Lead Security Architect

Lead Security Architect – Reading (Hybrid, 2 Days Onsite)

Department: Development

Reports to: Head of Architecture

Are you a visionary Security Architect ready to shape and elevate the security strategy for a fast‐moving, transformation‐driven organisation? Our customer is looking for a Lead Security Architect to define and lead the security posture that underpins all future technology delivery.

The Opportunity

In this influential role, you’ll partner closely with the Head of Architecture and CTO to build a robust, multi‐year security strategy that strengthens both customer and business protection. You’ll work hand‐in‐hand with technical architects, developers, data scientists, and cross‐functional teams to ensure security is embedded at the heart of every solution.

If you thrive in high‐velocity change environments and have a passion for driving secure, scalable, enterprise‐level architecture, this role offers exceptional impact and visibility.

What You’ll Be Doing

🛡 Define & Drive Security Strategy

• Assess current security technologies and controls, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities.
• Develop a multi‐year strategic roadmap that enhances security across a complex change and transformation landscape.

📣 Evangelise Security & Technology Best Practice

• Champion the security and technology strategy across all teams.
• Resolve issues collaboratively to ensure alignment and adoption.

🧭 Guide Technical Architecture

• Mentor architects, review solution designs, and ensure compliance with strategic goals and industry best practice.

🛠 Lead Secure Solution Design

• Work with business stakeholders on major transformation programmes.
• Assess solution options, support decision‐making, and contribute to business cases by aligning technology with business change.

🔐 Embed Secure‐by‐Design Principles

• Ensure every solution—new or legacy—has appropriate security measures, clearly explaining risks and mitigations.

⚠ Threat Modelling & Risk Management

• Define system‐level threats, assess risk levels, and determine the appropriate response based on the organisation’s security posture.

📜 Shape Policies & Standards

• Collaborate with the CISO to define policies, standards, and team‐level deliverables, ensuring correct implementation and governance.

📈 Stay Ahead of Industry Trends

• Track emerging technologies and security practices, championing modernisation where it delivers customer value.

🤝 Collaborate Broadly

• Build strong relationships across teams, helping others bring innovation to life while maintaining strong risk oversight.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years as a software developer in a security domain.
• 5+ years as a Security Architect or 3–5 years as a Lead Security Architect in a transformation environment.
• Deep expertise in .NET, SQL, Python, Azure, and observability tools.
• Strong grounding in enterprise architecture, TOGAF, system design, governance, and working with on/offshore teams.
• Excellent stakeholder communication and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proven leadership and mentoring capability.
• Customer‐centric mindset with strong analytical and problem‐solving skills.
• Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or related field.

Why This Role?

This is your chance to define the security direction of a technology‐driven organisation undergoing significant transformation. Your decisions will shape how teams build, deliver, and secure the systems that serve customers every day.