Lead Security Architect - FCDO Services - SEO
Full-time (Permanent) £48,801 - £50,270 Plus location allowance £1750
Published on 31 March 2026 Deadline 26 April 2026
Location
Hanslope, South East England, MK19 7BH
About the job
Job summary
At FCDO Services, we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings, courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech, and a whole lot more.Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.
Our Digital and Data technology team are at the forefront of digital innovation. They provide best in-class solutions for our clients, helping to shape and support a data driven future for UK government. Whether it’s creating bespoke, secure software, offering programme and application support or moving an entire embassy’s servers to a Cloud platform. No matter the task, they are on hand to support. Now, you’ve got the opportunity to join them.
Providing innovation to government partners.
Working at the cutting-edge of technology
It all matters.
Protect, secure and safeguard vital government services
Being a Lead Security Architect within the Cyber Security department means you’ll be steering architecture and security decisions during a period of significant innovation and change driven by emerging cyber threats and the rise of Cloud and AI technologies. The role will have you working across diverse departments, business processes and large programmes of work – all while you identify potential security information risks associated with the acquisition, implementation and use of technologies. Keeping your focus on monitoring and mitigating risk, you’ll recommend controls, audit tests – while also providing input on the development of security policies, system development lifecycles, secure coding practices, risk assessments, governance requirements and architecture for both FCDO Services and its customers.
Your leadership skills will help you thrive here. You’ll be responsible for leading, coaching and developing a team of Security Information Risk Advisors – fostering a culture that supports high performance and continuous improvement. If you encounter a security breach, you will be the first to come up with solutions rooted in prevention and learning to foster a culture of continual improvement – guiding and advising management and promoting security awareness across the organisation at every step.
Use your specialist skills to improve our technological resilience
You’ll bring extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques – supported with an IS-related qualification at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent. You’ll also be well-versed in everything from analysing proposals, technical documentation and designs, processes and practices to identifying security information and cyber vulnerabilities and risks – owing to the experience you’ve gained through previous roles.
You’re a born leader. Engaging, motivating and full of knowledge, you’ll bring your excellent interpersonal and communication skills to every task you undertake. On a personal as well as professional level, you’ll be organised, collaborative, proactive and decisive – which translates to delivering at pace and to deadline. This is an exciting and varied role where you’ll play a vital part in keeping the nation safe and secure, all while continuing to grow and develop your own expertise.
Discover the support you need to grow your career further
Working with us, you’ll help keep people, information, and assets safe around the world. It’s a role you can feel proud of; and we aim to make every part of your career just as rewarding. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, flexible working to support work/life balance, attractive holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It’s a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.
Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy to see how we
deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk.
Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting atfcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/
It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world.
The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.
Person specification
We are looking for people with:
* IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
* Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques
* Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks
* Strong influencing and interpersonal skills
* Able to produce clear technical documentation
Qualifications
IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Seeing the Big Picture
* Making Effective Decisions
* Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
* Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques
* Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks
* Strong influencing and interpersonal skills
* Able to produce clear technical documentation
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
* IS related qualifications at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, e.g. ISO 207001 Internal Auditor or Lead Implementer ISACA CRISC, ISC2 CISSP.
* Extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques
* Experience analysing proposals, processes and practices and identifying security information risks
* Able to produce clear technical documentation
Apply Now
Contact name: FCDO Services Recruitment Team
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