Principle Cyber Architect

Foundations Executive Search; Staines-upon-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is looking for a Principal Cyber Architect to shape enterprise security architecture during a significant digital transformation. This full-time, permanent role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver secure designs and ensure alignment with cyber strategy while offering a competitive salary and hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in cybersecurity architecture, including AWS environments.
• Experience with enterprise security uplift strategies.
• Familiarity with secure systems design and agile delivery frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Set the direction for enterprise-wide security architecture.
• Lead the creation of secure architectural designs.
• Engage with stakeholders to align cyber strategy.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Technical credibility

Cloud security

Communication

Documentation skills

Education

CISSP certification

ISSAP certification

Tools

AWS

Job description

Principal Cyber Architect

Location:Hybrid (UK-based, Near Staines)
Type:Full-time, Permanent
Salary:£85,000 – £102,500 + Benefits

Foundations Executive Search is proud to be partnering with a nationally significant organisation delivering complex, high-availability services across multiple platforms. We are seeking a highly experiencedPrincipal Cyber Architectto lead the evolution of enterprise-wide security architecture—combining high-level strategic influence with hands-on engagement across key technology projects.

This is a senior-level opportunity for an architect who thrives at the intersection of enterprise security uplift, cloud innovation, and stakeholder engagement. The organisation is undergoing significant digital transformation, and this role plays a central part in ensuring security is baked into every layer of strategy and execution.

The Opportunity

As Principal Cyber Architect, you’ll define and deliver security architecture that meets the demands of a fast-evolving risk landscape. Working in close collaboration with cross-functional delivery teams and cyber assurance leads, you’ll shape the enterprise cyber roadmap, influence technical governance, and ensure the successful implementation of secure-by-design principles across critical projects.

The role is especially suited to someone with deep expertise in cloud security (particularlyAWS), experience supportingstrategic security upliftat an enterprise level, and a proven ability to work with technical and business stakeholders to ensure robust, scalable, and forward-looking architectural outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:Set the direction for enterprise-wide security architecture, supporting organisational cyber maturity goals and uplift programmes.

• Design Ownership:Lead the creation, justification, and communication of secure architectural designs across a diverse portfolio of digital projects.

• Collaboration:Partner closely with agile product and platform teams, ensuring security architecture aligns with delivery needs.

• Cloud Security:Act as a subject matter expert for secure cloud design—especially in AWS environments.

• Reference Architecture & Governance:Define architectural principles, develop reference models, and represent cyber architecture in enterprise governance forums.

• Stakeholder Influence:Engage with senior technical and non-technical stakeholders to shape decision-making and ensure alignment with cyber strategy.

• Threat Awareness:Continuously assess emerging security risks and advise on proactive control improvements.

• Knowledge Sharing:Contribute to the development of internal security standards and foster a culture of security awareness and innovation.

What You’ll Bring

Skills & Attributes

• A strong mix of strategic thinking and technical credibility

• Ability to guide technical teams while influencing non-technical stakeholders

• Deep understanding of security architecture within large, complex enterprises

• Confident communicator with excellent documentation and presentation skills

Experience

• Extensive experience incybersecurity architecture, including cloud environments (AWS preferred)

• Experience leading or contributing toenterprise security uplift strategies

• Familiarity with secure systems design, agile delivery frameworks, and DevSecOps practices

• Knowledge of architectural frameworks such as TOGAF, SABSA, or equivalent

• Relevant certifications such asCISSP, ISSAP, or equivalent desirable

• Experience in regulated or high-availability environments is advantageous

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to operate at the highest level of security architecture within a nationally critical organisation. With ambitious transformation underway, your work will shape how security underpins resilience, agility, and innovation at scale.

You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and the opportunity to influence meaningful change in a highly collaborative environment.