Job Specifications
Job Introduction
We are seeking a versatile and proactive ‘Application Security Consultant’’ to join Handelsbanken UK which is currently undergoing a major technology transformation programme. We are modernising our tech stack whilst preserving trust and security. You will act as the security lead in an application development delivery team working across a complex hybrid tech stack including Java/React, J2EE microservices, RPG/JSP hosted on z/OS and an API driven architecture.
A key focus of this role will involve uplifting our application development security processes to enable the team to deliver quickly and securely. You will operate our existing secure change process whilst helping revise and uplift the application development security assurance operating model. Your work will cover metrics, templates, controls, automation, secure code practices and workflows.
The Bank operates an model where information security consultants are embedded into workstreams acting as the security lead for that delivery team. This is not a traditional advisory role — you will be actively participating in solving information security problems, working closely with engineers, product managers, and business stakeholders to identify, assess, and collaboratively solve security challenges and ensure the team can continue to deliver a pace.
This is a unique opportunity to work on an exciting technology change programme, influencing the security posture of critical Bank systems while collaborating closely with engineers, product managers, and business stakeholders. You’ll often operate independently of other security and privacy subject matter experts, so a broad and deep understanding of security and privacy domains is essential — from secure architecture and threat modelling to data protection and regulatory compliance
If you thrive on autonomy, love solving complex problems, and want to see the real-world impact of your work in a critical industry — this is the role for you.
Main Responsibilities
Risk and Control Assessments – You will lead risk & control assessments using the Banks defined processes, covering supplier due diligence, privacy impact assessments and project security.
Risk Management – You will support your workstream identify and articulate risks, steering them towards appropriate treatment plans, documenting mitigating controls and ensuring these are actions within agreed timeframes.
You will operate in line with the Bank's Risk Management framework (including sub-frameworks) and relevant risk and compliance policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate and timely escalation of any concerns to your line manager.
Advisory – You will provide specialist advice and interpretation of Information Security best practice and UK regulatory requirements to a range of different stakeholders as new products, processes and systems are developed.
You will need to be aware of your own knowledge gaps and when & where to seek specialist input to solve a particular problem or query
Subject Matter Expertise – You will develop a deep knowledge of the Banks secure change processes and procedures, shepherding your workstream through various assessments and approval gates
Relationship Management – You will build deep, trust based relationships with key stakeholders within your delivery team such as developers, testers, product managers, delivery leads and tech leads.
You will be an active member of the delivery team, attending daily stand-ups, PI planning sessions and working groups.
Ideal Candidate
Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying…
You have a blend of technical skills (secure coding, threat modelling, SAST/DAST tooling etc) and SDLC experience with a focus on securing software throughout the lifecycle
You are a skilled communicator, able to convey complex security issues to a wide audience, including non-technical colleagues.
You have a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset and are comfortable owning outcomes and taking accountability.
You love building strong interpersonal relationships across engineering, product, compliance, and business teams to foster a culture of shared security ownership.
You are great at identifying information security risks and you enjoy finding creative solutions problems.
You have a wide range of information security knowledge and, crucially, you are aware of your own knowledge gaps and able to seek support and guidance as required.
You understand the intersection of Risk Management and Information Security and how these relate to each other in a Financial Service business (3LoD model)
Application Security - Solid, practical and demonstrable experience of integrating application security controls (technical and non technical aspects), covering SDLC and secure coding practices, into CI/CD pipelines. Understanding o
About the Company
We are Europe's safest commercial bank, with roots in local communities throughout Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK. Across a range of digital and physical meeting places, our branch teams offer 'up close and personal' financial advice and solutions, based on customers' individual needs. In this way, we aim to forge lasting relationships with satisfied private and corporate customers, helping us grow steadily through word of mouth.
Our way of doing business is based on trust and respect, both for our customers an...
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