Lead Functional Specialist

Base Location: Reading or Havant

Salary: £77,488 - £91,285 and a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time| Flexible First options available

About the Role

We’re looking for a SecDevOps Specialist to join our growing team and help embed security and compliance into every stage of our Azure cloud delivery lifecycle.

In this role, you’ll work at the intersection of IT, security, and data protection—collaborating with teams across IT to ensure our cloud platforms, DevOps pipelines and applications are secure, compliant, and future-ready. You’ll play a key role in shaping how we build, test, and deploy software securely in Azure.

You Will 

• Lead cloud security and compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to UK GDPR, EU AI Act, and managing DPIAs and data privacy documentation.
• Integrate security into Azure DevOps pipelines using tools like SonarCloud and Snyk, implementing SAST, SCA, and secure pipeline templates.
• Coordinate vulnerability management activities including threat modelling, pen testing, remediation, and risk tracking with cross-functional teams.
• Oversee access control governance, enforcing least-privilege principles and conducting regular cloud access reviews.
• Collaborate across teams to align with security standards, manage exceptions, and support secure software and infrastructure practices.

You Have

• Proven experience in Security, DevOps, or Cloud compliance, particularly in Azure environments.
• Solid understanding of software development practices, ideally with a developer background.
• Strong knowledge of data protection regulations (e.g., UK GDPR) and security frameworks (e.g., OWASP, NIST).
• Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps, IaC tools (e.g., Terraform), and security integration in CI/CD pipelines.
• Proficient with tools like SonarCloud, Snyk, and scripting (PowerShell, Azure CLI); strong communication and cross-team collaboration skills.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're building the world's largest offshore wind farm. Transforming the grid to provide greener electricity for millions of people and investing over £20 billion in homegrown energy, with £20 billion more in the pipeline.

Our IT division powers growth across all SSE business areas by making sure we have the systems, software and security needed to take the lead in a low carbon world. They provide expertise, advice and day-to-day support in emerging technologies, data and analytics, cyber security and more.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact David.Brickell@sse.com / 01738 275 846 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

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