At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture initiatives and define security strategies for projects.
- Company: Established financial services firm with a flexible hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000 plus great benefits and flexible hours.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for leadership and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security in a dynamic environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT/security architecture and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
I am recruiting for a Lead Security Architect for our very well established client within the Financial Services industry. This position offers a flexible hybrid role, where you will only need to attend site approx. 50% of the time, with flexibility on working hours.
Location: Leeds - Hybrid working model - 50% per month flexible
Salary: to £80,000 + Good Benefits
- Champion a modern security posture - threat informed and focused on measurable reduction of attack surface.
- Security architecture strategy & guardrails - define and evolve the security patterns, principles, standards, and roadmaps that guide projects and platforms.
- Secure-by-design delivery - partner with solution architects, SMEs and delivery teams to embed controls and use threat-led thinking throughout discovery, design, build, and delivery; ensure designs meet policy and technical standards.
- Act as senior architectural voice for high impact initiatives, aligning security capabilities to business outcomes and risk profiles, and shaping option analysis with clear trade-offs.
- Architecture governance - drive effective design reviews and signoffs; document how solutions interact with the wider enterprise and ensure compliance with our delivery and assurance frameworks.
- Cross-Technology influence - collaborate across Technology and business domains to translate strategy into target designs, balancing resilience with productivity and simplification.
- Partner with our Assurance team to land the right controls at the right stages, ensuring risk is actively surfaced and owned.
- Communicate complex security choices simply - at meetings/workshops, in option papers, and roadmaps that influence senior stakeholders and unblock decisions.
- Breadth and depth in IT/security architecture, with a track record delivering secure designs and steering multiteam programmes.
- Stakeholder leadership - comfortable influencing senior leaders and guiding engineers/SMEs; strong documentation and communication skills.
- Knowledge of well-known Frameworks (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, ISO 27001) and the ability to apply them pragmatically within delivery.
- Team leadership experience either as a virtual team or direct line management experience.
Information Security Architect - Leeds - Hybrid employer: W Talent
W Talent is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and opportunities for professional growth within the property sector. With a focus on compliance and high standards, employees are empowered to make impactful decisions while enjoying the flexibility of a field-based role across the vibrant South Mids/North London region. The company fosters collaboration with internal teams and external contractors, ensuring a supportive environment where innovative solutions thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Security Architect - Leeds - Hybrid
✨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 W Talent, 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 W Talent
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at W Talent. 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 Information Security Architect - Leeds - Hybrid
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 W Talent 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 W Talent that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent
✨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 W Talent 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 W Talent.
✨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.
