Group Cyber Security Architect (Strategic & Holistic)
Permanent Role (FTE) or Contractor Considered -
Location: Abu Dhabi.. Relocation Required.
£150-200K (tax-free for everyone – other than US Citizens (first 110K tax free)
Amazing challenge to lead a large groups Cyber Security Architecture and define it at the highest level.
(Also we have a Information Security Architect (manging the Quality Assurance (Secure/Non Secure Data Assurance area) - Similar package / Start date.
Must be able to start the role in December 2025 – Critical.
The role:-
To design and lead the strategic development for a growing defence group and define Data and Cyber strategy for both On-Prem and Cloud Security for both Secure and non-secure data and information strategy across the group.
My client is looking for someone with 4-5 years of European Defence / 5 eyes / US Defence experience
The Project -
This is a strategic leadership role, not a hands-on engineering position. You’ll define and oversee a group-wide cybersecurity architecture for a multi-entity defence organisation comprising five distinct operational silos. Your mission: unify the vision, governance, and architecture that safeguard both on-premise and cloud-based data assets across a diverse, complex environment. You’ll be the architect of the future state — guiding CISOs, CTOs, and IT heads toward a cohesive, risk-aligned, and resilient cyber framework and Data Strategy across the group.
Key Purpose
To establish and lead a strategic, end-to-end security architecture framework across multiple divisions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and cohesion in protecting critical information and infrastructure assets.
Strategic Responsibilities
Cyber Security Vision & Strategy
- Define and drive the enterprise-wide cybersecurity architecture strategy, covering both on-prem and cloud ecosystems.
- Shape long-term security roadmaps aligned with defence and digital transformation priorities.
- How data can be allocated depending on risk levels between Cloud or On-Prem solutions
- Advise executive leadership on emerging threats, technologies, and geopolitical risks.
- Champion a “secure by design” ethos across the group.
Group Architecture Oversight
- Establish and govern group-level architecture principles for data, identity, infrastructure, and network security.
- Provide architectural direction to divisional CISOs and architects to ensure unified approaches.
- Set standards for secure integration and resilience across hybrid environments.
- Lead periodic cyber architecture reviews and maturity assessments.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Define and maintain a group security governance model – working with an Information Security QA Manager to ensure Secure and Non-Secure Data Management and Strategy
- Oversee compliance with international defence standards (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, DISA STIGs).
- Develop frameworks for data sovereignty, compliance assurance, and third-party risk.
Leadership & Influence
- Serve as the trusted advisor to C-suite and board-level executives.
- Influence change across a federated organisation through collaboration and credibility.
- Build consensus across technical and executive stakeholders.
Innovation & Strategic Foresight
- Position the organisation to adapt securely and maintain a proactive security posture with Secure and non-secure Data requirements
- Engage with government and industry bodies on cyber standards and policy.
Required Experience & Credentials
- 15+ years in cyber security, with 5+ in Defence (US, 5 eyes or Nato) strategic or enterprise architecture leadership.
- Experience in large, federated, or defence organisations.
- Proven success in holistic security frameworks across multiple business units.
- Strong knowledge of multi-cloud, governance, and risk management.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Certifications such as SABSA, CISSP, TOGAF, or CISM are desirable.
Personal Attributes
- Visionary yet pragmatic leadership style.
- Diplomatic influencer able to align multiple entities.
- Composed and credible in high-pressure environments.
- Gravitas to command confidence at executive and government levels.
Why This Role Matters
You’ll be shaping the strategic security DNA of a defence group This is a legacy-building opportunity to design the blueprint that protects the organisation’s data, reputation, and operational integrity for years to come.