Enterprise Security Architect (Principal Cyber Security Professional) - Bristol

Enterprise Security Architect (Principal Cyber Security Professional) - Bristol About the job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

HMRC is recruiting Enterprise Security Architects (Principal Cybersecurity Professional) to shape and govern the security architecture, technology strategy and tooling that underpin one of the most complex digital estates in Europe.

You will operate at enterprise scale, influencing security strategy and technical direction across HMRC and wider government, supporting a multibillionpound transformation spanning hybrid cloud platforms.

This role sits within Security Consultancy Services (SCS) - a centre of excellence providing riskbased security architecture, assurance, and technical leadership across HMRC and HMG including participation in diverse groups such as women in tech.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive security architecture capability.

We actively encourage applications from women and underrepresented groups in cyber security and architecture.

We value different perspectives - they make our designs stronger, our decisions better and our organisation more resilient.

Job description

As an Enterprise Security Architect , you will provide strategic security architecture leadership across HMRC's technology landscape.

You will define enterprisewide security principles, reference architectures, roadmaps, patterns and tooling strategies; guide secure design and delivery across products and platforms; and provide authoritative, riskbased advice to senior business and technical stakeholders.

You will work closely with stakeholders from business, architecture, engineering and delivery teams to ensure security is embedded through the full lifecycle - from strategy and design through to implementation and operation. You will also represent HMRC across crossgovernment security and architecture communities and contribute to developing capability across the profession.

Line management and mentoring responsibilities may form part of the role.

Please note: Security Check (SC) clearance level, either already held or willing to obtain, is a requirement of this role. Please see Additional Security Information and Security sections below.

Candidate Information Session

We're hosting a webinar for interested candidates on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at 2pm. This is your chance to learn more about the role and ask any questions you may have.

Register your interest here and Teams link will be sent to you on the day:

Candidate Information Session -Enterprise Security Architect- Tuesday 30th June 2026 @ 2pm - Fill in form

Person specification

Key Responsibilities

• Enterprise Security Technology Strategy: Define and govern enterprise security architecture aligned to Zero Trust principles, HMRC standards and crossgovernment policy. Your visionary leadership will not only shape the security landscape within HMRC but also set a benchmark for best practice across the UK Government landscape.
• Architecture & Design Authority: Produce and maintain security reference architectures, principles, design patterns, baselines, roadmaps, and technical standards. Provide a leadership and influencing role at technical governance boards.
• Technology Direction & Tooling: Shape security technology strategy and tooling roadmaps, informed by threat intelligence, vendor capability and business risk.
• RiskBased Security Leadership: Provide authoritative security advice enabling secure delivery of products, platforms, and services across complex environments.
• Lifecycle Governance: Govern security architecture and control implementation across the full delivery lifecycle, ensuring consistency and compliance.
• Stakeholder & CrossGovernment Engagement: Engage senior business, technical, vendor, and government stakeholders; represent HMRC at governance forums and communities of practice.
• Capability Development: Coach, mentor, and develop security architecture capability across SCS and the wider organisation.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Evaluate emerging technologies, patterns, and methodologies to evolve HMRC's security architecture and operating model.

Essential Criteria:

We're looking for a principal security architect with significant experience operating at enterprise scale, demonstrating:

Security Architecture & Strategy

• Proven experience defining and governing enterprise security architecture , including principles, reference architectures, technical standards, security patterns and roadmaps.
• Strong grounding in riskbased security design , including confidentiality, integrity, availability, resilience, privacy, and nonfunctional requirements.

Frameworks & Methodologies

• Practical experience applying TOGAF and SABSA in complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of industry security frameworks, including NIST CSF 2.0 and the ISO 27000 series .

Technical Security Expertise

• Deep, expertise and strategy setting across at least two of the following security domains: (We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement, If you bring strong experience in some of these areas and the ability to learn and adapt, we encourage you to apply)
  - (Expertise in PAM, SSO, Key and Secrets Management, JML, Attestation, RBAC, Identity Governance, Hybrid Cloud Models and modern authentication protocols)
  - Proficient in designing segmentation, securing WLAN, LAN, WAN, SDWAN, SaaS proxies, VPNs, firewalls, IPS, DDoS, WAF, DLP, DNS, NAC, NSPM, and architectures like SASE and Zero Trust
  - Experience with SAST, DAST, RAST, IAST tools, integrating security into SDLC processes, OWASP, API security design, robust threat modelling, and containerization security
  - Skilled in implementing information protection tools, key and secrets management, data loss prevention, and protective marking and classification capabilities
  - Expertise in incident response, vulnerability management, SIEM, SOAR, threat modelling, threat hunting, intelligence, data analytics, and anti-phishing methodologies including use of AI Security tooling.
  - Experience with endpoint security control technologies (EDR, EPP, UEBA, baseline configurations) including the Microsoft stack for workstations, servers, IoT, mobiles, VDI, DCAAS, and DAAS.
  - Expertise in developing reference architectures for cross-hybrid cloud platforms (AWS, Azure - IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, FaaS) and new platform tools like CASB, CSPM, CWPP, and containerization security.

Enterprise Delivery & Influence

• Experience providing authoritative security leadership across large programmes, products, or platforms and leading security effectively through agile governance.
• Proven ability to engage, influence, and advise senior technical and business stakeholders , translating technical risk into clear, actionable decisions.
• Experience shaping and governing security controls and outcomes across multisupplier and multiteam environments.
• Effective engagement across diverse stakeholder groups, sharing knowledge, guidance and mentoring colleagues whilst managing complex change.

Desirable Criteria

• Recognised professional certifications (e.g. CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, NIST, ISO 27001).
• Vendor certifications (e.g. Microsoft Security, AWS Security ).
• Chartered membership of a recognised cyber security professional body.

Transitional sites

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

These sites are:

• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle.
• Telford Plaza, Telford - moving to Parkside Court, Telford.

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Technical scenario - technical security knowledge

Benefits

Alongside your salary of 71,725, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 20,778 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV, to include your Job History and Previous Skills and Experience. Provide a short description of your jobs/roles, duties and any key achievements.
• A 500-word Personal Statement, describing how your skills and experience would make you suitable for the role, referring to the Person Specification and how you meet the Essential Criteria.

Please also provide a statement (max 250-words) for the Desirable Criteria, if applicable to you, on your application form. This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy-holder where candidates have the same scores at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, you will be asked Experience-based questions to explore your skills, abilities and relevant experience for the role. A Technical scenario based on technical security knowledge and qualifications will be required, with follow-up questions from the panel. Details of this technical skill scenario will be given prior to the Interview and communicated via email if you reach this stage.

Interviews will take place via video link (Microsoft Teams).

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: View email address on diversityjobsgroup.com - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services.

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 6 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact the UBS Recruitment Team via View email address on diversityjobsgroup.com as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support
If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our 'help' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the 'location preferences' section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).