Program Security Architect

Are you an experienced Security Architect with significant experience in Microsoft security platforms? Are you interested in helping to shape and secure the digital future at one of the UK's leading universities?

Manchester Metropolitan University is looking for an experienced and highly skilled Programme Security Architect to play a central role in our strategic Security & Risk transformation programme. In this influential role, you will lead the development and implementation of advanced security architectures, specifically leveraging Microsoft's security suite, including Defender, Sentinel and Identity capabilities across cloud and on-premise systems to transform and enhance our cyber resilience.

You will collaborate closely with our security, architecture, and project teams to design secure, integrated, and business-aligned solutions. Your expertise will drive improvements across capability modelling, strategy alignment, innovation, and technical planning—ensuring security architectures are robust, flexible, and support our ambitious digital objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity to significantly shape and influence security strategy within a supportive, forward-thinking environment, delivering measurable impacts that protect the University's systems, data, and people.

About the Directorate & Department

Our IT & Digital Directorate is at the forefront of Manchester Met's digital transformation—co-designing innovative, user-focused digital services that enhance teaching, learning, and research capabilities across the University, nationally and globally.

The Information Security department ensures the University's information assets are protected, secure, and compliant. We develop and implement security policies, provide practical advice, manage risks, and operate technologies to detect and respond to threats effectively.

About the Role

As Programme Security Architect, you will:

• Lead the design and deployment of advanced security architectures across cloud and on-prem systems, utilising a Microsoft-first approach.
• Ensure strategic alignment of security solutions with business and technology roadmaps.
• Provide expert guidance, mentoring teams in security architecture methods, tools, and best practices.
• Engage closely with stakeholders to capture complex security requirements and deliver tailored, sustainable solutions.
• Develop and maintain detailed security documentation, roadmaps, and technical strategies.

Key Skills & Experience

• Significant experience designing and implementing complex security solutions, particularly with Microsoft Defender services and Sentinel.
• Expertise in cloud integration across multiple environments, ensuring secure, scalable solutions.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks and practices, including defence-in-depth and secure systems development lifecycle.
• Proven ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly across diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and influential communicator, adept at stakeholder management and aligning solutions to strategic goals.
• Demonstrable innovation and process improvement capabilities, actively contributing to transformative security initiatives.

Highly Desirable Certifications

• Industry certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, Microsoft SC-200, AZ-500, SC-100, TOGAF).

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and benefits we offer, please read the JD and Candidate Pack. 

Join us to shape the future of cybersecurity at Manchester Metropolitan University, making a tangible difference to our security posture and resilience.

Application & Assessment Process

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal. For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Ian Scott on i.scott@mmu.ac.uk 
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a panel interview.

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you! 

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

Recruitment Agencies: The University has engaged an approved list of recruitment agencies to support the recruitment of its vacancies from time to time. The University does not accept speculative applications from recruitment agencies outside of this list