Principal Solution Architect

NCC Group plc; Manchester; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NCC Group plc is seeking a Principal Solution Architect to shape and deliver high-value cyber security solutions across professional and managed services. You will mentor a team of Solution Architects, provide technical guidance, and influence both sales and service offerings.

The role requires deep technical expertise, commercial awareness, and strong stakeholder skills to drive client engagements and align solutions with NCC Group capabilities and market needs. Based in Manchester, UK.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing and delivering complex cyber security solutions in pre-sales/consulting.
• Strong understanding of network architecture, IT infrastructure and cloud platforms.
• Deep knowledge of cyber threats, threat actors and mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with pentest methodologies and outcomes.
• Experience with frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, CIS Controls.
• Strong commercial acumen balancing client needs and profitability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to convey technical content to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in MS Office and documentation tools.
• Certifications such as CISM, CISSP, CCSP or equivalent expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation of technical solution designs and bid responses for large client opportunities.
• Provide expert technical solution consultancy including scope, approach, and cost modelling.
• Act as senior technical advisor in client engagements translating needs into secure solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Delivery, and Product Management to align proposals with requirements.
• Own quality assurance of client-facing documentation for clarity and accuracy.
• Mentor Solution Architects and act as escalation point for complex issues.
• Identify market trends to inform service development and maintain competitive edge.
• Contribute to account planning and opportunity development for strategic growth.
• Deliver internal training and briefings on NCC Group services, research and IP.

Skills

Cyber security design

Network architecture

Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS)

Threat intelligence

Penetration testing

NIST

ISO 27001

PCI DSS

CIS Controls

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Documentation tools

CISM

CISSP

CCSP

Job description

Principal Solution Architect

Department: Sales

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: GBR Manchester Hardman Boulevard

Reporting To: Andy Jarvis

Description

The Principal Solution Architect is a senior technical role within NCC Group’s Sales Engineering & Field Strategy team, responsible for shaping and delivering complex, high-value cyber security solutions across both professional and managed services. This role serves as a technical authority and strategic partner to clients, translating business challenges into secure, scalable, and commercially viable solutions.

In addition to leading solution design and client engagements, the Principal Solution Architect plays a key role in mentoring and developing the wider team of Solution Architects. They provide technical guidance, coaching, and quality assurance to ensure consistency, innovation, and excellence in solution delivery. Acting as a role model and escalation point, they foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and technical curiosity across the team.

This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, commercial awareness, and strong interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders, support sales activities, and drive the evolution of NCC Group’s service offerings in response to emerging threats and market demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of technical solution designs and bid responses for large-scale client opportunities, integrating services across NCC Group’s offerings.
• Provide expert technical solution consultancy, including scope definition, approach, dependencies, assumptions, and cost modelling aligned with governance processes.
• Act as a senior technical advisor in client engagements, translating business needs into actionable cybersecurity solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Delivery, and Product Management teams to ensure alignment of proposed solutions with client requirements and internal capabilities.
• Own the quality assurance of client-facing documentation, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and technical integrity.
• Mentor and support Solution Architects, acting as a technical escalation point.
• Identify market trends and gaps to inform service development and maintain competitive advantage.
• Contribute to account planning and opportunity development, supporting strategic growth initiatives.
• Deliver internal training and briefings on NCC Group services, research, and intellectual property.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience in designing and delivering complex cyber security solutions in a pre-sales or consulting capacity.
• Strong understanding of network architecture, IT infrastructure, cloud platforms (Azure, AWS), and emerging technologies.
• Deep knowledge of cybersecurity threats, threat actors, and mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with penetration testing methodologies and outcomes.
• Demonstrable experience with at least two of the following frameworks: NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, CIS Controls.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance client needs and profitability.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present technical content to non-technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical documentation tools.
• Relevant certifications such as CISM, CISSP, CCSP, or equivalent demonstrable expertise.

Desired Requirements

• Experience in integrating cybersecurity solutions into enterprise environments.
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements across different sectors.
• Exposure to managed security services and operational security models.
• Experience working with international clients and multi-region solution deployments.
• Knowledge of in-region cyber security regulations, compliance and privacy frameworks