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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
25
Salary range
£56k – £110k
Hiring companies
21
View 25 live roles → Get an alert

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

£56k – £110k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 73 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
33% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
By seniority
£k base
Senior
60
108
35 jobs
Lead
64
120
6 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%
Cloud Security
36%
AWS
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

25 live roles

See all 25 roles →

Network Security Architect - Firewalls, DNS, Onpremise, Cloud

This role involves designing, implementing, and enhancing secure network infrastructure across both on-premise and cloud environments. Responsibilities include defining network security architecture, driving best practices, and ensuring the resilience and security of critical systems. The position requires strong expertise in DNS, next-generation firewalls, network segmentation, and cloud security.

TRIA London, City And County Of the City Of London, United Kingdom £700 – £750 pd
Hybrid Contract Flexible

Cyber Security – Senior Enterprise Security Architect

This role involves leading the implementation of CIS Critical Security Controls across the enterprise, designing secure architecture patterns for on-premises and cloud environments, and developing enterprise-wide security policies. The Senior Enterprise Security Architect will collaborate with DevOps, IT Operations, and other teams to automate security configurations and manage vulnerabilities.

DCV Technologies London, United Kingdom

Cyber Security Analyst: Career Path to Architect

This role involves working directly with clients to understand risk, define security requirements, and design secure solutions. Responsibilities include threat modelling, reviewing designs, and running client workshops. The position offers a career path to Security Architecture and requires strong communication skills.

Avanti Recruitment Victoria, Greater London, London, SW1P 1BX, United Kingdom £50,000 – £75,000 pa

Cyber Security Consultant – career path to Architect

This role involves working directly with clients to understand security risks, define requirements, and design secure technology solutions. Responsibilities include threat modelling, security risk assessment, and presenting recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Avanti Recruitment Manchester, United Kingdom £50,000 – £75,000 pa

Senior Cloud Native Security Architect

This role involves leading complex cloud-native security engagements for customers, focusing on designing and implementing solutions in Kubernetes, workload identity, and secrets management environments. The architect acts as a trusted advisor, translating customer needs into secure, pragmatic implementations while mentoring peers and contributing to product strategy. Work spans technical execution, stakeholder collaboration, and cross-functional integration across security, operations, and engineering teams.

Palo Alto Networks United Kingdom
Remote Permanent

Cyber Security Consultant : Career Path to Architect

This role involves working directly with clients to understand risk, define requirements, and design secure solutions. Responsibilities include security architecture, threat modelling, risk assessment, and running client workshops. The position offers a career path to Security Architecture and is suitable for those with experience in Security Engineering, Cyber Security Consulting, or Cloud Security.

Avanti E10Aa, United Kingdom £50,000 – £75,000 pa

Senior Manager, Cyber Architect, Cyber Security, Financial Services

This role involves managing cybersecurity engagements for financial services clients, advising on security architecture, and contributing to business development. The position requires broad cybersecurity experience, knowledge of financial regulations, and the ability to lead and mentor team members.

EY Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom

Senior Manager, Cyber Architect, Cyber Security, Financial Services

This role involves managing cybersecurity engagements for financial services clients, advising on threat management, program management, and cloud security. You will lead teams, develop thought leadership, and contribute to business development activities.

EY Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AB, United Kingdom
See all 25 roles →
Top hirers

Companies hiring security architects

See all companies →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

London

Location
8 open

Cambridge

Location
3 open

Birmingham

Location
1 open

Manchester

Location
1 open

Bristol

Location
1 open
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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