Role Title: Lead Security Architect
Duration: contract to run until 23/11/2026
Location: Portsmouth. Hybrid 2-3 days per week onsite
Rate: up to £616 p/d Umbrella inside IR35
Clearance required: Active DV Clearance and Sole UK National
Role purpose / summary
Mission: Own security architecture and the integration roadmap for AI/ML across multi cloud and edge; align to client IT/cloud strategy and UK Defence priorities; enable secure multinational collaboration and high side code promotions with repeatable assurance. Manage the Secure by Design elements of the project and own the assurance process end to end.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Security elements of the program across different use cases for AI/ML development and trials.
- Chair Security Working groups and tri nation collaboration.
- Manage security visibility and outcomes, manage senior stakeholder engagement.
- Threat and risk management; translate ambiguous requirements into testable controls.
- Define classification aware architectures, trust boundaries, cross domain data movement guardrails.
- Provide Security guidance and controls for complex program.
- Lead Security roadmap: DevSecOps, policy as code controls, risk based CI/CD gates.
- Govern supply chain security: artefact signing, SBOMs, provenance; adopt SLSA style controls.
- Reduced lead time to secure release; zero critical promotion checkpoints; supplier onboarding efficiency; executive risk communication.
- Mentor juniors
Experience & Qualifications
- 5+ years in Cyber Security, proven multi cloud/edge architecture.
- Defence experience; familiarity with UK guidance; eligibility for appropriate clearance, UK Sole national.
- Certifications: CISSP(equivalent), TOGAF
Key Attributes
This role requires essential skills of adaptability and a pragmatic and positive attitude towards security as a business enabler, the technical skills and aptitudes can be learned from the team