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Lead Security Architect - FCDO - SEO

Government Digital & Data -

Full-time (Permanent)
£48,801 - £53,697 Plus location allowance £1750
Published on
23 December 2025
Deadline
18 January 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.

Job description

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.

Delivering best-in-class solutions.

Working at the cutting-edge of technology

It all matters.

Protect, secure and safeguard vital government services

Joining our Cyber Security department, you’ll recruit, lead, coach and develop a team of Security Information Risk Advisors, driving a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. Working across cross-business processes and large programmes of work, you’ll identify potential security information risks associated with the acquisition, implementation and use of technologies.

Focusing on monitoring and mitigating risk, you’ll recommend controls and audit tests, providing input on the development of security policies, risk assessment and architecture for FCDO Services and our customers. Where security breaches arise, you’ll suggest solutions rooted in prevention, acting as a source of advice and guidance to management, and promoting security awareness across the organisation.

Use your specialist skills to improve our technological resilience

An established professional with an IS related qualification at NVQ Level 6 or equivalent, you’ll have extensive knowledge of technical and security tools and techniques. In a previous role, you’ll have analysed proposals, processes and practices, and identified security information risks.

As a leader, you’ll be engaging, motivating and knowledgeable, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. On a personal level, you’ll be organised, proactive and decisive, capable of delivering at pace and to deadline. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation that values you for you – and to use your skills for national good.

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, generous 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.

All our employees have to be security cleared before being appointed, so you will need to undergo a vetting process as part of your application. This role requires you to go through Developed Vetting (DV). You can find out more about vetting on our website.

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.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

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
  • Line management experience
  • 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
  • Line management experience
  • 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

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