Senior Security Architect

Manchester Digital; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A government digital services provider in the UK is seeking a Senior Security Architect to lead security architecture for identity verification projects. You’ll provide expert security leadership, and shape how the organization protects citizens, services, and data nationally. Applicants should have a strong background in security architecture design and experience in large organizations. The role offers a hybrid work model, competitive salary up to £83,917, and a broad benefits package including a generous civil service pension.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Generous leave package

Time off for volunteering

Professional development opportunities

Interest-free loans for commuting

Qualifications

• Proven experience in security architecture design and modelling.
• Hands-on experience securing applications and cloud environments.
• Experience working in large, complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead security architecture for identity verification projects.
• Provide expert guidance on securing network communications.
• Shape national security strategies for citizen protection.

Skills

Security architecture design techniques

Application and Cloud Security

Enterprise-scale IT experience

Network Security protocols

Threat analysis and mitigation

Encryption & Cryptography expertise

AuthN/AuthZ technologies

Cloud-native technologies

Education

CISSP certification or Masters in Information Security

Tools

SIEM

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

GitLab

Job description

At DWP we are building reliable and user-centred digital services that millions of people depend on every day. Our Identity & Trust team is developing a strategic platform that will enable safe, secure and seamless communication between our citizens and the services they rely on.

We're looking for a Senior Security Architect to provide specialist security leadership, architectural direction and hands-on guidance across a range of identity verification projects.

This is a high-impact role where your expertise will directly shape how DWP protects citizens, services and data at a national scale

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

We are looking for a Senior Security Architect to join our community of tech experts in DWP Digital.

The scale of what we do is extraordinary, and our purpose is unique. We'd love you to join us.

What skills, knowledge and experience will you need?

• Security architecture design and modelling techniques, tools and standards.
• Application and Cloud Security across complex environments.
• Experience in enterprise‑scale IT, in at least one recent Security Architect role within a large, complex national or multi‑national organisation.
• Network Security; Strong understanding of network protocols (e.g. TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF) and experience securing routers, switches, firewalls and load balancers.
• Threat analysis and mitigation using tooling such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, and endpoint detection systems.
• Encryption & Cryptography expertise (e.g. SSL/TLS, IPsec, Kerberos, VPNs, PKI) including securing data in transit and at rest.
• Strong knowledge of AuthN/AuthZ technologies such as OIDC, OAuth, JWT and SAML.
• Knowledge of cloud‑native technologies (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, Istio) and CI/CD tooling (e.g. Jenkins, GitLab).

A CISSP certification or Masters in Information Security would be nice to have but not essential. You can work towards these here, if you don't already have them.

Location: You'll join us in one of our brilliant digital hubs in Blackpool, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield, whichever is most convenient for you.

Hybrid Working: We work a hybrid model - you'll spend some time working at home and some time collaborating face to face in a hub.

Pay: We offer pay up to £83,917. That's £57,946 salary plus a Government Digital and Data Allowance of up to £25,971 subject to our assessment of your capability at interview.

Pension: You'll get a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions worth 28.97%, worth up to £16,786 per year.

Holidays: A generous leave package starting at 26 days rising to 31 days over time. You can also take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi-time. You'll also get all the usual public holidays.

We have a broad benefits package built around your work‑life balance which includes:

• Flexible working including flexible hours and flex-friendly policies
• Time off volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket, so it's even easier for you to get to work and start making a difference
• Sports and social activities
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

Process:

We know your time is valuable so our application and selection process is just two stages:

• Apply: complete your application on Civil Service Jobs. There'll be full instructions when you click through.
• Interview: a single stage interview online.

CLICK APPLY for more information and to start your application.