- Software development background with solid understanding of network architecture and security
- Experience combining application architecture and network security architecture
- Financial services experience, ideally within regulated environments (e.g. retail banking, hedge funds, challenger banks)
- Proven experience producing high-quality architecture documentation (standards, patterns, roadmaps)
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including interaction with regulatory bodies
- Deep knowledge of security frameworks such as NIST, SANS, ITU
- Experience with threat modelling, risk assessment, and audit support
Technical Focus
- Application security, SDLC and lower-environment security
- Network and application segmentation (including micro-segmentation)
- Zone-based network design and secure migration from legacy architectures
- Inter- and intra-zone controls: WAAP, NGFWs, NIPS/NIDS, DDoS, API gateways, reverse proxies, AuthN/AuthZ
Tools and Platforms
- Legacy and modern networking infrastructure
- Architecture modelling tools (BizzDesign, Archi, UML)
- Jira and Confluence
Qualifications (preferred)
- Degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Software Engineering or similar
- SABSA, TOGAF, or equivalent architecture certifications
- Network infrastructure and application security certifications (e.g. CEH)
Network Security Architect employer: Talent Smart
Contact Detail:
Talent Smart Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Security Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network security roles are all about showcasing your expertise. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in application architecture and network security design. We want to see how you can blend these skills to create secure solutions!
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to professionals in the financial services sector and attend industry events. We can help you connect with others who share your passion for security architecture, which could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to present your ideas clearly and confidently. In interviews, you might be asked to explain your designs or thought processes. Practise articulating your approach to network segmentation and application protection, as this will show your technical thought leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! We have a range of exciting opportunities that match your skills. By applying directly, you’ll increase your chances of landing that dream role in network security architecture.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Security Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in application architecture and network security. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role, especially in regulated environments like financial services.
Showcase Your Documentation Skills: Since producing high-quality architecture documentation is key for this role, include examples of your previous work. We love seeing clear standards, patterns, and roadmaps that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to emphasise your experience with security frameworks and threat modelling. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we know about your background in these areas right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Smart
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in application architecture standards and patterns. Brush up on your knowledge of network security design, especially how it integrates with application protection. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you can bring real value to the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulatory Standards
Since this role is in a highly regulated environment, it’s crucial to understand frameworks like NIST and SANS. Prepare to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous projects, particularly in financial services. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate compliance effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Expect to present your designs and ideas to senior stakeholders. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently. Use diagrams or models to illustrate your points, as visual aids can help convey complex concepts more effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key in this role. Think about how you’ve successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past, especially regulatory bodies. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve managed expectations and facilitated discussions to achieve consensus.
