Lead Architect, Cyber Applications and AI

Heathrow Airport

  • Heathrow, Greater London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • Just now
Job Category: Information TechnologyJob Description:You'll be responsible for the strategic design and delivery of application and AI-driven solutions that are secure, scalable, and aligned to our organisation's long-term cyber goals. This is both a technical and strategic position, requiring expertise in:
  • Application Development & DevOps
  • Cyber Security Architecture
  • AI frameworks & deployment
  • Commercial awareness to deliver cost-effective, high-impact solutions
This is your chance to shape the future of Cyber Security by integrating AI, Zero Trust, and Secure by Design principles into real-world systems that protect our business and create measurable value.Responsibilities:Strategy & Vision
  • Shape and communicate the strategic roadmap for Application and AI integration within Cyber Security, aligning with organisational goals.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance threat detection, and boost operational efficiency.
Architecture & Solution Design
  • Lead the design and implementation of secure, scalable Applications and AI solutions.
  • Recommend appropriate models, frameworks, and policies, ensuring alignment with best practice security architecture.
  • Act as Cyber Security's representative at architecture reviews, collaborating with Enterprise Architecture and Platforms teams.
Collaboration & Engagement
  • Partner across internal teams and external vendors to embed Secure by Design principles and integrate AI effectively.
  • Drive cross-functional initiatives and ensure stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
Commercial & Cost Optimisation
  • Oversee budgets, cost/benefit analysis, and ROI for AI-driven solutions, prioritising high-value opportunities that balance security and business needs.
Leadership & Development
  • Provide thought leadership on AI and Application innovation in Cyber Security.
  • Mentor team members and advise senior management on strategic adoption and compliance.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
  • Ensure AI and Applications comply with security, privacy, and regulatory standards.
  • Proactively address risks such as bias, vulnerabilities, and ethical considerations.
Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in Application Development and/or Cyber Security with proven expertise in AI/ML architectures, secure design, and large-scale solution delivery.
  • Strong background in Microsoft technologies (Azure, Office 365, C#, Power Platform, Dataverse, Databricks) and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP).
  • Deep knowledge of Cyber Security frameworks (Zero Trust, NIST, Microsoft SDL, Secure by Design).
  • Track record of driving innovation and compliance in regulated industries (aviation or similar).
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at CXO level.
  • Degree in Cyber Security, Computer Science, AI, or related field (advanced qualifications and certifications like CISSP/CISM desirable).
About Us: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 rewardsWe 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 LocationOur 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 workHeathrow's sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.Equal OpportunitiesAs 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.About the Team: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. At Heathrow, you can be part of this - providing solutions that make every journey better for millions each year. That means ensuring we meet the changing needs of the passengers, colleagues and partners who use our airport to work, travel, trade, shop, eat, explore and connect. Our Solutions team covers project management, process improvement, business change, technology, cyber defence, masterplanning, infrastructure and procurement. It brings together people with the skills to deliver prestigious and often large-scale projects, from transforming terminals to making big reductions in our carbon emissions.Every day will test your skills and give you the opportunity to make your mark. You might be working with the technology and data that power our city within a city, driving vital commercial agreements with everyone from retailers to airlines, or improving the unique infrastructure that includes everything from 200 buildings to 250 HV substations. It's a collaborative environment, where you can rely on the support of the experts around you as you take on projects you'll both take pride in and feel passionate about.

Heathrow Airport