Identity Architect IDAM PAM

Interim Senior Identity & Access Management Architect

Contract | Oxford, UK | Global Media Business

12 months Contract

Our client, a global media business, is looking for a Senior Identity & Access Management (IDAM) Technical Specialist to join our Cybersecurity team on a contract basis, reporting to the Head of Cybersecurity & Resilience Operations.

You’ll serve as the organisation’s lead IDAM subject matter expert, providing specialist leadership and expertise to support the delivery of our Identity & Access Management transformation programme. Working closely with the Programme Lead, business stakeholders, technology teams and suppliers, you’ll help define, implement and embed a modern IDAM operating model that strengthens security, improves governance and ensures secure, compliant access to systems, applications and data.

• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise to support the successful delivery of the IDAM Transformation Programme
• Support the design and implementation of the target-state identity architecture and operating model
• Own and maintain the IDAM transformation roadmap
  , ensuring alignment with cybersecurity strategy, regulatory obligations and business objectives
• Act as primary IDAM SME, providing guidance and assurance to programme stakeholders, technology teams and business leaders
• Drive adoption of IDAM best practices, ensuring solutions and processes are scalable, sustainable and aligned to industry standards
• Support the development and embedding of IDAM policies, standards and procedures across the organisation
• Support the Programme Lead in implementing key IDAM capabilities, including:
  • Identity lifecycle management (Joiners, Movers and Leavers) JML
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • Authentication and access management technologies
  • Access certification and recertification processes
  • Identity governance and administration controls
• Work with technology teams and suppliers to define business and technical requirements for IDAM solutions, including supporting procurement activities where required
• Oversee the delivery of new technologies by technology teams and suppliers, ensuring they are in line with agreed specifications and contractual commitments
• Support the migration of legacy identity and access management processes and controls into the target-state operating model

• Ensure IDAM controls are designed and implemented to provide appropriate levels of security while supporting operational efficiency and user experience
• Design and embed new IDAM operational processes, governance forums, service management practices and performance metrics to support the target-state IDAM capability
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities and accountability across internal teams and external service providers
• Ensure operational teams are equipped to support and sustain new IDAM capabilities through documented procedures, knowledge transfer and effective handover activities
• Define and implement meaningful IDAM metrics, reporting and service performance measures
• Monitor IDAM performance, control effectiveness and emerging risks to support informed decision-making
• Drive improvements in privileged access controls, segregation of duties, identity governance and access certification

• Proven track record delivering Identity and Access Management transformation programmes
• Security expertise and background with hands‑on experience designing, implementing and operating IDAM technologies and controls
• Experience working with partners and third parties to build cross‑domain teams and deliver challenging outcomes
• Strong commercial acumen and deep domain knowledge

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field
• Certifications such as OSCP, CEH or CISSP are preferred
• Strong understanding of current and emerging security technologies and practices
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives in parallel and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong understanding of best practice frameworks, including NIST CSF and ISO 27001

• Skilled communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills
• Works strategically to identify, agree and realise organisational goals; develops compelling visions for the future
• Works with a high degree of integrity; a trusted advisor with a track record of keeping commitments
• High emotional intelligence; seeks feedback, gains insight from mistakes and views challenges as learning opportunities
• Solutions-focused, maintaining clear sight of longer‑term outcomes while driving shorter‑term outputs

This is a contract position based in Oxford, UK, within the Global Technology Cybersecurity function.