Security Architect Jobs

Design and implement the security frameworks that protect organisations from digital threats. A role that combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking.

Open roles
34
Salary range
£60k – £105k
Hiring companies
26

Security Architects are the guardians of an organisation's digital assets. They design and implement comprehensive security frameworks to protect systems, networks, and data from a wide range of threats. Working closely with other security professionals, they ensure that security measures are robust, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. Security Architects are in high demand across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and government, where the stakes of a security breach are particularly high.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Security Architect

A typical week for a Security Architect is a mix of strategic planning, technical implementation, and collaboration with other teams.

  1. 01
    Conduct threat assessments and risk analyses.
  2. 02
    Design and document security architectures and policies.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with development teams to integrate security into the software development lifecycle.
  4. 04
    Monitor and respond to security incidents.
  5. 05
    Stay updated on the latest security trends and threats.
  6. 06
    Advise on compliance and regulatory requirements.
Salary on the board

£60k – £105k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 54 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
10% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
60
110
30 jobs
Lead
63
124
5 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 81 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Security Architecture
40%
AWS
36%
Cloud Security
36%
Threat Modelling
31%
Azure
28%
Risk Assessment
25%
Risk Management
17%
Zero Trust
16%
Network Security
16%
DevSecOps
15%
TOGAF
15%
SABSA
15%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for security architects. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Security Architect

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and implementation of security solutions, focusing on learning and gaining hands-on experience.

  2. Level 2

    Security Architect

    3–5 yrs

    Lead the design and implementation of security architectures, ensuring they meet organisational needs and regulatory requirements.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Security Architect

    6–8 yrs

    Oversee multiple security projects, provide strategic direction, and mentor junior team members.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Security Architect

    9+ yrs

    Drive the overall security strategy, influence organisational policies, and lead a team of security professionals.

Pathway

How to become a Security Architect

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Gain foundational knowledge

    Start with a strong understanding of IT and security fundamentals, including networking, operating systems, and security protocols.

  2. 2

    Specialise in security

    Focus on security-specific areas such as cryptography, threat modelling, and security architecture design.

  3. 3

    Gain practical experience

    Work in roles that involve hands-on security tasks, such as security analyst or security engineer, to build practical skills.

  4. 4

    Advance to architect roles

    Transition into a Security Architect role, where you will design and implement security solutions at an organisational level.

  5. 5

    Lead and mentor

    Take on leadership responsibilities, guiding junior architects and influencing the overall security strategy.

  6. 6

    Influence at the executive level

    Become a trusted advisor to senior management, shaping the organisation's security vision and strategy.

Live jobs

34 live roles

See all 34 roles

Security Architect

This role involves leading the development and governance of enterprise security architecture across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments within a global law firm. The Security Architect will define security standards, drive secure adoption of AI technologies, and ensure compliance with key frameworks including ISO 27001, NIST, and GDPR. The position requires close collaboration with senior stakeholders across technology, security, risk, and legal functions.

Computappoint London, United Kingdom £90,000 – £105,000 pa

Security Architect

Design and implement end-to-end identity and security architectures across cloud and on-prem environments, with a focus on Zero Trust, identity federation, and cloud-native solutions on GCP and Kubernetes. Define policy-as-code frameworks, API security, and resilient integration patterns while guiding engineering teams and ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture. The role involves hands-on technical leadership, solution assurance, and mentoring within a regulated security environment.

Vallum Associates Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom £575 – £600 pd

Security Architect

This role involves designing and leading the implementation of secure cloud-based architectures for mission-critical systems in highly regulated environments. You'll work closely with engineering and DevSecOps teams to embed security throughout the development lifecycle, using threat modelling, secure design principles, and compliance frameworks. The position requires strong technical leadership and experience in government or defence security standards.

Talent Locker Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JT, United Kingdom £80,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Security Architect

Security Architect – SOCFarnborough | Hybrid (2 days onsite, 3 days remote)We’re looking for a Senior Security Architect to lead the design, governance and evolution of a modern SOC security architecture.Due to the nature of the clients, the role will...

Fynity Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7JT, United Kingdom £75,000 – £85,000 pa

Security Architect

This role involves providing security architecture leadership on a high-profile defence programme, ensuring secure by design principles are embedded across projects. The Security Architect will assess technical designs, define security controls, and identify risks across infrastructure, cloud, identity, and third-party components. They will contribute to assurance activities, governance forums, and maintain architectural coherence across complex, multi-supplier environments.

Exceed Cyber limited Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £700 – £750 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

The Security Architect will design and integrate secure architectures across systems and networks within a major transformation programme. This role involves evaluating security designs, managing multi-level data security, guiding IAM strategy, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity principles. The role requires identifying security gaps, assessing risks, and supporting secure configuration across the delivery lifecycle.

Clearwater People Solutions West Malling, Kent, United Kingdom £500 – £550 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required

Security Architect

The role involves leading the development and governance of enterprise security architecture across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. The Security Architect will embed security-by-design principles, guide Zero Trust and SASE adoption, and establish frameworks for AI security and data protection. This position works closely with senior stakeholders across technology, compliance, and legal teams to ensure robust, compliant security strategies.

Computappoint United Kingdom £90,000 – £105,000 pa

Security Architect

This role involves designing and implementing security architectures for a government project, primarily working remotely but with occasional on-site meetings in Manchester. The Security Architect will focus on cloud security (AWS, Azure), stakeholder management, and clear communication of complex security concepts.

SmartSourcing Ltd Manchester, United Kingdom £540 pd
Hybrid Contract Clearance Required
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in computer science or a related field is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as CISSP or CISM.

  • Key skills include a deep understanding of security principles, strong technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and excellent communication abilities.

  • Gain experience in security engineering, specialise in security architecture, and take on leadership roles to advance to a Security Architect position.

  • Salaries for Security Architects can vary widely based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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