Voice and Data Core Network Security Architect

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At Vodafone, we’re not just shaping the future of connectivity for our customers – we’re shaping the future for everyone who joins our team. When you work with us, you’re part of a global mission to connect people, solve complex challenges, and create a sustainable and more inclusive world. If you want to grow your career whilst finding the perfect balance between work and life, Vodafone offers the opportunities to help you belong and make a real impact.

The Cyber Vodafone Networks team is responsible for developing Security Technology Roadmaps, Target Architectures, Technical Guidance, High Level Designs, Design Patterns and are experts in the security products and solutions we use in the Mobile and Fixed Telecommunication Networks area. They have experience in some or all of these areas as well as an awareness of Security Frameworks and concepts.

The Telecoms Lead Security Architect - Voice and Data Core Network Security reports to the Senior Manager. They are acting as a Subject Matter Expert in the telecom area. They are responsible for contributing to the delivery and maintenance of an enterprise-wide telecom security architecture. They work with Vodafone’s major strategic Telco and Network programmes, planning controls to counter emerging threats and address evolving technology. They develop the blueprint of technical security controls and corresponding roadmaps, assessing and influencing suppliers.

The role is responsible for providing security leadership, architecture guidance and assurance across packet core, 5G Core and IMS/voice core domains. This includes supporting strategic network transformation programmes, secure deployment of new technologies, migration of core network functions, supplier and product evaluations, and the development of security standards, hardening guidance and compliance tooling.

They are responsible for working with the wider cyber security architecture team to ensure that they design solutions that balance security risk, protecting customers with user experience and business innovation. They work also across all local markets and global teams to set the global Telco and Network security standards for Vodafone. They are participating in industry standards bodies like 3GPP and GSMA.

They will deliver technology security input to major programmes to ensure security is built into designs, develop security controls to counter emerging threats with evolving technology and will influence the security strategy.

This is a Group level role that has the opportunity to impact and influence across Vodafone global central platforms and throughout our Local Markets. They will have opportunity to interact with all levels of the business across Leadership and Engineering.

What you’ll do

• Packet core area: Provide security architecture support for the migration of packet core networks to Single Packet Core and 5G Core architectures across multiple markets. Support the secure deployment of 5G Standalone and 5G Standalone roaming, including mTLS, PKI and protection of internal and interconnect interfaces. Advise on the secure evolution of packet core capabilities, including NEF deployment, NaaP integration and hyperscaler proof-of-concepts;
• Voice core area: Provide security guidance for IMS and voice core transformation programmes, including market deployments, supplier changes, new product introductions and NG-eCall rollout. Support migration of packet core and IMS/voice core functions from legacy platforms to VEC or vendor full-stack solutions;
• Leadership and teamwork: Part of a team of Telco Security Architects delivering world-class security solutions into the Vodafone business. Lead security solution design projects and to highlight and clearly articulate risk mitigation requirements to the business. The ability to lead and influence security strategy at a senior technical level is paramount, but the role holder should be business focussed, with the clear objective of security being a business enabler and a strong capability to communicate the security risk;
• Innovation and change: Driving a perception change from security from being seen as an inhibiter to a business differentiator;
• Customers, supplier and third parties: Assess new suppliers, platforms and vendor roadmaps from a security perspective, supporting network strategy and architecture decisions.

Who you are

• Bachelor or Master's Degree;
• Technical qualification in fixed and/or mobile technologies;
• Professional Qualification Prince 2 / SAFe / APMG/ MSP/ ITIL or significant equivalent experience;
• Competence with Microsoft Excel / PowerPoint / ADO / Project;
• Strong background in mobile core network security, ideally across packet core, 5G Core and IMS/voice core environments;
• Good understanding of 5G Standalone, roaming security, mTLS, PKI and protection of internal and interconnect interfaces;
• Good understanding of virtualization technologies in Telco environments;
• Understanding of telecom regulatory security expectations, particularly around UK TSA, NCSC, Ofcom, UKTL, BSI, GSMA, 3GPP SCAS and ETSI security guidance;
• Experience defining security standards, hardening guidance, compliance approaches and security testing methods;
• Confident working with architecture, engineering, delivery and operational teams to embed security into network design and assurance;
• Excellent communication capabilities to provide rapid and concise summaries of complex scenarios and communicate security risk in business terms and the ability to interact effectively with senior internal and external stakeholders;
• Fluency in English.

Not a perfect fit?

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about empowering people and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to still apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity.

What's in it for you

• Hybrid Work Model - Flexible hybrid work model with 8-10 in-office days per month, managed by team leaders;
• Vodafone Products and Services - Employees get a mobile phone, free communication plan, data card, and various discounts on services and products;
• Recognition - Recognition programs for innovative, creative, high-potential employees and exemplary behaviors;
• Health and Well-being - Well-being Program offers nutrition and psychological consultations, webinars, workshops, and discounts on various services and products;
• Learning - Access to Communities of Practice and a customizable digital training platform with high-quality content (namely Harvard Business Publishing, Skillsoft and Speexx);
• Local and International Mobility - Internal recruitment with local and international rotation opportunities across departments and roles.

Who we are

We are a leading international Telco, serving millions of customers. At Vodafone, we believe that connectivity is a force for good. If we use it for the things that really matter, it can improve people's lives and the world around us. Through our technology we empower people, connecting everyone regardless of who they are or where they live and we protect the planet, whilst helping our customers do the same.

Belonging at Vodafone isn't a concept; it's lived, breathed, and cultivated through everything we do. You'll be part of a global and diverse community, with many different minds, abilities, backgrounds and cultures. ;We're committed to increase diversity, ensure equal representation, and make Vodafone a place everyone feels safe, valued and included.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, please refer to https://careers.vodafone.com/application-adjustments/ for guidance.

Together we can.