Lead Security Architect

FCDO Services; Hanslope; On-site; GBP 43,920 - 53,681; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary of £48,801

Pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Learning and development opportunities

On-site gym and nursery

Interest-free loans on season tickets

Job summary

A governmental organization in England is looking for a Lead Security Architect to manage a team focused on security risk assessments and policy development. The ideal candidate will have NVQ Level 6 or equivalent in information security and experience in security tools. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous pension scheme and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques.
• Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices for security risks.
• Ability to deliver on time and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, lead, coach and develop a team of Security Information Risk Advisors.
• Identify and mitigate security information risks across technologies.
• Provide input on security policy and risk architecture for the organization.
• Advise senior management on security breaches and promote security awareness.

Skills

Expertise in security tools and techniques

Interpersonal and communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Education

NVQ Level 6 or equivalent IS-related qualification

Job description

Lead Security Architect – FCDO Services

Apply before 11:55 pm Sunday 16th November 2025.

Reference number: 434255

Contract type: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Location: Hanslope, South East England, MK19 7BH

Job summary

At FCDO Services, we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings, courier diplomatic packages worldwide and safeguard government technology. Our Digital and Data technology team delivers best‑in‑class secure software solutions, programme and application support, and cloud migration for UK government – you’ll be part of that mission.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, lead, coach and develop a team of Security Information Risk Advisors, driving high performance and continuous improvement.
• Identify potential security information risks associated with acquisition, implementation and use of technologies across cross‑business processes and large programmes.
• Monitor and mitigate risk, recommend controls and audit tests, and provide input on security policy, risk assessment and architecture for FCDO Services and our customers.
• Act as a source of advice and guidance to senior management on security breaches, prevention solutions, and promote security awareness across the organisation.

Qualifications & experience

• NVQ Level 6 or equivalent IS‑related qualification.
• Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques.
• Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices, and identifying security information risks.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organisational and decisive skills; able to deliver on time and to deadline.

Benefits & support

• Salary of £48,801 with £14,137 contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days plus 9 public and privileged days.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• Free shuttle bus between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park.

All employees must be security‑cleared before appointment. This role requires Developed Vetting (DV). Vetting details can be found on our website.

Eligible candidates: UK nationals only.

Career and growth

Working with us you’ll help keep people, information and assets safe worldwide. We support your career with competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, access to training and development opportunities, on‑site gym, nursery, café, restaurant and interest‑free loans on season tickets and bikes.

Additional information

• Applicants may be considered for other roles if close to meeting the criteria.
• Security and medical fitness are required before appointment.

For more information about the role or the application process, visit our virtual embassy at virtual‑embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.