Network Virtualization 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 Security Architect - Network Virtualization 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 supports the development of security standards, guidance and blueprints for RedHat VEC and vendor full stack (Ericsson CNIS, Nokia NCP, Huawei FusionSphere/FusionStage, etc.). They should review and update of existing VNF/CNF placement guides and working closely with network function security architects to make sure underlying virtualization infrastructure meets the needs of the hosted network functions.

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 must review and contribute to industry security standards and guidelines relating to network virtualization (GSMA, 3GPP SCAS, ETSI NFV, etc.).

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

• Define network virtualization security standards and blueprints: Develop, maintain and improve security standards, guidance, design patterns and blueprints for Vodafone’s network virtualization platforms, including Red Hat VEC and vendor full-stack solutions such as Ericsson CNIS, Nokia NCP and Huawei FusionSphere / FusionStage. Review and update VNF/CNF placement guidance, ensuring that the underlying virtualization infrastructure meets the security, resilience and operational requirements of hosted network functions;
• Lead the evolution of security tooling for virtualization stacks, including capabilities for configuration assurance, vulnerability management, monitoring, hardening, compliance validation and continuous security assessment;
• Leadership and teamwork: Part of a team of Telco Security Architects delivering world-class security solutions into the Vodafone business. Assess the security design of private cloud, telco cloud and vendor virtualization stacks, identifying risks, control gaps and required mitigations before deployment or scaling;
• Innovation and change: Driving a perception change from security from being seen as an inhibiter to a business differentiator;
• Customers, supplier and third parties: Work with teams involved in national security regulation and government relations to support alignment with expectations from bodies such as NCSC, Ofcom, UKTL and BSI, particularly in relation to telecom security regulation and network virtualization. Review, influence and potentially contribute to external security standards and guidance from organisations such as GSMA, 3GPP SCAS and ETSI NFV.

Who you are

• Bachelor/Master's Degree in related field;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;
• Cyber Security qualifications, e.g. CISM, CISA, CISSP are desired;
• Strong background in mobile core network security, ideally across packet core, 5G Core and IMS/voice core environments;
• Deep telecom network virtualization expertise: strong understanding of VNF/CNF architectures, ETSI NFV principles, telco cloud platforms, and how virtualization supports critical network functions;
• Cloud and hyperscaler security knowledge: capability to assess the security implications of hosting network functions on private cloud, public cloud, and hyperscaler-based platforms, including data sovereignty and lawful interception risks;
• 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;
• Fluent 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.