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
49
Salary range
£55k – £140k
Hiring companies
28

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

£55k – £140k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 38 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Senior
55
140
26 jobs
Lead
58
140
4 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 64 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Security Architecture
44%
AWS
39%
Azure
34%
Cloud Security
34%
Threat Modelling
28%
Risk Assessment
27%
NIST
17%
Compliance
17%
DevSecOps
16%
SABSA
16%
Zero Trust
16%
ISO 27001
16%
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

49 live roles

See all 49 roles
HAYS Specialist Recruitment logo

IDAM Security Senior Architect

As a Senior Architect in Identity and Access Management, you will design and implement IAM solutions for a variety of clients, focusing on user authentication, access control, and integration with third-party systems. You will work on projects to define IAM strategies, create technical specifications, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

HAYS Specialist Recruitment Ec2M1Rp, EC2M 1RP, United Kingdom £70,000 – £105,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent

Senior Solutions Architect (Cyber Security)

This role involves acting as a technical advisor during the sales process, designing custom cybersecurity solutions for enterprise and government clients. You'll lead technical demonstrations, proof of concepts, and collaborate across sales, product, and engineering teams to address complex security challenges in regulated environments. The position plays a key role in shaping product direction through customer insights and supports high-stakes deployments across cloud, hybrid, and on-premise infrastructures.

Hirecracker London, United Kingdom £110,000 – £130,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Architect - Email & Collaboration Security

This role involves shaping the technical direction of Mimecast's Email & Collaboration Security (ECS) product line by bridging product, engineering, and architecture leadership. The Senior Architect will define durable integration contracts, guide AI-first design practices, and make strategic decisions that balance legacy complexity with innovation. Key responsibilities include leading problem-framing workshops, governing architectural evolution without slowing delivery, and ensuring systems are cost-effective and scalable across cloud-native environments.

Mimecast London, United Kingdom £124,000 – £186,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Principal Solution Architect – Defence & National Security

As a Principal Solution Architect, you will lead the design and delivery of secure enterprise and solution architectures for defence and national security clients. You will split your time between innovating future solutions and providing leadership for short-term customer initiatives, ensuring successful delivery and client satisfaction.

Sopra Steria Hp27Ah, HP2 7AH, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required
Top hirers

Companies hiring security architects

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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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