Lead Security Architect

UK Home Office; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the UK Home Office as a Lead Security Architect driving secure system delivery for millions. Engage senior stakeholders, mentor architects, and shape security strategies for critical systems using advanced practices in cloud, DevSecOps, and zero-trust approaches. This position offers an opportunity to enhance security across government operations while ensuring compliance with national standards.

Benefits

Exceptional pension

Generous leave

Flexible working options

Learning and development opportunities

Diversity and inclusion culture

Qualifications

• Expert in ISO 27001, NIST controls with a focus on quantifying risk.
• Hands-on knowledge in cloud security and DevSecOps toolchains.
• Experience mentoring security architects and managing technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Define portfolio vision and reusable security patterns.
• Lead architecture reviews and drive recommendations.
• Analyze threat models and pen tests to reduce risks.
• Advise on security controls for hybrid and cloud platforms.

Skills

Risk-based decision-making

Technical depth

Pen-testing

Influential communication

Mentoring

Job description

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Lead Technical Recruiter - Architecture, Delivery, Product, and IT Ops

Join the Home Office as a Lead Security Architect and drive the secure-by-design delivery of critical systems protecting millions of citizens. You’ll own security architecture for a major portfolio, translating business goals and threat intelligence into practical controls. Collaborating with senior stakeholders and mentoring SEO-level architects, you’ll shape cloud, DevSecOps, IoT, and zero-trust security approaches.

You’ll ensure services meet Home Office and NCSC standards, advise on emerging threats, and embed security into agile pipelines using tools like IaC scanning and SAST/DAST. By applying risk frameworks like ISO 27005 and NIST, you’ll communicate clear, proportionate solutions across technical and non-technical audiences. This role offers a chance to influence resilient, compliant services that balance security, usability, and cost across government.

What you will do

• Define portfolio vision and reusable security patterns aligned with Principal Security Architect strategy.
• Lead architecture reviews for high-risk projects, driving recommendations to resolution.
• Analyse threat models and pen tests, turning findings into risk-reducing improvement plans.
• Advise on security controls for hybrid and cloud platforms, balancing usability, cost, and compliance.
• Mentor SEO Security Architects, ensuring quality and fostering continuous learning.
• Engage senior stakeholders, presenting security trade-offs in clear business terms to build consensus.
• Monitor emerging threats, tools, and regulations, recommending timely responses.
• Oversee vendor and SaaS security evaluations, ensuring robust contractual safeguards.

What you will bring

• Risk‑based decision‑making - expert in ISO 27001 / NIST / CIS controls, able to quantify and articulate risk, then select proportionate, cost‑effective controls.
• Technical depth - hands‑on knowledge of cloud security, IAM, container & API security, network segmentation, encryption and DevSecOps toolchains; capable of explaining exploitability of complex vulnerabilities.
• Pen‑testing & threat‑modelling - scoping, overseeing and translating results into enforceable patterns and backlog items.
• Influential communication - proven ability to engage C‑suite and delivery squads alike, adapting style to gain agreement and drive secure‑by‑design culture.
• Mentoring & governance - experience line‑managing or coaching security architects/engineers and running architecture assurance or design‑review boards.

Why Join Us?

• Exceptional pension: Employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service), 8 public holidays, and 1 day for the King’s Birthday.
• Flexible working: Options include full-time, part-time, compressed hours, job sharing, and a hybrid model (minimum 60% on-site).
• Learning and development: Access to training, technical accreditations, and funded qualifications (subject to approval).
• Recognition and inclusion: A culture that champions diversity, enhanced parental leave schemes, annual bonuses, and recognition awards.

Learn more about our benefits: Benefits - Home Office Careers

Additional Information

This role requires SC clearance. To meet national security vetting requirements, you typically need to have been resident in the UK for at least three years. Unfortunately we cannot offer sponsorship.

Ready to shape the future of secure technology? Click "Apply" to explore the full job description and salary details, and join the Home Office in protecting millions through innovative, resilient security architecture.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology, Strategy/Planning, and Design

• Industries

  Government Administration

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