Security Solutions Lead - Networks in Reading

We have a great new role for a Security Solutions Lead to join our Core Engineering team. You will drive continuous innovation and operational excellence in security solutions across fixed networks, mobile, broadband, and enterprise. This is a key role in ensuring the organisation's technology assets remain resilient, agile, and ahead of emerging threats through proactive leadership and strategic thought. This role would be well suited to an existing Network Security professional or Network Designer/Network Engineer with significant network security experience. The team is primarily working with Checkpoint and Fortinet Security solutions.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Lead and manage high-impact security projects spanning infrastructure, application, and cloud deployments, aligning with business priorities and risk frameworks.
• Architect and deliver robust Proofs of Concept (PoCs) for next-generation security technologies, conducting technical evaluation, risk assessment, and cost/benefit analysis to support informed enterprise adoption.
• Champion and introduce new processes, tools, and collaborative models to evolve the security design team’s ways of working, driving a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Provide hands-on architectural and technical expertise across network and platform, application security domains, ensuring effective design, integration, and operation of defensive controls.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert (SME), delivering consultative guidance and oversight for business areas engaged in security-sensitive initiatives, performing risk reviews, design validation, and security architecture sign-off.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, compliance, and enterprise architecture teams, aligning security posture with evolving business, regulatory, and technical requirements.

The must haves

• Experience designing and implementing complex network and security architectures in large-scale environments (telecommunications sector preferred), leveraging industry frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, or similar.
• Advanced knowledge of security technologies, including but not limited to firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, cloud-native services, and identity solutions.
• Experience in Checkpoint and Fortinet is essential.
• Proven track record in delivering PoCs, successfully translating innovative concepts into scalable, production-ready enterprise solutions.
• Exceptional ability to build relationships, influence, and earn trust across diverse teams and stakeholders—both technical and non-technical—through clear communication, empathy, and expert knowledge transfer.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach; skilled in balancing vision-setting with rapid tactical execution under tight deadlines or critical incidents.

The other stuff we are looking for

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate complex technical concepts to executive leadership and non-specialist audiences, as well as resolve deep configuration and integration issues in technical forums.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment for modernising and simplifying how security teams operate, with a bias for automation, continuous improvement, and business value delivery.
• Commitment to professional development, continuous learning, and active participation in external cyber security communities or industry forums.

What's in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world. Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

Next steps

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we’d love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you’ve submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a technical and competency based interview. When you apply, you’ll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we’ll be sure to discuss it with you.