Security Architect (DV cleared and Outside IR35)
3 days ago
Preston
Job Title: Security Architect Job Summary The Security Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining secure enterprise architectures that protect organizational systems, data, and digital assets. This role defines security standards, patterns, and controls across infrastructure, applications, cloud platforms, and networks, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The Security Architect works closely with IT, engineering, risk, and compliance teams to embed security-by-design into all technology initiatives. Key Responsibilities Security Architecture & Design Define and maintain enterprise security architecture frameworks, principles, and standards Design secure solutions for applications, infrastructure, cloud, and network environments Develop security reference architectures and reusable design patterns Ensure security is Embedded throughout the system development life cycle (SDLC) Risk Management & Governance Perform threat modelling, risk assessments, and security architecture reviews Identify security gaps and recommend mitigation strategies Ensure alignment with regulatory, compliance, and governance requirements (eg, ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2) Support audits and security assurance activities Cloud & Infrastructure Security Design secure cloud architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP) Define identity and access management (IAM) strategies Establish network segmentation, encryption, and key management practices Support zero trust and defense-in-depth architectures Application & Data Security Define application security standards (authentication, authorization, secure APIs) Guide secure software development and DevSecOps practices Design data protection controls, including encryption, tokenization, and DLP Support vulnerability management and secure configuration standards Collaboration & Advisory Act as a trusted security advisor to engineering, architecture, and business teams Review solution designs and provide security recommendations Communicate security risks and decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders Mentor engineers and architects on secure design principles Required Skills & Experience Technical Skills Strong knowledge of security architecture frameworks and methodologies Expertise in network, application, cloud, and infrastructure security Solid understanding of IAM, PKI, encryption, and key management Experience with security tools (SIEM, IAM, EDR, WAF, CSPM, vulnerability scanners) Knowledge of secure SDLC and DevSecOps practices Professional Experience 5+ years of experience in information security or IT architecture (adjustable by seniority) Proven experience designing security architectures in complex environments Experience working with cross-functional technical teams Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 18 weeks. LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds. Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.