Cyber Security Architect

About our role

Base Location: Flexible UK | We're proud to offer a Flexible First approach to work, and this role is no exception. We will, however need your base 'home' location to be one of our SSE offices or depots around the UK.

Salary: competitive salary and a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

What is the role?

SSEN Distribution has an opportunity for a Cyber Security Architect in our Cyber Resilience Programme for Operational Technology and Information Technology. The programme will encompass more than 30 projects with a value in excess of over £30m in the ED2 regulatory review period.

This role is for an experienced Security Architect to support the development of the technology estate that supports SSE's Distribution business. The scope will range from the control systems that operate our distribution network and sub-stations, to the enterprise level IT systems that support our business and operational teams. As we deliver enhancements to our business capabilities, moving from a limited set of solutions to a modern, cloud based, application portfolio, we need to ensure we build this in a secure and robust manner. The role will contribute across a range of initiatives, with a focus on creating roadmaps of security capabilities, and providing the high-level designs for them to be implemented.

The successful applicant will report to the Lead Architect as part of an expanding architecture team, with the ability to influence strategy and approach. This is a great opportunity to play a pivotal role in the transformation of SSE Distribution systems to secure, dynamic and robust platforms that can support the rapid expansion of our business to meet our Net Zero targets.

Key Responsibilities

- Contributing to the creation of a technology strategy for security and feeding it into programmes of work for delivery. This will include consultancy across projects to ensure the technical solutions proposed are aligned with that strategy.

- Creation and ongoing ownership of roadmaps for security solutions. This will cover initial requirements, gap analysis, product/solution selection and prioritisation for implementation. You will use your experience to bring innovative solutions to bear on our technology landscape, with ideas for their rapid deployment to mitigate current risks.

- Working with SSEs central security teams to align on the protection patterns and techniques, Group security policies and standards that will be applied to the architecture designs for Transmission. You will also provide expert guidance on security matters to our Solution Architects and Technical Specialists.

- Ensuring we have the right security solutions planned or in place, the correct technical design material and maintenance processes to support them to meet our regulatory obligations.

- Provide an effective assurance function that ensures we deliver the right solutions, bringing together stakeholders from a range of disciplines and our Procurement teams. You will also own the process of applying security self-assurance (within the Transmission IT team) to our solutions

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

- A structured and methodical approach to solutioning, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely at multiple levels, and the ability to lead discussions and influence stakeholders who are used to operating with less structured approaches.

- Experience of working in a programme/project environment with involvement in the full lifecycle of delivery from planning to operations.

- In-depth knowledge and understanding of information security concepts and principles as well as a range of related security topics. This includes technical areas such as: network segmentation; identity management and access control; cryptography and its applications as well as designing for manageability.

- Experience using common information security management frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) frameworks.

- Experience with a range of security and networking technology solutions, including cloud-based solutions like the Azure cybersecurity product range.

- Candidates for this role will be required to obtain vetting to SC level through UK Government. The criteria normally includes 5 years UK residency, further information can be found here: United Kingdom Security Vetting: Applicant - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

About our Business

SSEN Distribution powers 3.8 million homes and businesses in communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland. Our team of more than 3,500 people keep customers connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst developing the flexible networks that are vital to achieving net zero. By enabling a smarter, more resilient electricity network we're ensuring our local communities continue to receive the power they need, both now and in the future. We are consistently investing and innovating to improve network resilience and future-proof power supplies for life's changing demands, from rolling out large scale EV charging schemes to supporting small community generation projects.

What's in it for you?

An excellent package with 34 days holiday entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

Next Steps

All applications should be submitted online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Laura on 01738 341814.

Before commencing employment with SSE, you'll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.