Lead Architect, Cyber Infrastructure

We are seeking an experienced Lead Architect to oversee the strategy and technical direction of security technologies across our network, server, and cloud environments.

In This Role, You Will:

• Lead and mentor a team of Cyber Engineers specialising in Network, Server, and Cloud security.
• Provide expert guidance on security architecture and controls to protect critical business assets.
• Strengthen our security posture across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud platforms.
• Work with stakeholders to balance risk, resilience, and commercial priorities.

This is a key leadership position requiring strong technical expertise, a strategic mindset, and the ability to collaborate across the enterprise to deliver secure, scalable, and efficient solutions.

• Lead and mentor a team of Cyber Engineers specialising in network, server, and cloud security.
• Oversee the design, delivery, and optimisation of security solutions across all infrastructure layers, working with both in-house teams and external partners.
• Act as a trusted advisor, providing security architecture and guidance for projects, BAU, and change initiatives.
• Conduct architectural reviews to ensure systems are secure, resilient, and compliant with regulatory and industry standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align security requirements with business priorities and risk appetite.
• Stay ahead of emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and technologies, shaping security strategy and driving continuous improvement.
• Support incident response and post-incident reviews, strengthening resilience and defences.
• Ensure cost-effective, best-practice solutions while maintaining compliance with industry frameworks and aviation-specific regulations.
• Degree in Computer Science, Information Security or related field (or equivalent experience), plus certifications such as CISSP, CISM, TOGAF, Microsoft or Cisco.
• Experience in cyber security architecture or senior technical security roles, with expertise across network, server, and cloud domains.
• Strong background in Microsoft technologies (Active Directory, Defender, Office 365, Azure), alongside Linux, Cisco, Palo Alto, AWS, Oracle and hybrid cloud environments.
• In-depth knowledge of security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls), Zero Trust architectures, and automation/orchestration tools.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams, balancing security with cost and risk, and collaborating across technical and business stakeholders.
• Exposure to regulated industries (aviation or similar) and understanding of compliance standards (CAF, EASA, ICAO).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with a track record of delivering secure, scalable solutions in fast-paced environments.

There’s something so special about working at the world’s most iconic airport. Its sights. Its sounds. Its constant air of excitement. Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities.

Every day, you’ll discover a world full of fresh possibilities and end the day buzzing with stories to tell, as you encounter people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences. A world full of pride for what we do and no end of exciting career prospects to explore.

It brings out the best in all of us. And inspires everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we’re working to welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability.

Join us on that journey and we'll help you achieve your ambitions too. Supporting you to learn, encouraging you to be yourself, backing you to achieve more than you might ever have imagined. Because there’s no place like Heathrow. 

Our Rewards

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance-based annual bonuses and our longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market-leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too. Here you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilling career journey that can take you in exciting directions. 

Working Location

Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow.  Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow. 

Sustainable Travel to work

Heathrow’s Sustainable Travel Guide sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.
 
Equal Opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.