Cyber Security Architect

Group Cyber Security Architect (Strategic & Holistic)

Permanent Role (FTE) or Contractor Considered -

Location: Abu Dhabi.. Relocation Required.

£150-200K (tax-free for everyone – other than US Citizens (first 110K tax free)

Amazing challenge to lead a large groups Cyber Security Architecture and define it at the highest level.

(Also we have a Information Security Architect (manging the Quality Assurance (Secure/Non Secure Data Assurance area) - Similar package / Start date.

Must be able to start the role in December 2025 – Critical.

The role:-

To design and lead the strategic development for a growing defence group and define Data and Cyber strategy for both On-Prem and Cloud Security for both Secure and non-secure data and information strategy across the group.

My client is looking for someone with 4-5 years of European Defence / 5 eyes / US Defence experience

The Project -

This is a strategic leadership role, not a hands-on engineering position. You’ll define and oversee a group-wide cybersecurity architecture for a multi-entity defence organisation comprising five distinct operational silos. Your mission: unify the vision, governance, and architecture that safeguard both on-premise and cloud-based data assets across a diverse, complex environment. You’ll be the architect of the future state — guiding CISOs, CTOs, and IT heads toward a cohesive, risk-aligned, and resilient cyber framework and Data Strategy across the group.

Key Purpose

To establish and lead a strategic, end-to-end security architecture framework across multiple divisions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and cohesion in protecting critical information and infrastructure assets.

Strategic Responsibilities

Cyber Security Vision & Strategy

- Define and drive the enterprise-wide cybersecurity architecture strategy, covering both on-prem and cloud ecosystems.

- Shape long-term security roadmaps aligned with defence and digital transformation priorities.

- How data can be allocated depending on risk levels between Cloud or On-Prem solutions

- Advise executive leadership on emerging threats, technologies, and geopolitical risks.

- Champion a “secure by design” ethos across the group.

Group Architecture Oversight

- Establish and govern group-level architecture principles for data, identity, infrastructure, and network security.

- Provide architectural direction to divisional CISOs and architects to ensure unified approaches.

- Set standards for secure integration and resilience across hybrid environments.

- Lead periodic cyber architecture reviews and maturity assessments.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

- Define and maintain a group security governance model – working with an Information Security QA Manager to ensure Secure and Non-Secure Data Management and Strategy

- Oversee compliance with international defence standards (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, DISA STIGs).

- Develop frameworks for data sovereignty, compliance assurance, and third-party risk.

Leadership & Influence

- Serve as the trusted advisor to C-suite and board-level executives.

- Influence change across a federated organisation through collaboration and credibility.

- Build consensus across technical and executive stakeholders.

Innovation & Strategic Foresight

- Position the organisation to adapt securely and maintain a proactive security posture with Secure and non-secure Data requirements

- Engage with government and industry bodies on cyber standards and policy.

Required Experience & Credentials

- 15+ years in cyber security, with 5+ in Defence (US, 5 eyes or Nato) strategic or enterprise architecture leadership.

- Experience in large, federated, or defence organisations.

- Proven success in holistic security frameworks across multiple business units.

- Strong knowledge of multi-cloud, governance, and risk management.

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

- Certifications such as SABSA, CISSP, TOGAF, or CISM are desirable.

Personal Attributes

- Visionary yet pragmatic leadership style.

- Diplomatic influencer able to align multiple entities.

- Composed and credible in high-pressure environments.

- Gravitas to command confidence at executive and government levels.

Why This Role Matters

You’ll be shaping the strategic security DNA of a defence group This is a legacy-building opportunity to design the blueprint that protects the organisation’s data, reputation, and operational integrity for years to come.