Head of Security Architecture

Head of Security Architecture
Circa £105,000 to £114,000 plus private healthcare, company car or £6,000 car allowance and more great benefits (Work Level 4) 
Manchester city centre - We’re open to flexible working arrangements, including condensed hours. You’ll work in a hybrid way, with travel to our Manchester office every as required for team days, meetings, and events. (find out more about our hybrid working policy at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/hybrid-working-policy)

We’re reshaping our Digital, Technology and Data function for the future, creating new opportunities, strengthening our capability, and building clearer, more resilient ways of working so we can deliver even better services for our Co-op, our colleagues, members and customers.

We’re looking for a Head of Security Architecture to join our Digital, Technology & Data team in Manchester. In this role, you’ll lead how security is designed into everything we build and run across the Co-op, from platforms and applications through to data and identity. You’ll set the direction, standards and expectations for security architecture, making sure risks are considered early and managed in a consistent, practical way. Working across the organisation, you’ll help teams deliver change that’s secure by design, not added on later.

Why this role matters

Security is fundamental to the trust our member-owners and customers place in us. This role plays a key part in protecting that trust by making sure security is built into how we design and deliver technology across our Co-op. You’ll have the opportunity to influence major programmes, guide high-risk decisions, and shape how we respond to an evolving threat and regulatory landscape. By bringing clarity and consistency to security architecture, you’ll help teams move faster, reduce risk, and deliver change with confidence.

What you’ll do

•    Set the direction, standards and principles for security architecture across the Co-op
•    Lead and coordinate a community of Security Architects, prioritising work across both change and live services
•    Provide independent assurance on solution designs, making sure security is built in from the start
•    Oversee architectural reviews, threat modelling and design assurance for complex or high-risk initiatives
•    Ensure consistent approaches across key areas including application security, platforms, identity, data protection and resilience
•    Translate business goals, risk appetite and regulatory requirements into clear security guidance
•    Lead the development of security architecture capability through training, mentoring and quality standards
•    Work with senior stakeholders across technology and the business, shaping decisions where security risk is a key factor

What you’ll bring

We’re committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you’ll need to bring:

•    Strong experience in security architecture across a range of domains (e.g. applications, platforms, identity, data)
•    Proven ability to lead and develop architecture teams within a matrix environment
•    A clear understanding of how to embed security into design, rather than retrofitting it later
•    Experience providing architectural assurance, including design reviews and risk-based decision making
•    Confidence working with senior stakeholders and explaining complex security concepts clearly
•    Good understanding of security standards, regulatory requirements and risk management approaches
•    Strong judgement when balancing risk, delivery priorities and business needs
•    A collaborative approach, with the ability to influence and build relationships across teams

We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we’re committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

•    A company car or £6,000 car allowance
•    Private healthcare for you and your family
•    An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
•    28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays 
•    A pension with up to 10% employer contributions 
•    Access to a subsidised onsite gym (at our Manchester HQ) 
•    30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands 
•    Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it 
•    Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice 
•    24/7 colleague support service 
•    Training and support for your development and career progression
•    Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work.

We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process at jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process and our inclusion commitments at jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion