Overview
In this role you will lead the UK Digital Trust capability, shaping secure-by-design, AI-enabled security technologies for national-scale impact. You’ll drive architecture, governance and standards across Zero Trust, Data-Centric Security and advanced cryptography, collaborating with engineering teams and senior stakeholders. The position combines architecture leadership, design pattern development and external representation to advance Thales’ cyber resilience. It offers the chance to influence across multi-domain environments and critical systems.
Pay / Benefits
- Performance-related bonus
- Half day every Friday
- 28 days annual leave
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Life cover
Responsibilities
- Define and drive the UK Digital Trust technical strategy, embedding SbD and secure design across concepts to decommissioning
- Lead development of Zero Trust Architecture patterns, guidance, and product adaptations with segmentation and policy-driven access
- Shape and evolve Data-Centric Security models, including classification, tagging, encryption and access control strategies
- Integrate advanced cryptographic technologies (PQC, hybrid key exchange, cryptographic agility, KMS/HSM) into solutions
- Develop defensible design patterns for high-assurance systems aligned with NCSC, NIST, ETSI and sector standards
- Provide technical leadership to engineering teams across implementation, testing and assurance
- Translate complex trust and crypto concepts for senior stakeholders to enable informed decisions
- Shape internal standards, governance, and patterns for consistency across programmes
- Represent Thales externally in working groups, standards bodies and partner ecosystems
Key requirements
- Experience leading architecture and governance for secure-by-design and trust-enabled technologies
- Knowledge of Zero Trust Architecture, SbD, Data-Centric Security and cryptography
- Ability to engage with senior stakeholders and translate technical concepts into actionable decisions
- Experience with cryptographic technologies, PQC, HSMs and secure key management
- Security clearance eligibility (UK National, SC preferred) and ability to obtain it
- Strong collaboration across multi-domain teams and external partners
- Stakeholder engagement
- Strategic thinking
- Clear communication
- Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
- Secure-by-Design (SbD)
- Data-Centric Security (DCS)
Product Technical Lead - Digital Trust in Cheadle employer: Thales Group
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Crawley. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and annual bonuses, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages creativity, and prioritises ethical AI solutions.
