Security/Sovereign Cloud Architect

Xebia; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Xebia is seeking a Senior Security Architect to define and govern the programme's security architecture, including Zero Trust, IAM, and cryptographic controls. You will design sovereign cloud deployment models meeting data residency and compliance needs, and lead security reviews and governance activities across large-scale programmes.

You will collaborate with government authorities, auditors, and client assurance teams, ensuring vendors meet security standards and providing security approvals

Qualifications

• 7-12 years of experience in cybersecurity or security architecture within large-scale programmes.
• Experience designing security architectures for government, defence, or classified environments.
• Strong expertise in Zero Trust Architecture and identity-centric security models.
• Hands-on knowledge of sovereign cloud platforms, data residency, encryption, BYOK/HYOK, and HSM integration.
• Strong background in IAM, federation technologies, RBAC, ABAC, PAM, and secrets management.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks including ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, NCSC CAF, or regional equivalents.
• Experience producing security architecture documentation, threat models, and risk assessments.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and executive stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Defining and governing the programme's security architecture, including Zero Trust, IAM, network segmentation, and cryptographic controls.
• Designing sovereign cloud deployment models that meet national security, data residency, and compliance requirements.
• Leading security architecture reviews, threat modelling sessions, and security governance activities.
• Establishing security standards, architecture patterns, and guardrails across all programme workstreams.
• Advising on information classification, cross-domain data flows, and secure solution design.
• Working closely with government security authorities, auditors, and client information assurance teams.
• Assessing third-party vendor security posture and reviewing security documentation.
• Providing security approval during Architecture Review Boards and programme stage gates.

Skills

Security architecture

Zero Trust

IAM

Threat modelling

NIST/ISO 27001

Communication

Job description

Xebia is a global AI-first, digital transformation, and engineering partner. With over 25 years of experience and a team of 5,000 professionals across 16 countries, we help organizations design and build scalable products, platforms, and data-driven solutions.

We specialize in Artificial Intelligence, Data and Cloud, Intelligent Automation, and Digital Products, combining deep technical expertise with a strong focus on engineering excellence and a people-first culture.

In the CEE region, we’re a team of nearly 1,000 experts delivering modern applications, data platforms, and AI solutions for clients such as McLaren, Aviva, Deloitte, Spotify, Disney, ING, UPS, Tesco, Truecaller, AllSaints, Volotea, Schmitz Cargobull, Allegro, InPost, and many, many more. We work with leading technologies including AWS, Azure, GCP, Databricks, and Snowflake, and combine strong engineering culture with a consulting mindset and a continuous focus on growth and knowledge sharing.

You will be:

• Defining and governing the programme's security architecture, including Zero Trust, IAM, network segmentation, and cryptographic controls.


• Designing sovereign cloud deployment models that meet national security, data residency, and compliance requirements.


• Leading security architecture reviews, threat modelling sessions, and security governance activities.


• Establishing security standards, architecture patterns, and guardrails across all programme workstreams.


• Advising on information classification, cross-domain data flows, and secure solution design.


• Working closely with government security authorities, auditors, and client information assurance teams.


• Assessing third-party vendor security posture and reviewing security documentation.


• Providing security approval during Architecture Review Boards and programme stage gates.

Your profile:

• 7-12 years of experience in cybersecurity or security architecture within large-scale programmes.


• Experience designing security architectures for government, defence, or classified environments.


• Strong expertise in Zero Trust Architecture and identity-centric security models.


• Hands-on knowledge of sovereign cloud platforms, data residency, encryption, BYOK/HYOK, and HSM integration.


• Strong background in IAM, federation technologies, RBAC, ABAC, PAM, and secrets management.


• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks including ISO 27001, NIST SP 800-53, NCSC CAF, or regional equivalents.


• Experience producing security architecture documentation, threat models, and risk assessments.


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence both technical and executive stakeholders.

Nice to have:

• Experience with Saudi NCA Essential Cybersecurity Controls or NDMO requirements.


• Knowledge of secure enclave technologies, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), or enterprise PKI.


• Experience with defence-grade cryptographic standards such as FIPS 140-2/3.


• Active or recent SC, DV, or NATO SECRET clearance.


• GCC or KSA government security programme experience.


• CISSP, CCSP, AWS Security Specialty, Azure Security Engineer, SABSA, or ISO 27001 certifications.

Recruitment Process:

CV review - HR call - Interview - Client Interview - Decision