Lead Security Architect

Talent; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 111,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent is seeking an experienced Lead Security Architect to support a major Central Government Data and Analytics portfolio. You will provide specialist cyber security architecture, assurance, and risk management expertise to ensure initiatives align with NCSC guidance, UK government security policies, and GDPR standards.

Responsibilities include producing secure design documents and governance materials, conducting risk assessments and DPIA tasks, scoping IT Health Checks, and presenting

Qualifications

• Proven background as a Security Architect delivering in large-scale digital or cloud environments.
• Deep familiarity with NCSC security principles, UK government standards, and GDPR.
• Experience leading ITHC scoping and risk assessments, and obtaining Design Authority approvals.
• Strong ability to translate complex security risks for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Security Architecture and Design: Produce secure design documentation, architectural patterns, and governance materials for complex digital and cloud platforms.
• Risk Management and Assurance: Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments, create risk treatment plans, and complete DPIA/GDPR assurance tasks.
• Health Checks and Testing: Scope penetration testing and IT Health Checks, managing external suppliers through remediation tracking.
• Governance and Approvals: Prepare and present security documentation to the Design Authority and security governance boards.
• Stakeholder and Supplier Management: Coordinate with multi-supplier teams and internal authorities to establish secure data-sharing frameworks.

Skills

Security Architecture

SC Clearance

Risk Assessment

Job description

Lead Security Architect (SC Cleared)

Job Description

Location: Remote / Hybrid (Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, or Birmingham - minimal travel)

Rate: £600 per day (Inside IR35)

Clearance: Active SC Clearance required (British National)

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Security Architect to support a major Central Government Data and Analytics portfolio. You will provide specialist cyber security architecture, assurance, and risk management expertise to ensure critical digital initiatives align with NCSC guidance, UK Government security policies, and GDPR standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Security Architecture and Design: Produce secure design documentation, architectural patterns, and governance materials for complex digital and cloud platforms.
• Risk Management and Assurance: Conduct comprehensive security risk assessments (including DSRM documentation), create risk treatment plans, and complete DPIA/GDPR assurance tasks.
• Health Checks and Testing: Scope penetration testing and IT Health Checks (ITHC), managing external suppliers through to remediation tracking.
• Governance and Approvals: Prepare and present security documentation to the Design Authority and key security governance boards.
• Stakeholder and Supplier Management: Work alongside multi-supplier delivery teams, third-party vendors, and internal authorities to establish secure data-sharing frameworks.

Required Experience

• Proven background as a Security Architect delivering within large-scale digital, cloud, or enterprise data environments (preferably Public Sector).
• Deep understanding of NCSC security principles, government compliance standards, and GDPR requirements.
• Demonstrable track record of leading ITHC scoping, risk assessment production, and securing Design Authority approvals.
• Strong communication skills, capable of translating complex security risks into clear recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Must hold active UK SC Clearance.

£600.00 / hr