VodafoneThree - SbD Security Architect - AI

This job is with VodafoneThree, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

Location: Newbury or Stoke-on-Trent + Hybrid

Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits

Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

We're here to build a network the UK can count on - one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online - we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future's being built - today. We're creating more than the UK's best network. We're helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress. We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there's space for you here. We're building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves. You'll join a team that genuinely cares - about each other, about our customers, and about the future we're building. From day one, you'll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Join us and you'll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last. We're not just expanding connectivity; we're reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country. You'll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you'll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone. We move at pace, because what we're building matters - and we're learning as we go. We're proud of the progress we've made, but we're just getting started. Join our Technology team and push the boundaries of tech to make a better world today and create the ground-breaking products and services of tomorrow.

You'll play a key role in shaping how secure, responsible AI is built and delivered across VodafoneThree UK's technology landscape. Working at the intersection of cyber security and emerging AI innovation, you'll help ensure that AI-enabled products, platforms, and services are designed with strong security foundations from day one - balancing innovation with risk, compliance, and resilience.

• Define and evolve secure architecture patterns for AI and GenAI systems, covering platforms, APIs, data pipelines, and model environments.
• Embed security into the design of AI solutions by identifying and mitigating risks such as data leakage, prompt injection, and model misuse early in the lifecycle.
• Lead Secure by Design (SbD) assessments for AI initiatives, ensuring the right level of review and controls based on risk.
• Collaborate with Cloud, Data, Networks, and Digital teams to ensure secure configuration of AI infrastructure, including MLOps and compute environments.
• Guide programmes and product teams with clear, practical recommendations that balance security, delivery, and innovation.
• Drive compliance with regulatory, legal, and internal frameworks (including GDPR, TSA, and Baseline Security Requirements).
• Contribute to AI security standards, policies, and best practices - helping shape how responsible AI is delivered at scale.
• Act as a trusted subject matter expert, influencing stakeholders across local and group teams to adopt secure AI practices.
• Partner with Cyber Defence, Risk, Audit, and Compliance teams to ensure seamless end-to-end AI risk management.
• Support audit readiness by providing evidence, insights, and clear security narratives for AI systems.
• Champion the adoption of AI security standards and patterns, improving resilience and reducing risk across the organisation.

You bring experience in security architecture within IT, cloud, digital, or network environments. You have hands-on exposure to AI/ML systems, data platforms, or AI-enabled product design (even if you're not a developer or data scientist). You understand AI-specific risks and can confidently translate them into meaningful security controls and business decisions. You're comfortable working across complex, fast-paced environments with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. You can review architectures at both high-level and detailed design, offering clear and actionable guidance. You have a strong grasp of secure design principles, threat modelling, risk management, and zero trust concepts. You communicate with clarity and empathy, making complex AI security topics easy to understand for non-technical audiences. You enjoy collaborating, influencing, and building strong partnerships across teams and senior stakeholders. You bring a forward-thinking mindset and stay curious about evolving AI and cybersecurity trends. You take a pragmatic, risk-based approach - balancing protection with business needs.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience with GenAI, large language models, or model lifecycle and governance.
• Familiarity with cloud-native AI services (AWS, Azure, GCP) and AI security tooling.
• Understanding of telecoms security frameworks and regulations.
• Relevant security certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, SABSA, or AI/cloud security credentials.

Worried that you don't meet all the desired criteria exactly? We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

We care about our people's success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements. During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are - your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we're looking for authenticity and can't wait to get to know the real you.