Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Architect | Circa £80,000 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Hybrid

We’re looking for an experienced Cybersecurity Architect to join our Business Enablement team and become a key cybersecurity SME for Thatcham Research.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll do much more than advise on security. You’ll design, implement and operate the controls that protect our digital infrastructure, lead the technical response to cyber incidents and drive improvements to our security posture, working across more than 1,000 physical and virtual assets and systems supporting 300+ colleagues, our Member companies and customers around the world.

What you'll be doing

Working closely with our IT, architecture, development, data and product teams, you’ll embed security into projects and systems from the outset, balancing strong protection with practical delivery.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Designing, implementing and operating security solutions across our technology environment.

• Leading vulnerability management, from scanning and assessment through to prioritising and driving remediation with technology and system owners.

• Conducting internal penetration testing and security assessments, as well as coordinating external assessments.

• Acting as our cybersecurity SME across architecture, infrastructure, cloud, secure development and technology change, providing practical guidance and hands-on support.

• Leading technical cyber incident response and post-incident analysis.

• Monitoring emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

• Helping maintain our compliance with Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO/IEC 27001, alongside alignment with NIST and wider industry best practice.

• Working alongside teams across IT, Product and Data to build security into new solutions, rather than adding it afterwards.

• Maintaining clear, effective security policies, procedures and technical documentation.

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

You’ll bring deep technical cybersecurity expertise combined with the confidence to work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Previous experience leading cybersecurity activities

• Broad knowledge across areas including security architecture, IAM, network security, security operations, risk management, security testing and software development security

• Excellent knowledge of ISO/IEC 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and recognised security frameworks

• Experience with vulnerability management tools and methodologies

• A degree in IT, Computer Science or equivalent practical experience

• A recognised security certification such as CCSP, CompTIA Security+ or equivalent.

Experience of security testing and assessment, supporting audits or external assessments, and relevant technical or security certifications would be advantageous.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to have genuine influence over how cybersecurity is designed and delivered at Thatcham Research. You’ll work across a varied technology landscape, collaborating with internal specialists and external partners including Microsoft and other leading security technology providers. Most importantly, you’ll have the scope to get hands-on, solve problems and turn security strategy into practical solutions.

If you’re someone who enjoys combining security architecture with hands-on technical delivery and wants the freedom to make a visible difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £80,000 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work-life balance seriously!)

How we work

We understand the benefits of remote and in-person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you experience any technical issues when completing your application, please get in touch at people.team@thatcham.org and we’ll be happy to help.

To ensure fairness and protect your data, we’re unable to accept applications or CVs via email. The best way to apply and to stay updated on your progress, is through our online application form.