Principal Security Architect

WeAreTechWomen; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK organization is seeking a Principal Security Architect to design and implement security architectures to protect enterprise platforms. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of five years in security architecture, strong knowledge of frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27001, and the ability to lead security initiatives. This role emphasizes collaboration with various teams to ensure compliance and improve security posture. Competitive pay and flexible work options are available.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Inclusive workplace policies

Support for diversity

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a security architecture role.
• Professional certifications like SABSA, CISSP, CISM, or TOGAF are highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement security architectures for enterprise capabilities.
• Conduct risk assessments for systems to meet modern security requirements.
• Guide teams to implement security solutions across functions.

Skills

Security frameworks knowledge (NIST, ISO 27001)

Cloud security skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Technology

Tools

Microsoft Defender

Intrusion detection systems

Firewalls

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Security Architect, who will be responsible for ensuring that all enterprise platforms and solutions align with our existing security framework and industry standards. This role requires a deep understanding of security principles, technologies, and best practices to protect our information assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The focus will be on collaborating with key stakeholders across various domains to enable our technology colleagues to work efficiently and manage their environments effectively. You will perform comprehensive risk assessments, develop strategies to mitigate threats, and ensure alignment with organisational security principles and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust security architectures for enterprise-wide capabilities, which our technology teams rely on regularly to operate their services and perform their day-to-day tasks efficiently, addressing identified threats and vulnerabilities.
• Conduct thorough risk assessments for new systems and existing environments, reviewing their designs and architectures to ensure they meet modern security requirements, identifying security risks, and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Influence and guide other teams to implement security solutions by collaborating across functions to integrate security principles and ensure systems align with business needs.
• Ensure all enterprise platforms align with our existing security framework and industry standards, while collaborating with other enabling and architecture teams to integrate security into all aspects of the organisation's operations.
• Evaluate and enhance security processes to improve their efficiency and comprehensiveness.
• Continuously monitor and respond to emerging security trends and threats to workplace environments, virtualisation technologies, and databases.
• Develop and maintain security architecture documentation, including policies, diagrams, and procedural guides.
• Act as an SME and advise on the security of the cloud, workplace, and infrastructure control plane capabilities such as virtualisation layers.
• Lead and participate in internal technology initiatives to implement secure enterprise systems, ensuring alignment with security frameworks and organisational goals to enhance security posture.

Soft Skills

• Proven leadership experience as a technical individual contributor in complex organisations.
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and solving security challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to articulate complex security concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams while managing multiple initiatives.
• Demonstrated curiosity and flexibility in applying knowledge and advice.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrable experience and expertise in designing, implementing, and applying balanced controls from security frameworks such as NIST, CIS, ISO 27001, and MITRE.
• Expertise in security controls and best practices for cloud-based workplace environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft cloud security, compliance capabilities, identity and access management, and threat protection, including Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Entra, and Microsoft Purview.
• Expertise with on-prem virtualisation and container platforms.
• Familiarity with virtualisation security best practices and endpoint security.
• Proficiency in securing databases (e.g., SQL, NoSQL).
• Proficiency in risk analysis, security controls management planning, and disaster recovery planning.
• Experience with security technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in a security architecture role.
• Professional certifications such as SABSA, CISSP, CISM, or TOGAF are highly desirable.

About Tesco

Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is ‘Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day’. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, for the communities we are part of and for the planet.

We are proud to have an inclusive culture at Tesco where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we not only celebrate diversity, but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued, and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We’re proud to have been accredited Disability Confident Leader and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please click here.

We’re a big business and we can offer a range of diverse full‑time & part‑time working patterns across our many business areas, which means that we can find something that works for you. We work in a more blended pattern – combining office and remote working. Our offices will continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. If you are applying internally, please speak to the Hiring Manager about how this can work for you - Everyone is welcome at Tesco.