Lead Security Architect - MOD SC required

Summary: The Lead Security Architect will be responsible for overseeing security architecture and integration for AI/ML within a Defence context, ensuring alignment with client IT/cloud strategies and UK Defence priorities. This role involves managing security processes, leading security initiatives, and mentoring junior staff while facilitating secure multinational collaboration. The position requires a strong background in Cyber Security and experience with multi-cloud environments. The role is hybrid, based in Portsmouth, and requires PAYE through an umbrella company.

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

Key Skills:

• 5+ years in Cyber Security, proven multi-cloud/edge architecture.
• Defence experience; familiarity with UK guidance; at least MOD SC cleared and UK Sole national.
• Certifications: CISSP (equivalent), TOGAF

Salary (Rate): £671.25/day

City: Portsmouth

Country: UK

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: IT