Security Architect – 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Location: Central Manchester (1 day a week on site)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term (12 months)

Start Date: ASAP

A leading organisation undergoing significant digital transformation is seeking a Security Architect to join on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business’s cyber security strategy and strengthening its overall cyber resilience.

You’ll be at the heart of a multi-year Security & Risk transformation programme, designing and implementing robust, scalable security architectures that span both cloud and on-premise environments. This role is ideal for someone passionate about driving meaningful change and delivering secure, business-aligned solutions within a Microsoft-first environment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Leading the design and deployment of end-to-end security architectures using Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, and solutions.

Aligning security strategy with business goals and digital transformation objectives.

Providing architectural oversight and mentorship to internal security and project teams.

Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders to translate complex business needs into practical and secure technical designs.

Maintaining clear documentation, roadmaps, and security blueprints to support future scalability.

What We’re Looking For:

Proven experience in security architecture design and delivery across large, complex environments.

In-depth knowledge of Microsoft security technologies, including Defender and Sentinel.

Strong cloud security experience (Azure ), with a track record of designing secure, integrated solutions.

Excellent grasp of security principles including defence-in-depth, zero trust, and secure development lifecycles.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills – able to influence at all levels.

Experience working within structured architectural frameworks and governance models.

Desirable Certifications:

CISSP, CISM, TOGAF

Microsoft certifications such as SC-200, AZ-500, SC-100