Security Architect Jobs in the UK
As the UK continues to establish itself as a digital hub within Europe, with investment in its technology sector reportedly 50% higher than any other European country, according to findings from TechUK; security architects can expect to earn anywhere between £55,000-65,000 as an average starting salary.
Of course this hinges on experience and the location of the specific role, with London and Bristol-based tech workers able to command 60% more than those in other industries, with average London salaries coming in around £56,000 and data architect positions in Bristol paying even more at £71,990. Manchester, Glasgow and Bournemouth have also been found to offer equally lucrative opportunities for security architects thanks to a healthy injection of foreign investment and successful tech start-ups driving the UK’s digital sector both in the capital and regionally.
Security architect jobs in the UK have been ranked among the top paying cybersecurity jobs with those candidates possessing the experience to apply to more senior roles looking at salaries of upwards of £100,000. Requiring a CISM, CISSP or CISA certification, employers are looking for security professionals able to demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and practical experience across cybersecurity-related activities, technologies and controls.
Tasked with the design, building and guided implementation of network and computer security for their organisation, security architect jobs require individuals who can think outside the box, can apply excellent risk analysis skills to potential solutions and technologies, particularly regarding complicated client-facing issues, as well as being able to factor both the technical and commercial considerations for the business into their decision-making process. Security architects as a rule must be incredibly client-focused as the role is dedicated to helping develop controls and processes designed to protect customers’ assets. Most security architect jobs in the UK require a level of flexibility as the role involves attendance at client meetings, in addition to working with various teams across a client’s business in providing the development, integration and delivery of cybersecurity services to meet their unique needs.
Candidates applying to security architect careers in the UK should expect to demonstrate a proficient understanding of cloud architectures and cloud-enabled cyber controls, in addition to the development of security hardware and software on the technical side. Meanwhile in terms of the relevant soft skills required for the job, strong communication skills are an absolute must. Presenting and communicating effectively with technical, non-technical and business audiences is key to a security architect’s role, while also being able to manage workload under pressure and liaise well within a team. Having the insight and interpersonal skill to educate fellow employees and businesses on company security policies is a key requisite to a successful security architect, a position which will likely take the candidate through to management status at which stage the ability to convey technical information to non-technical peers is even more important.
Security architect jobs are indeed one of the more challenging roles within cybersecurity, however they also offer one of the most lucrative launchpads to a career in this space and with Brexit looming, candidates in possession of the right expertise would be wise to hone their data and cyber security architectural skills in order to benefit from the growing technology sector in the UK and its place in the European job market.