Are You Ready to Shape the Future of Cybersecurity in Higher Education?
Are you a seasoned Security Architect with extensive expertise in Microsoft security platforms? Do you dream of making an impact at one of the UK’s leading universities by securing its digital transformation journey?
Manchester Metropolitan University invites you to apply for the role of Programme Security Architect, where you’ll play a pivotal role in driving a comprehensive Security & Risk Transformation Programme. Leveraging your deep knowledge of Microsoft’s security suite—including Defender, Sentinel, and Identity solutions—across both cloud and on-premise systems, you’ll lead efforts to fortify our university’s cybersecurity posture and resilience.
This influential role will see you collaborate closely with security, architecture, and project teams to design secure and integrated solutions that align with Manchester Met’s ambitious digital objectives. You will make transformational contributions to capability modeling, strategy alignment, innovation, and technical planning, ensuring our architectures are robust, adaptable, and future-ready.
This is your chance to shape and influence security strategy in a supportive and forward-thinking environment, creating measurable impacts that safeguard the University’s systems, data, and people.
About the IT & Digital Directorate
Our IT & Digital team forms the cornerstone of Manchester Met’s digital transformation journey. Together, we co-design innovative, user-centric digital services that empower learning, teaching, and research across the University both locally and globally.
The Information Security Department plays a vital role in ensuring the security and compliance of the University’s digital assets. Through policy development, risk management, and cutting-edge threat detection technologies, our team continually works to protect the integrity of our systems.
About the Programme Security Architect Role
In this dynamic position, you’ll:
- Architect High-Level Security Solutions: Design, develop, and implement advanced security architectures leveraging Microsoft’s security ecosystem across both cloud and on-premises systems.
- Ensure Strategic Alignment: Integrate security solutions that align with overarching business and technology roadmaps.
- Provide Expert Leadership: Guide and mentor teams on security architecture methods, tools, and best practices to promote technical excellence.
- Collaborate with Stakeholders: Engage with diverse internal teams and stakeholders to capture complex security requirements and fulfill them with tailored, sustainable solutions.
- Develop Key Documentation: Create and maintain in-depth security strategies, roadmaps, and technical documentation.
Key Skills & Experience
We’re seeking a security professional with:
- Proven experience deploying and scaling Microsoft’s security stack across identity, devices, applications, data, and infrastructure.
- Strong knowledge of cloud integration across multi-environment platforms, ensuring secure, scalable, and resilient solutions.
- Expertise in security frameworks, principles, and practices, such as defense-in-depth and secure systems development lifecycle.
- The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, impactful messaging for diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of aligning solutions to strategic business goals.
- Experience driving innovation, process improvements, and transformative security initiatives.
Highly Desirable Certifications
Preference will be given to candidates holding certifications such as:
- CISSP, CISM
- Microsoft SC-200, AZ-500, SC-100
- TOGAF
Why Join Us?
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the cybersecurity future of Manchester Metropolitan University. You’ll make a tangible difference to our security posture while working in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven environment.
We offer competitive benefits, flexible working arrangements (including hybrid schedules), and a culture that values diversity and supports professional growth.
Application & Assessment Process
Ready to apply? Here’s how:
- Submit your CV and covering letter, highlighting your suitability, via the University’s application portal.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a panel interview.
For informal inquiries, contact Darrell Wilkinson at [email protected]
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At Manchester Metropolitan University, we are proud to foster an inclusive culture built on equity, diversity, and belonging. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people, and LGBTQ candidates.
We are a Disability Confident Leader, ensuring fair opportunities for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria listed in the Job Description. Reasonable adjustments can be provided during the application process and throughout employment.
Our support extends to mentoring programs, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities, designed to empower underrepresented groups within our workforce.
Important Information for Recruitment Agencies
The University engages approved recruitment partners for hiring needs. Speculative applications from agencies not on this list will not be accepted.
Join our team and help shape the digital future at Manchester Metropolitan University!