Senior Security Architect

On behalf of DWP, we are looking for a Senior Security Architect for a 6 Month Contract (Inside IR35) based Hybrid in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, London Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Security Architect to join DWP's Digital team. This is a key role where you will shape, communicate, and deliver secure-by-design architecture across complex programmes. You'll act as a strong voice for security at a departmental level, working with both enterprise and technical stakeholders to ensure robust, scalable solutions.

Core Purpose: To lead on Technology Corporate Services Security Architecture within the Corporate Services domain, ensuring security is Embedded across systems, processes, and designs that support DWP's internal technology functions.

As a Senior Security Architect your main responsibilities will be to:
. Embed security into solution designs from the outset, ensuring alignment with the Digital Blueprint and maintaining relevant security product roadmaps.
. Represent and advocate for security architecture at design authority and governance forums, acting as a departmental voice for secure-by-design principles.
. Produce and maintain architectural artefacts, including diagrams and technical documents, from multiple viewpoints.
. Identify and clearly articulate solution vulnerabilities and technical risks.
. Provide clear, actionable technical communication to support design decisions, risk trade-offs, and secure implementation.
. Contribute to the Security and Architecture community, helping build internal capability and reusable patterns.

Essential:
. An active SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. (Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.)
. Strong experience in AWS security architecture, including designing secure cloud solutions and implementing effective controls.
. Experience in threat modelling and security pattern development, with the ability to create enterprise-level security patterns from scratch.
. Skilled in producing architectural artefacts, including technical documents and multi-perspective diagrams to support design decisions.
. Clear and confident communicator, able to articulate and defend security architecture decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
. Proven experience in designing and implementing security controls within complex hybrid environments (cloud and on-prem), including identifying and communicating vulnerabilities.
. Solid understanding of security governance processes, including risk articulation, compliance support, and guiding solutions through formal approval stages.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DWP guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

DWP guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".