Head of Security Architecture

Hastings Direct is an agile, data and digitally focused general insurance provider to the UK market, offering a full range of car, van, bike and home insurance products. But it’s our attitude and the way we run our business that makes us different.  

It’s a dynamic, flexible, fun and constantly changing environment, so it takes a certain kind of individual to thrive here - just ask any of our ~4700 colleagues. If you’re clearly a Hastings Direct person, you’ll enjoy the scope to make a real difference for our customers, influence our company, benefit the communities we work in and have some fun along the way!    

About the role

As a member of the Group Architecture Leadership Team, the role contributes to enterprise-wide architecture strategy, governance, technology investment decisions, talent development and the evolution of architecture practice across Hastings 

The Head of Security Architecture is accountable for turning security strategy into safe, resilient and value-led technology choices that protect customers, colleagues and the business. The role provides architecture leadership across CIO, CISO, business functions and technology partners, ensuring security capabilities and solutions are aligned to business priorities, the target architecture and required controls. 

 About you

• Strategic vision and alignment: Strong track record of defining current state, target state, transition roadmaps, standards, patterns and architecture guardrails that guide secure delivery at scale across complex enterprise technology estates, with proven practical application of Zero Trust architecture and Secure by Design principles. 

• Security solution and platform architecture: Strong understanding of how secure solutions are designed, integrated, monitored and operated across enterprise platforms, including identity, access, network security, cloud security, application security, data protection, APIs, secrets management, encryption, logging, monitoring and resilience. 

• Secure by Design, Zero Trust and threat modelling: Experience embedding security into delivery lifecycles through Secure by Design practices, Zero Trust architecture, threat modelling, security requirements, architecture review, control mapping, secure development practices, secure configuration, least privilege and continuous security improvement. 

• Cross-functional collaboration: Ability to build strong partnerships across CIO, CISO, across the organisation and supplier teams, creating shared accountability and integrated problem-solving. 

• Change leadership: Proven ability to lead architecture in a large, complex, fast-moving organisation, balancing security expectations with delivery pace, resilience, customer outcomes, regulatory confidence and long-term technology health. 

Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and £6k car allowance
• Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach – please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail
• Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus
• Physical wellbeing – as a Band 5 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen
• Financial wellbeing – as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award winning package which includes – discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support
• Mental wellbeing programme – we have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs
• There's more! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit