Lead SOC Architect

Lead SOC ArchitectLocation: Guildford / Frimley – HybridSalary: £85,000 – £100,000 + benefitsSecurity Clearance: Active SC or eligible for SCVisa Sponsorship: Not availableWe’re looking for an experienced Lead SOC Architect to join a specialist technology and security organisation delivering complex, mission-critical solutions across the Defence and Government sectors.This is a senior, client-facing architecture role where you’ll be responsible for designing and shaping Security Operations Centre (SOC) solutions across people, processes, services, technology and infrastructure.You’ll work closely with senior customer stakeholders to understand security requirements, develop solution architectures and support the delivery of secure, resilient and scalable SOC capabilities.The RoleAs Lead SOC Architect, you’ll be involved throughout the lifecycle of SOC solutions — from initial requirements and conceptual design through to detailed architecture, deployment and operational maturity.You’ll be responsible for:Engaging with senior client stakeholders to understand security, operational and accreditation requirements.Architecting end-to-end SOC solutions across services, people, policy, processes, technology and physical infrastructure.Developing and contributing to CONOPS, high-level designs, low-level designs and deployment-level designs.Designing and integrating a range of security technologies and tooling.Assessing existing SOC capabilities and identifying opportunities to improve security maturity.Supporting the deployment and configuration of new security solutions.Advising on security risks, vulnerabilities and appropriate mitigation strategies.Designing scalable, resilient and secure on-premise and cloud-based architectures.Working with technical specialists and product teams to develop appropriate solutions for complex customer requirements.Researching and evaluating new technologies where requirements are novel or have not previously been encountered.Working across Agile, Lean, iterative/incremental and Waterfall delivery environments.What We're Looking ForWe’re looking for someone with a strong background in SOC architecture and cyber security, combined with the ability to operate confidently with senior stakeholders.You’ll ideally have:Significant experience designing, building or deploying Security Operations Centre solutions.Experience with at least two of the following:SIEMSOAREDRVulnerability ManagementThreat IntelligenceStrong understanding of SOC operating models, including people, process, policy, services and technology.Good understanding of common cyber threats and appropriate mitigation techniques.Experience with risk assessment and vulnerability management.Strong knowledge of on-premise architecture and infrastructure.Experience designing cloud security architectures.Understanding of security principles including least privilege, encryption and secure-by-design architecture.Experience designing scalable and resilient solutions.Familiarity with architectural frameworks such as TOGAF or Zachman, alongside architectural modelling techniques.Strong understanding of enterprise IT services and security technologies.Experience working with Government, Defence or other highly regulated environments.Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.Why Join?This is an opportunity to work on highly complex, security-critical programmes where your architecture decisions will have a genuine impact.You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced cyber security, engineering and architecture specialists, while helping customers develop and mature their SOC capabilities in some of the most demanding environments.The role offers a combination of hands-on technical architecture, strategic advisory work and senior stakeholder engagement, making it particularly suited to an experienced SOC Architect looking to operate at Lead level.Key DetailsSalary: £85,000 – £100,000Location: Guildford / FrimleyWorking: Hybrid and flexible working availableClearance: Active SC or candidates eligible to obtain SCSponsorship: Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.If you’re an experienced SOC Architect, Security Architect, Cyber Security Architect or Lead SOC Consultant with strong experience designing and delivering security operations capabilities, I’d be keen to hear from you.