Lead Architect, Cyber Identity and Directory services

Heathrow Airport

  • Heathrow, Greater London
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • Just now
Job Category: Information TechnologyJob Description:The role will identify opportunities to improve security, prioritise investment decisions with commercial awareness, and ensure that security architecture aligns with regulatory requirements, industry best practice, and organisational objectives.Manage the roadmap for all products in Directory Services keeping all elements in mainstream vendor support.The role will require strong leadership skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders to ensure secure, scalable, and efficient identity management and oversee Directory Services as the Technical Owner of the platform.Directory Services consists of Active Directory, Active Directory Certificate Services, AD Integrated DNS, Entra Connect, Entra ID and Entra ID Identity and Governance.This is a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our cyber security strategyResponsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and optimise IDAM solutions, applying robust security controls.
  • Oversee the secure governance of Directory Services, ensuring compliance with audits and regulations.
  • Lead and mentor a team of two Cyber Specialists.
  • Conduct architecture reviews and guide projects, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities.
  • Stay ahead of emerging technologies and threats to inform strategy and roadmaps.
  • Support incident response and post-incident reviews, driving continuous improvement.
  • Ensure cost-effective, compliant, and scalable security measures across IDAM and Directory Services.
Qualifications:
  • Degree in Computer Science, Information Security (CISSP, CISM, MCSE, CIAMP desirable).
  • Experience in cyber security architecture or senior engineering, with strong expertise in enterprise IDAM solutions.
  • Deep knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID, Entra Connect, Windows Server, and related technologies.
  • Hands-on experience with SSO, MFA, PAM, Conditional Access, and automation (e.g. PowerShell).
  • Familiarity with Zero Trust, NIST, ISO 27001, CAF and Windows hardening practices.
  • Proven leadership, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills in complex environments (aviation/CNI a plus)
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