IT Security Architect

Location: London, Hybrid 2days in office per week
Industry: Financial Services

Shape the Future of Security Architecture

We're seeking an experienced hands on IT Security Architect to join a rapidly evolving financial services organisation undergoing significant technology transformation.

This is a highly visible role where you'll influence how security is embedded across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments, helping ensure technology change is delivered securely, compliantly and in line with business objectives.

Working within a central Security Architecture function, you'll partner with architects, engineering teams and senior stakeholders across the business to provide expert guidance on security design, threat modelling, governance and emerging technology risks.

With the increased adoption of cloud technologies, APIs, AI solutions and modern application platforms, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape security strategy across a diverse and complex technology estate.

The Role

As an IT Security Architect, you'll be responsible for reviewing and approving solution designs, identifying security risks early in the delivery lifecycle and ensuring appropriate controls are implemented across the organisation.

You'll act as a trusted advisor to project teams, helping them balance security, business objectives and regulatory obligations in a pragmatic and risk-based manner.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting end-to-end security architecture and design reviews across technology initiatives.
• Performing structured threat modelling using methodologies such as STRIDE.
• Producing and maintaining security standards, architecture patterns and technical guidelines.
• Providing expert security consultancy throughout project lifecycles.
• Assessing security implications of emerging technologies including AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), machine learning solutions and autonomous agent frameworks.
• Reviewing SaaS, cloud and third-party vendor solutions against internal security requirements.
• Supporting governance activities and presenting recommendations to Design Authority forums.
• Working closely with Security Operations, IAM, Infrastructure and Risk teams to ensure designs are operationally viable and aligned to policy.
• Contributing to strategic security initiatives including:

Zero Trust

Cloud Security

Network Segmentation

Identity Modernisation

Building strong relationships with business stakeholders and acting as the primary security architecture contact for an aligned business division.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a security professional who combines strong technical depth with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

You'll be comfortable challenging designs, influencing decision-makers and translating complex security concepts into practical business outcomes.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in Security Architecture or a closely related architecture role.
• Proven track record conducting:

Security Design Reviews

Threat Modelling

Security Risk Assessments

Architecture Governance

• Strong knowledge of cloud security, preferably within Microsoft Azure environments.
• Experience securing APIs, modern application architectures, microservices and cloud-native platforms.
• Understanding of Identity and Access Management, including:
  • SSO
  • Federation
  • MFA
  • Privileged Access Management
  • Certificate-based Authentication
• Familiarity with Zero Trust principles and modern network security architectures.
• Experience working within regulated environments, ideally Financial Services.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with:
  • AI/ML Security
  • Large Language Model (LLM) Security
  • Agentic AI Frameworks
  • MCP (Model Context Protocol)
• Knowledge of DevSecOps, Infrastructure as Code and Security Automation.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks including:
  • DORA
  • FCA requirements
  • ISO 27001
  • NIST

Certifications

The following certifications would be highly beneficial:

• SABSA (preferred)
• CISSP
• TOGAF
• CCSP
• Azure Security Certifications
• Other relevant security or architecture certifications

Personal Attributes

We're particularly interested in individuals who are:

• Pragmatic and risk-focused.
• Naturally curious about emerging technologies and evolving threats.
• Collaborative rather than gatekeeping in their approach.
• Strong communicators who can influence at all levels.
• Comfortable working independently across multiple initiatives.
• Passionate about enabling secure technology transformation.

Why Join?

• Opportunity to influence security strategy across a large and diverse technology estate.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies including AI, cloud and modern application platforms.
• Collaborative architecture function with significant business visibility.
• Work on high-profile transformation programmes.
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Language Skills

Fluency in English is required. French language skills would be advantageous.

Interested?

If you're a Security Architect looking for an opportunity to shape security across a complex and evolving financial services organisation, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to learn more.