Lead Enterprise Security Architect (Ref: 197578)

Job DescriptionThe Lead Security Enterprise Architect will define and implement an enterprise-wide security architecture that protects critical retail systems while enabling commercial growth. The role requires shaping security standards, secure design patterns and technical roadmaps across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments. The successful candidate will translate business risk into architectural solutions, advise on secure integrations for e-commerce and point-of-sale systems, and ensure security is embedded in major programmes and vendor engagements. Success will be measured by reduced operational risk, improved security maturity and secure delivery of strategic initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesEstablish and maintain an enterprise security architecture framework, principles and reference designs aligned to business objectives and regulatory obligations.Conduct architecture reviews and risk assessments for high-impact projects and programmes, delivering practical mitigation plans.Architect secure solutions for cloud, hybrid and on-premises platforms including identity, network segmentation, data protection and application security patterns.Define and enforce security controls for e-commerce, point-of-sale and supply chain systems and integrate them into delivery lifecycles.Assess third-party security posture, lead security requirements during procurement and manage secure vendor integrations.Provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineering and operations teams to promote security-by-design and reusable secure patterns.Participate in incident response and post-incident reviews to strengthen architecture and prevent recurrence.Produce clear architecture documentation, threat models, trade-off analyses and briefings for senior stakeholders.RequirementsExtensive experience in enterprise security architecture, with proven delivery of secure designs across multi-domain enterprise environments.Deep technical knowledge of cloud security (public and hybrid), identity and access management, network security, encryption and secure software design.Proven experience assessing vendor and third-party risk and defining security requirements for commercial integrations.Strong capability in producing architecture artefacts, threat models and executive-level briefings.Relevant security certifications such as CISSP, SABSA, TOGAF or cloud provider security credentials preferred.Experience in retail, distribution or high-volume transactional environments, including point-of-sale or e-commerce platforms preferred.Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to influence senior business and technical leaders.