Data Security Architect (Lead)

As Data Security Architecture Lead, you will:

• Own the end-to-end Enterprise Data Security Architecture for a distributed data fabric environment
• Lead a team of security and data engineers delivering secure-by-design controls
• Define and implement Zero Trust data and identity architecture principles
• Embed fine-grained, identity-centric access controls across data platforms
• Drive secure architecture across cloud data environments (AWS/Azure/GCP)
• Integrate data governance and metadata-driven policy enforcement into platform design
• Ensure regulatory alignment across GDPR, PCI DSS and broader banking compliance requirements
• Act as the senior technical authority across data security within the programme
• Engage senior stakeholders across CISO, CDO and enterprise architecture functions

Enterprise Data Security Architecture

• Proven experience designing secure data platforms within complex enterprise environments
• Experience operating at scale within regulated financial services
• Strong understanding of data lineage, classification and policy propagation

Zero Trust Data & Identity Architecture

• Deep experience with RBAC/ABAC models
• Fine-grained access control design
• Identity-aware data access policies
• Integration with enterprise IAM and privileged access models

Cloud Data Platform Security

• Securing data lakes and data warehouses in AWS, Azure or GCP
• Encryption, tokenisation, masking and KMS integration
• Secure API and data pipeline architecture
• Experience embedding controls into DevSecOps and platform engineering workflows

Data Governance & Metadata

• Metadata-driven governance implementation
• Automated classification and data discovery
• Integration with enterprise catalogue tools
• Auditability and regulatory reporting alignment

Leadership & Delivery

• Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams
• Ability to translate strategy into pragmatic architecture
• Strong stakeholder management across security, data and business leadership
• Comfortable operating in politically complex Tier 1 banking environments

• Day rate: Competitive (aligned to senior banking architecture market)
• Hybrid working (London-based engagement)
• Initial 6-month contract with strong extension potential

Why This Role?

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the bank's flagship data security transformation initiatives - shaping how data is secured, governed and consumed across the enterprise. The outcome will directly influence AI adoption, regulatory posture and long-term digital resilience.