About this role
Job summary
The Head of Security Architecture will lead the development and implementation of the Trust's security architecture, ensuring that all technology solutions are secure by design and aligned to organisational objectives, regulatory requirements, and the Trust's risk appetite.
The role is accountable for defining and embedding security architecture principles, standards, and patterns across the Trust's digital estate, covering, on premises, cloud, and third-party environments. This includes shaping solution designs, influencing technology decisions, and ensuring security requirements are consistently applied throughout the lifecycle of programmes and projects.
Working closely with colleagues across cyber security, digital, clinical and operational disciplines, the post holder will ensure that security architecture supports effective risk reduction, resilience and compliance with frameworks such as DSPT (CAF).
The role will also provide leadership across security architecture and engineering, developing capability, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring the Trust can respond to an evolving threat landscape while enabling safe digital transformation.
The post holder will lead and be accountable for the security architecture function. This includes recruiting, training and inspiring a new team of security architects and engineers.
Main duties of the job Leads the design and governance of the Trust's enterprise security architecture, ensuring alignment with strategy, regulatory requirements, and zero-trust principles; oversees security technologies and standards; manages architectural risk and compliance; supports incident response; and provides leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic direction for cyber architecture capability across the organisation.
About us
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester.As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities.
MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development.Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond.
Job description Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Education to master's level or equivalent senior level experience Advanced level of IT literacy with experience of using a range of IT applications Significant evidence of continued professional development
Desirable
Formal certification such as CISSP and/or CISM, and/or formal training in information security standards and best practice (e.g.: ISO 27001/2, COBIT, Cyber Essentials) TOGAF SABSA ITIL Certification
Knowledge Essential
Proven and significant leadership experience and/or formal management qualification Demonstrated expertise in an IT Security environment A good practical knowledge of security technologies and wider business solutions including Firewalls, IDS/IPS, Identity and access management, SIEM, SOAR, PAM, remote working and cloud technologies Proven experience of working at a senior level leading and delivering IT Security in a sensitive and complex environment which is undergoing significant change Demonstrable commitment to partnership working with a range of external organisations Experience in engaging and influencing stakeholders from diverse backgrounds Project management experience Experience in implementing / developing security policies and technical documentation Experienced in developing and managing best-of-breed enterprise IT security solutions and processes Robust understanding of audits and review process Expert knowledge of security standards, legislation and best practice Experienced in leading, developing, performance managing and motivating a team of subject matter experts Experience providing IT focused Enterprise Architecture and strategy.
Desirable
Understanding of the role of Data in all aspects of NHS operational activity and 'business' processes. Previously worked within an NHS environment Significant management experience at senior level in the NHS Experience of delivering presentations to large groups of stakeholders
Other Requirements Essential
Contactable / on-call Cover / call-out in Major Incident in the Trust or Major Digital Project go-lives.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Manchester University NHS Trust
Oxford Road
Cobbett House
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)