Lead Security Architect - £71,835-81,090 p.a. + benefits

Job summary

We are currently looking for a Lead Security Architect to join our Strategy and Architecture Function within the Digital and Technology Group.

This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in 7-8 Wellington Place, Leeds.

Government departments and agencies are working towards implementing a minimum 60% attendance in office sites.

We are currently implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month working on site to enable the collaboration and contact with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on site is driven by business needs so depending on the nature of the role, this can flex up to 12 days a month, with the remainder of time worked either remotely or in the office. Some roles will need to be on site more regularly. Remote working is potentially available for some specific roles. Please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

A Digital Allowance of up to £22,802 per annum may be available for exceptional candidates based on our assessment of your skills and experience. This allowance is non-pensionable and may change on an annual basis.

Job description

Who are we?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency enhance and improve the health of millions of people every day through the effective regulation of medicines and medical devices, underpinned by science and research.

The Digital and Technology Group (DTG) lies at the heart of the Agency and is responsible for delivering an optimised IT infrastructure and maximising the secure use of data to enable our scientists, inspectors, and the rest of the organisation to deliver world class services which can improve outcomes for patients and the general public. The Group was essential in the race to approve COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and in supporting the UK to set up its own medicines and devices approvals systems following our exit from the EU. The work we do matters!

Its centre of excellence is also responsible for delivering a broad portfolio of change initiatives, both to transform the Agency’s legacy technologies and to deliver innovative new solutions, designed around our customers’ needs. DTG works in a holistic way to combine digital and technology change, data and information management, project delivery, business process, product management and cultural change to maximise out impact and ensure sustainability.

We plan to be at the heart of one of the most digitally advanced medical regulators in the world and we need people who can help us deliver that ambition. DTG is a great place to build your career, and we are committed to enabling our people to do the best work of their lives.

The Strategy & Architecture team is responsible for ensuring that DTG service provision supports the delivery of the Agency's strategy and Corporate Delivery Plan including meeting MHRA’s financial and performance targets and delivery objectives. The team is responsible for providing digital, data and technology design and assurance to ensure proposed solutions are compliant with legislation, standards and Government policy.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive security architecture framework that aligns with the department's IT strategy, government policies, and best practices.

• Design security controls and solutions for new and existing systems, applications, and services, ensuring they are secure by design and compliant with relevant standards (e.g., NCSC, GDPR, ISO 27001).

• Conduct threat modelling and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities in proposed and existing systems.

• Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, standards, and procedures in line with government regulations, industry standards, and departmental needs.

• Ensure that all IT systems and solutions comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and governmental standards, such as GDPR, Cyber Essentials, Secure By Design

• Conduct regular security reviews, audits, and assessments to ensure ongoing compliance and continuous improvement of security measures.

• Stay current with the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and threats, and disseminate relevant information to the wider IT team and stakeholders.

• Act as the primary security architecture point of contact for project teams, providing expert guidance on security requirements, design considerations, and risk management.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the department's digital transformation initiatives.

• Effectively communicate difficult risk and security concepts in accessible ways that can be clearly understood by business leaders.

• Influence and educate stakeholders on the importance of security principles, standards, and best practices.

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve security architecture and reduce risk through innovation, new technologies, and process improvements.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in security architecture, bringing forward recommendations for improvement.

Who are we looking for?

Our successful candidate will have:

• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and managing the security architecture for large, complex organisations, with deep expertise in security architecture principles including defence in depth, zero trust, least privilege, and secure‑by‑design approaches

• Strong risk and assurance capability, including conducting risk assessments and threat modelling, developing risk management strategies, and leading internal and external security audits, assessments, and penetration testing aligned to frameworks such as CAF and NIST

• Proven track record in security governance and continuous improvement, including developing and maintaining security policies, standards, and procedures in line with industry best practice, and applying up‑to‑date knowledge of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and trends to strengthen organisational security posture

Person specification

Method of assessment: A=Application, I=Interview, P=Presentation

Behaviour Criteria:

• Leadership (I)

• Making Effective Decisions (I)

• Working Together (I)

• Communicating and Influencing (P)

Experience Criteria:

• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and managing the security architecture for large, complex organisations, with deep expertise in security architecture principles including defence in depth, zero trust, least privilege, and secure‑by‑design approaches (A, I)

• Strong risk and assurance capability, including conducting risk assessments and threat modelling, developing risk management strategies, and leading internal and external security audits, assessments, and penetration testing aligned to frameworks such as CAF and NIST (A, I)

• Proven track record in security governance and continuous improvement, including developing and maintaining security policies, standards, and procedures in line with industry best practice, and applying up‑to‑date knowledge of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and trends to strengthen organisational security posture (A)

Technical Criteria:

• Experience in designing and implementing secure network architectures, including knowledge of network protocols, segmentation, firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) in on-premise and cloud environments (A)

• Demonstrable experience with a range of security technologies and tools, including but not limited to:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM), SIEM tools, endpoint protection, and cryptography and encryption solutions, Data Protection and Privacy Controls, Vulnerability Management, Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) Tools, Secure Mobile and Endpoint Computing and securing web applications, APIs, and microservices (A)

• Degree level or similar experience (A)

• Desirable: Familiarity with UK public sector regulations, standards, and frameworks, such as the Government Digital Service (GDS), Secure by Design, Cyber Essentials, NCSC guidelines, GDPR, and ISO/IEC 27001 (A)

• Desirable: Security qualification e.g. CISSP, SABSA (A)

Strengths Criteria

• Motivator (I)

• Problem Solver (I)

• Challenger (I)

• Influencer (I)

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please click here for further details.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £71,835, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency contributes £20,810 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave on entry, rising by one day for each completed year of service to a maximum of 30 days and pro-rata for part-time staff. PLUS 8 bank holidays
• Privilege Leave: 1 day
• Hours of Work: 37 hours (net) per week for full time staff in all geographical locations, including London and pro rata for part-time staff
• Occupational Sick Pay (OSP): One month full pay/one month half pay on entry, rising by one month for each completed year of service to a maximum of five months full pay/five months half pay
• Mobility: Mobility clause in contracts allowing staff to be mobile across the Civil Service
• Civil Service Pension Scheme. Please see the link for further information http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/ For enquiries relating to the Civil Service Pension Schemes please contact MyCSP's Pension Service Centre directly on 0300 123 6666
• Flexible working to ensure staff maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Interest free season ticket loan or bike loan
• Employee Assistance Services and access to the Civil Service Benevolent Fund
• Eligibility to join the Civil Service Motoring Association (CSMA)
• Variety of staff and Civil Service clubs
• On-going learning and development

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

The selection process:

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.

• Presentation, to be prepared as part of your interview, with further information being supplied when you reach this stage.

• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

If you require any disability related adjustments at any point during the process, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk as soon as possible.

Closing date: 5pm on 17th March 2026

Shortlisting date: from 24th March 2026

Interview date: from 1st April 2026

If you need assistance applying for this role or have any other questions, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check as well as animal rights and pro-life activism checks. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Certain roles within the MHRA will require post holders to have vaccinations, and in some circumstances, routine health surveillance. These roles include:

• Laboratory-based roles working directly with known pathogens

• Maintenance roles, particularly those required to work in laboratory settings

• Roles that involve visiting other establishments where vaccination is required

• Roles required to travel overseas where specific vaccination may be required.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Any move to the MHRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility here.

Individuals appointed on level transfer will retain their existing salary and are responsible for ensuring they fully understand the financial implications of any potential move and the impact (if any) on their terms. If an individual is in any doubt, they should seek clarification before accepting a job offer.

Staff joining on promotion will receive up to a 10% increase of their current basic salary, or the pay band minimum, whichever is the greater.

The individual will not retain any allowances paid by the former department/Agency, unless there are special circumstances, such as a reserved right to those allowances on transfer.

Successful candidates may be subject to annual Occupational Health reviews dependent on role requirements. If you have any queries, please contact careers@mhra.gov.uk.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : The Resourcing Team
• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Careers@mhra.gov.uk

Further information

In accordance with the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles our recruitment and selection processes are underpinned by the requirement of selection for appointment on the basis of merit by a fair and open competition. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact the Resourcing Team at Careers@mhra.gov.uk, in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commission at: civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk - info@csc.gov.uk - Civil Service Commission Room G/8 1 Horse Guards Road London SW1A 2HQ