Average Principal Architect salary in the UK

Our client, a leading organisation within the financial services sector, is seeking a Principal Cyber Security Architect to join their growing security function. This is a hybrid role that blends hands-on technical expertise with strategic leadership, offering the opportunity to shape security architecture, policies, and governance across the enterprise. About the Role As the Principal Cyber Security Architect, you will define and lead the organisation's security architecture, with a focus on Azure-first environments, regulated financial services, and executive and client advisory work. You will act as a deputy to the Head of Security, influencing enterprise-wide decisions and embedding security-by-design principles across cloud platforms, applications, and data. Key Responsibilities Security Architecture & Cloud Governance Design target-state architectures for cloud and hybrid environments. Translate architectures into implementable standards, patterns, and policies. Embed security principles across IT, engineering, and development teams. Align work with recognised frameworks such as TOGAF and Well-Architected Framework. Policy, Standards & Documentation Maintain and refresh security policies and cloud standards. Ensure policies meet regulatory, AI, and emerging technology requirements. Support embedding policies into daily operations across IT and development. Assurance & Stakeholder Engagement Act as a trusted advisor to executives and clients. Prepare for and participate in client assurance conversations. Present recommendations to Boards and senior leadership. Mentorship & Governance Mentor junior security team members. Provide guidance during high-pressure incidents. Participate in governance forums to ensure secure design decisions and escalate risks appropriately. Who We're Looking For Principal/Lead-level Security Architect with enterprise architecture experience. Hands-on experience securing Azure environments (identity, network, platform, data security). Strong background in application security, secure SDLC, threat modelling, and real-world OWASP Top 10 mitigation. Confident presenting to CIOs, senior leadership, and clients, translating technical topics into business risk language. Experience in regulated financial services, pensions, insurance, or similar sectors; knowledge of ISO 27001, NIST CSF, or equivalent frameworks. Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP preferred; TOGAF a plus. Benefits

Principal Cyber Security Architect Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 Working arrangements: 1 day per week in the office, 4 days at home Location: Reading Contract: Full-time, Permanent About the Role We’re looking for a Principal Cyber Security Architect to join a dynamic and growing security team of 10 professionals, reporting directly to the Security Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and wants to make a real impact on the security posture of a leading organisation. As a key member of the team, you’ll define and implement cutting-edge security strategies, lead cloud security initiatives, and ensure robust protection of critical assets. You’ll also have the chance to influence senior stakeholders and shape the future of security architecture across the business. What You’ll Do Lead Security Architecture: Define and communicate a clear security vision aligned with best practices. Develop roadmaps for current and future states.Drive Cloud Security: Design and implement secure Azure architectures, lead cloud migrations, and embed security controls across systems and applications.Collaborate & Influence: Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, presenting complex security concepts in an engaging and clear way.Innovate & Improve: Stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies, champion initiatives like Zero Trust and intelligence-led security, and continuously improve security posture.Hands-On Expertise: Conduct risk assessments, threat modelling, and gap analyses. Support incident management and security assurance activities. What We’re Looking For Proven experience as a Cyber Security Architect in complex, regulated environments.Strong technical expertise in Microsoft Azure architecture, secure software development, identity management, and security testing.Familiarity with financial services or pensions is highly desirable.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Ability to lead and deputise for the Security Manager when required.Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) and knowledge of frameworks such as ISO27001, NIST CSF, TOGAF. Why Join Us? Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.25 days holiday (with flexibility to buy or sell).Pension scheme with matching contributions.Healthcare cash plan and flexible benefits.Life assurance (4x salary).Employee assistance programme and digital GP service.Paid volunteering day and staff referral scheme. This is your chance to join a forward-thinking organisation where your expertise will shape the future of cyber security. If you’re ambitious, proactive, and passionate about protecting businesses from evolving threats, we’d love to hear from you!

You will be joining a well-established AJ100, Chartered Architectural Practice, with offices operating across the entirety of England. They boast an extremely varied portfolio, with projects in the commercial, mixed-use logistics sectors, and more!They are looking for a talented Architect or Principal Architect to join their ever-expanding team, where their employees are valued and people are at the heart of their business.As a Principal Architect, you will be required to: Lead projects on-site.Use Revit to produce architectural designs.Liaise with contractors and clients where necessary.Oversee projects from conception through to completion.Master plan projects. To be considered for this role, it is essential that you: Are highly proficient with Revit.Have RIBA/ARB chartership.Have experience working on commercial projects.Have experience working in a fast-paced background.Have at least a years UK working experience as an Architect. The role boasts a fantastic benefits package that includes: A competitive salary.34 days holiday (Includes bank holiday)Company pension scheme.Annual bonusesMonthly performance reviews.Free on-site car parking.2 days work-from-home per week.Flexible working hours. What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk