Cyber Security Architect
Shape the Future of Cyber Security in a World-Class Research Environment
The University of Manchester is a place of ideas BIG, bold, transformative ideas.
Our researchers probe the edge of the possible, our students push boundaries, and our communities ask urgent questions of the world. But none of this can happen without robust, thoughtful, and resilient digital defences.
That’s where you come in.
With significant investment in technology transformation and security capabilities, the University is strengthening its digital core. At this critical time, we are looking for a Cyber Security Architect to join the Information Security and Identity and Access Management (IS & IDAM) Division of IT Services.
We’re seeking someone with the vision, depth and pragmatism to lead secure design across a complex, constantly evolving environment, where research data, intellectual property, and personal identity must be protected with care and foresight.
This role is about embedding security into the foundation of how a world-leading university operates.
Why this Role?
As a Cyber Security Architect at Manchester, you’ll operate at the crossroads of higher education, cutting-edge research, and transformative technology. Our open, decentralised environment brings unique and rewarding challenges.
You'll help safeguard a diverse and complex digital ecosystem spanning legacy systems and modern platforms, and developed over more than seven decades. From sensitive medical trials and high-performance computing to AI tools, global research partnerships, and a user base of over 45,000 staff and students, your work will protect the data, systems, and people that drive innovation across the University.
As a University we are investing in security as a strategic priority including new capabilities in secure cloud adoption, automation and threat detection, identity governance, Zero Trust architecture, and real-time risk awareness.
You will play a central role in shaping the future of these capabilities and helping colleagues across the University navigate emerging threats with clarity and confidence.
This is a chance to work in an environment where your architectural thinking will shape real-world impact from protecting student privacy to enabling secure innovation in AI, genomics, engineering, and climate science.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the design of secure solutions for core systems, cloud platforms and new digital services, ensuring security is a core part of how the University delivers technology.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across faculties, research institutes and support services, offering practical, proportionate guidance that aligns with both policy and purpose.
- Model threats and identify security controls that protect critical research, sensitive data and strategic platforms.
- Champion architecture that is resilient and future-facing, balancing risk, value and feasibility as technologies and threats evolve.
- Contribute to wider security strategy, policy development and continuous improvement of how security architecture supports the University’s digital ambitions.
- Act as a bridge between security and delivery, helping teams adopt secure practices with confidence, not compromise.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone who brings a thoughtful and collaborative approach to designing secure systems in complex environments. You might have experience working in cloud-based or hybrid infrastructures, and you understand the importance of embedding security into design from the start.
We’re particularly interested in people who:
- Demonstrable experience in designing secure architecture solutions, especially within cloud-based environments.
- A proven track record of delivering and assuring security controls in complex digital and IT environments.
- Have a broad understanding of how infrastructure, applications, and data interact and how security supports these layers.
- Are comfortable identifying potential risks and recommending practical, proportionate security measures.
- Can engage confidently and constructively with colleagues at all levels, from technical teams to senior leaders.
- Are aware of the wider landscape including regulatory standards like ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, or GDPR and how they shape secure service design.
You don’t need to tick every box to apply. If you’re passionate about building safer digital environments and have a foundation in security architecture whether from education, research, public service or industry we’d love to hear from you.
- Experience or interest in the following would also be beneficial, but not essential:
- Security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or SABSA.
- Familiarity with Zero Trust, identity governance, or secure development practices.
- Working in higher education or similarly complex, decentralised organisations.
We don’t expect you to know everything - we’re looking for someone curious, reflective, and motivated to help us do security better, together.
Why Manchester?
From splitting the atom to leading Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in materials science and economics, we’ve always balanced academic excellence with a commitment to society. Cyber security here is not just a back-office function. It’s a vital enabler of world-changing work. You’ll join a community that values openness, responsibility, and forward thinking and be part of a transformation that is redefining how we think about digital resilience in higher education.
What You’ll Get
We offer a generous package including:
- A competitive salary and one of the most generous pension schemes in the sector.
- 42 days of annual leave (including public holidays and Christmas closure).
- Excellent hybrid working opportunities and a commitment to flexible working.
- Access to leading wellbeing and fitness services, including on-campus facilities.
- Development opportunities tailored to your growth and interests.
- Staff discounts, cycle schemes, family support, recognition awards and more.
This is more than a role. It’s an opportunity to shape secure futures for one of the UK’s most innovative, inclusive, and impactful universities.
Need the advert in another format?
We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you require the job description or application process in an alternative format - such as large print, Braille, audio, or translated materials - please contact and we’ll be happy to assist.
As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out morehere
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
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This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
