Principal Security Engineer

Hastings Direct; Bexhill-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Annual performance bonus

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution match up to 10%

Mental health support programs

27 days annual leave

Job summary

Hastings Direct is looking for an expert in IT Security to promote efficient workflows and robust security practices. Candidates should possess extensive experience in IT Security, leadership skills, and an agile mindset, particularly within Microsoft Azure environments. The role involves mentoring teams and ensuring adherence to security best practices, with a focus on delivering fast and reliable outcomes. Benefits include an attractive salary, flexible working conditions, and comprehensive wellbeing programs.

Qualifications

• Extensive practical experience in IT Security working in an agile environment.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and securing cloud environments, particularly with Microsoft Azure services.
• In‑depth knowledge of cloud security best practices and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Promote a culture of re-use and optimize workflow efficiency.
• Guide teams on good security engineering practices.
• Ensure fast, reliable feedback loops for continuous improvement.
• Drive engagement and collaboration across Scrum Teams.

Skills

IT Security experience

Transformational leadership skills

Excellent mentoring skills

Cloud security best practices

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Azure security infrastructures

Data analytics for decision-making

Tools

Jira

Cloud Technologies

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Microsoft Defender tools

Azure DevOps

Job description

Job Details

• Promote a culture where we re-use more which allows us to optimise workflow efficiency and reduce duplication.
• Guide and coach teams on good security engineering practices and process improvements, helping to build capability and maturity across the organisation.
• Supports the team in delivering outcomes efficiently, by reducing manual execution.
• Ensure fast, reliable feedback loops are in place to enable fail-fast delivery and continuous improvement.
• Define and implement best practices and controls, ensuring adherence and enabling early detection of issues.
• Drive engagement and collaboration across Scrum Teams and the CIO community, leading the definition and adoption of best practices to enable faster, secure and more reliable delivery.

Skills We Would Love You To Have

• Extensive practical experience in IT Security working in an agile environment.
• Transformational leadership skills being able to influence decision making and implement new processes and procedures in support of the company’s vision.
• Excellent mentoring skills to support direct reports in their ongoing development.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and securing cloud environments, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure services.
• In‑depth knowledge of cloud security best practices, network security, identity and access management, encryption, and secure coding principles.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to analyse complex security issues and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
• Track record of successfully designing, building, and deploying scalable, secure, and highly available security infrastructures using Azure.
• Strong proficiency in leveraging data and advanced analytics to drive decision‑making and continuously enhance security solutions.

Tools & Technologies

• Proficient knowledge of at least on agile methodology (eg Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) Familiar with backlog and test case management in a system of record such as Jira or Octane.
• Expert knowledge using Cloud Technologies.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance requirements (e.g. GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST) and experience implementing security controls to meet those requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and microservices architecture.
• Familiarity with DevSecOps methodologies and tools, enabling the seamless integration of security into the development process.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Defender security assessment tools, vulnerability scanning tools, and SIEM platforms.
• In‑depth understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem, including hands‑on experience with Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Load Balancers, Applications Gateways, Proxies, M365, EDR, KQL.
• Expertise in utilizing Azure DevOps to drive efficient and collaborative development processes, including the development of security solutions and updates in code.

Unfortunately, we are unable to progress with candidates that require sponsorship at this time.

What We Offer

Salary

Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year)

Flexible Working

We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme

All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing

As a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.

Financial Wellbeing

As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental Wellbeing programme

At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs.

There’s more!

27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.