Security Architect
Summary
Hands-on Security Architect at Southern Cross Health Society (NZ health insurer) shaping how technology is designed and built securely — partnering with engineering teams, reviewing designs, data flows and identity models, and creating reusable security patterns across a hybrid on-prem/cloud estate (AWS/Azure) aligned to frameworks like ISO27001 and NIST.
Southern Cross is guided by purpose, powered by people and technology. We're here to help almost one million members across Aotearoa New Zealand live well for longer - work with real scale, real responsibility, and a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
As we grow, our technology footprint is only getting more complex - and more important to get right. We're looking for a Security Architect to work within our Healthy Behaviours Value Stream to help make sure what we build is secure, resilient and trusted, without slowing the business down.
This is a senior technical role for someone who wants real influence - shaping how Southern Cross designs and builds secure technology, not just reviewing it after the fact.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Technology, you'll help shape how we design and build secure, resilient technology across a wide range of platforms and initiatives - from new capability being stood up, to legacy systems being modernised or retired.
This is a hands-on architecture role, not a governance-only one. You'll work directly with engineers and delivery teams to identify risk and recommend controls that are proportionate to it, while being able to explain the why clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Our security team supports work across most of the business, so the scope is genuinely broad, and no two weeks look the same.
What you'll do
Partner with product, platform, data and engineering teams to build security in early rather than reviewing it at the end
Review designs, integrations, data flows and identity models to identify risk and recommend practical, proportionate mitigations
Develop reusable security patterns, guardrails and decision records that help teams deliver consistently and with confidence
Help assess emerging risk areas, including AI-enabled capability, supply chain and identity, as they show up in real initiatives
Advise technology and delivery leaders on trade-offs, remediation priorities and residual risk
Build team capability by coaching others to recognise common security patterns, failure modes and attacker behaviours as part of everyday design work
Build the kind of trust that means people know who you are and bring you in early.
What you'll bring
Solid experience in security architecture, or a closely related senior technical security role, across cloud, identity, applications and infrastructure
Experience working in complex, regulated or high-trust environments (health, insurance, financial services, government or similar), and with at least one major cloud provider (AWS or Azure)
Working knowledge of compliance frameworks, such as ISO27001:2022, PCI DSS, CIS, and/or NIST
A track record of translating technical risk into plain language for engineers and senior stakeholders
A collaborative, respectful working style - someone who can hold a firm line on risk without becoming a blocker
Relevant certification (e.g. CISSP) and comfort operating in a hybrid on premises / cloud environment is a bonus but not a requirement, we care more about the work you have actually done
Why join us
You'll join a small, stable team that's been through genuine change together, gets real trust and autonomy from the wider business, and takes development seriously - including dedicated time each quarter to grow your own capability, whether that's a certification, a conference, or a deep-dive into something new.
We're building something worth joining. Our teams are growing, our employer brand is gaining real traction in market, and the way we show up for our members and each other is being noticed. This momentum has also been reflected externally - in 2026, Southern Cross placed 8th in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index and 5th in New Zealand for Trust.
Who we are
Ngākau nui. Āhurutanga. Tikanga.
Join a proud, diverse team that's always there, always real, always true. If you thrive in a caring, honest and open culture, we think you'll love working with us.
We know our team's culture and wellbeing drive us forward. That's why we prioritise not only professional development but opportunities to thrive personally. We offer exceptional work/life balance, and our people are encouraged - and rewarded - for living well.
Southern Cross employee benefits include:
Five days of wellbeing leave per year
Health insurance for you and your immediate whānau
Life insurance cover and discounts on pet and travel insurance
Extra parental leave benefits and financial wellbeing support
Participation in our workplace wellbeing programme
The option to purchase flexi leave for study, volunteering, or supporting your whānau
An annual volunteer day to contribute to a cause with your team
This role is Auckland based. While we appreciate interest from candidates in other locations, we're unfortunately not able to consider remote options. Have questions? Check out our FAQs for help with the application and recruitment process.