Remote New

Lead Security Architect

Protective Life Insurance Company
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, 401(k)
United States
Jan 06, 2026
The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it. We help protect our customers against life's uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you'll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most. The Lead Security Architect defines and drives enterprise security architecture across hybrid and cloud environments, with a strong focus on Azure security and compliance. This strategic role leads the design, governance, and evolution of secure architectures, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. You will collaborate with leadership, technology teams, and stakeholders to embed security into IT strategy and champion secure-by-design principles through automation and innovation. Key Responsibilities: Lead enterprise security strategy and architecture across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Develop and execute the security architecture roadmap aligned with organizational goals. Create and maintain security documentation, standards, patterns, and reference architectures, ensuring alignment with frameworks (NIST, OWASP, ISO, CIS). Drive secure-by-design initiatives and develop security standards. Define, track, and report security metrics to demonstrate security maturity, program effectiveness, and compliance with standards. Design and oversee implementation of security architecture topologies for systems and enterprise enablement. Drive DevSecOps adoption and secure CI/CD integration, advancing automation and resilient delivery with container security (Kubernetes, Docker), IaC and PaC (Terraform, ARM, Bicep, Azure Policy). Apply strong business acumen to align security initiatives with organizational goals, and demonstrate experience working in agile environments to support rapid and flexible solution delivery. Lead threat modeling, risk assessments, and incident response planning for Azure and hybrid systems. Provide expert guidance on identity and access management (IAM), network segmentation, encryption, and cloud security. Evaluate, recommend, and select security products and vendors, ensuring solutions align with enterprise architecture standards and business requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with technology teams, suppliers, and business units. Mentor architects and engineers; foster a secure-by-design culture. Deliver security awareness training and guidance to business and IT teams. Stay current with emerging threats, technologies, and regulatory changes; recommend innovative solutions. Required Skills & Expertise: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or related field (or 5+ years relevant experience). At least 2+ years in a senior or lead security architecture role. Proven expertise in Azure security and compliance, hybrid cloud security, and enterprise security architecture. Experience with strategic planning, enterprise architecture, and IT portfolio management. Strong understanding of compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks. Hands-on experience with Azure security tools (Sentinel, Defender, Key Vault, Entra ID, Azure Firewall, Policy/Blueprints), monitoring, automation, and compliance reporting. Experience with DevSecOps and automating security controls in Azure. Familiarity with IAM, PKI, SSO, MFA, and secure API integration. Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to influence stakeholders. Experience working in agile environments. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced knowledge of zero-trust architecture, secure cloud migration, and container security. Understanding of AI/ML security concepts. Familiarity with SOAR platforms and advanced threat detection tools. Ability to design and implement multi-cloud security (AWS, Azure, GCP). Proficiency in risk modeling, attack surface reduction, and threat modeling techniques. Relevant security certifications, such as: Azure Security Specialty, Cybersecurity Architect Expert, CISSP, CISM, CCSP, CEH, CIDSP, SANS, Security+, TOGAF, SASBA, etc. Protective's targeted salary range for this position is $124,500 to $155,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective's total compensation package for employees. This position also offers additional incentive opportunities through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance. Employee Benefits: We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits ( e.g. , paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective's platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards. Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company's benefit plans. Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability : If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email eric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process. Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.