Head of Security Architecture

Head of Enterprise Security Architecture - Coventry, 2-3 days a month

A Critical National Infrastructure organisation at the heart of the UK are looking to appoint a Head of Enterprise Security Architecture to be the right-hand person to the CISO, playing a key role in shaping an enterprise security strategy with Agentic Security at its core.

£1bn+ additional budget has been allocated to tech and cyber over the next 5 years, and this role will take lead in how this is utilised to ensure a secure future country, by exploring and adopting innovative cyber technologies and processes.

This role brings significant influence over how security is designed into the organisation’s technology landscape. Working closely with the CISO, CIO and CTO, you’ll translate business priorities and emerging threats into a clear security architecture roadmap across IT, OT, cloud and on-premises environments.

We don't want someone who sits and writes policy documents, but instead a leader who is out meeting vendors and exploring emerging opportunities. The CISO may ask, "Could we move to an Agentic enabled SIEM", you would then explore options (via your team of 20 if needed) and outline your recommended approach and considerations.

The role:

• Lead and develop the Security Architecture team (currently 20 in team), setting direction, priorities and standards.
• Shape the enterprise security architecture strategy across a 3-5-year horizon.
• Help define how Agentic Security supports the organisation’s security strategy and future capabilities.
• Act as the senior authority for Security Architecture, governing designs and embedding secure-by-default principles.
• Develop security patterns and guidance that enable delivery teams to build secure solutions.
• Work with Cyber Threat Intelligence and senior stakeholders to make informed, proportionate decisions about risk.

Ideal experience:

• Extensive enterprise security and solution architecture experience within a complex organisation.
• A strong track record of leading architecture teams and influencing senior technology leaders.
• Broad knowledge of cloud and on-premises security, with an understanding of both IT and OT environments ideally.
• Ambitions to be a CISO, ideally.
• The ability to connect technical architecture decisions with business priorities, risk appetite and the evolving threat landscape.
• A relevant degree, with SABSA Practitioner or IEC 62443 experience would be advantageous.

A significant leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape enterprise security strategy, lead an established team and work closely with the CISO on the organisation’s future security direction.