Principal Cyber Security Architect – 11372SR

Proactive.IT Appointments Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in financial services is seeking a Principal Cyber Security Architect to enhance security architecture and governance. This hybrid role requires expertise in Azure security, experience in regulated sectors, and effective leadership skills. You will design security frameworks, mentor junior staff, and liaise with executives, ensuring robust security measures align with business objectives. Competitive salary, generous benefits, and support for professional development are included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Private healthcare

Annual bonus scheme

25+ days annual leave

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience securing Azure environments.
• Experience in regulated financial services or similar sectors.
• Strong background in threat modelling and secure SDLC.

Responsibilities

• Design target-state architectures for cloud environments.
• Embed security principles across IT and development teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor to executives and clients.

Skills

Azure security

Application security

Mentorship

Threat modelling

Communication to senior leadership

Education

Certifications like CISSP, CISM, or CCSP preferred

TOGAF a plus

Job description

11372SR
£90k – 100k per year

Our client, a leading organisation within the financial services sector, is seeking a Principal Cyber Security Architect to join their growing security function. This is a hybrid role that blends hands‑on technical expertise with strategic leadership, offering the opportunity to shape security architecture, policies, and governance across the enterprise.

About the Role

As the Principal Cyber Security Architect, you will define and lead the organisation’s security architecture, with a focus on Azure-first environments, regulated financial services, and executive and client advisory work. You will act as a deputy to the Head of Security, influencing enterprise-wide decisions and embedding security-by-design principles across cloud platforms, applications, and data.

Key Responsibilities

Security Architecture & Cloud Governance

• Design target‑state architectures for cloud and hybrid environments.
• Translate architectures into implementable standards, patterns, and policies.
• Embed security principles across IT, engineering, and development teams.
• Align work with recognised frameworks such as TOGAF and Well‑Architected Framework.

Policy, Standards & Documentation

• Maintain and refresh security policies and cloud standards.
• Ensure policies meet regulatory, AI, and emerging technology requirements.
• Support embedding policies into daily operations across IT and development.

Assurance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to executives and clients.
• Prepare for and participate in client assurance conversations.
• Present recommendations to Boards and senior leadership.

Mentorship & Governance

• Mentor junior security team members.
• Provide guidance during high‑pressure incidents.
• Participate in governance forums to ensure secure design decisions and elevate risks appropriately.

Who We’re Looking For

• Principal/Lead-level Security Architect with enterprise architecture experience.
• Hands‑on experience securing Azure environments (identity, network, platform, data security).
• Strong background in application security, secure SDLC, threat modelling, and real‑world OWASP Top 10 mitigation.
• Confident presenting to CIOs, senior leadership, and clients, translating technical topics into business risk language.
• Experience in regulated financial services, pensions, insurance, or similar sectors; knowledge of ISO 27001, NIST CSF, or equivalent frameworks.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP preferred; TOGAF a plus.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model with flexible office days in Reading.
• Competitive salary reflective of experience and seniority.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support.
• Continuous professional development and support for certifications.
• Annual bonus scheme linked to performance.
• 25+ days annual leave, plus bank holidays.

Proactive Appointments Limited operates as an employment agency and employment business and is an equal opportunities organisation.