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Domain Head - Cryptography

Knutsford, United Kingdom; London, United Kingdom

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Key information

Date live: 23/02/2026

Business Area: Chief Information Security Office

Area of Expertise: Technology

Contract: Permanent

Reference Code: JR-0000094714

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It’s happening at Barclays.

Be a part of a place where challenges are measured in billions, qubits and nanoseconds. Build your career in an environment where we’re advancing machine learning, leveraging blockchains, and harnessing FinTech. Working in Barclays technology, you’ll reimagine possibilities: learning and innovating to solve the challenges ahead, delivering for millions of customers.
We are shaping the future of financial technology.
Why not join us and make it happen here?

Where will you be located?

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Head of Cryptography

We are seeking a Director of Cryptography to lead the design, implementation, and governance of our organisations cryptographic systems and standards. This role is responsible for defining cryptographic architecture, ensuring compliance with global security regulations, driving strategy and guiding research and innovation across the discipline.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in modern cryptographic methods with strong leadership capabilities, risk management experience, and a forward-looking perspective on emerging security threats.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership

  • Define and execute the organisation’s cryptographic strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Lead and mentor a team of cryptography engineers 
  • Establish cryptographic governance frameworks, standards, and best practices.
  • Provide executive-level guidance on cryptographic risk and mitigation strategies.

Architecture & Engineering

  • Design and oversee implementation of cryptographic protocols and systems (HSM, key management, PKI).
  • Ensure key lifecycle management, including generation, distribution, rotation, storage, and revocation.
  • Evaluate and select cryptographic security tooling.

Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with global regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, FIPS, ISO 27001, NIST)
  • Conduct cryptographic risk assessments and threat modelling.
  • Oversee audits and coordinate with regulatory bodies.

Research & Innovation

  • Stay current with advancements in post-quantum cryptography and emerging threats.
  • Lead internal research initiatives and collaborate with academic or industry partners.
  • Drive adoption of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and zero-trust architectures.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic thinker with strong executive presence.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
  • Effective communicator able to translate complex cryptographic concepts for non-technical stakeholders
  • High integrity with a strong ethical foundation
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-security environments

Deep knowledge of:

  • Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
  • Digital signatures and certificate management
  • Key management systems
  • Cryptographic protocols (TLS, SSH)
  • Experience with hardware security modules (HSMs)
  • Demonstrated leadership and team-building experience.
  • Experience with post-quantum cryptography and zero-knowledge proofs.

Purpose of the role

To manage and monitor the banks cryptographic assets, for all use cases, whilst ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensitive data, both through BAU support and On-Call support as part of a 24/7 global team. 

Accountabilities

  • Collaboration with internal and external customers and stakeholders to understand and identify cryptographic needs across the organisation, sharing best practices including solutions to business applications and processes.
  • Execution of security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in cryptographic implementations and procedures and guide the implementation of mitigation strategies and communicate findings to relevant findings to relevant senior stakeholders.
  • Implementation and monitoring of cryptographic solutions used in various banking applications to ensure they function correctly and meet the Cryptography Standard.
  • Development of training content for colleagues to share expertise on cryptographic concepts, best practice and security procedures in line with Standards and Industry regulations Contribute to the creation of technical documentation and specifications related to cryptographic designs and implementations. Provision of subject matter expertise in cryptography methodologies.
  • To manage and support the service management of cryptography solutions consumed by the Bank globally, in line with Technology Controls and Standards, including but not limited to Incident/Problem/Change/Vulnerability Management.
  • Understanding of industry cryptographic principles including algorithms, protocols and technologies including symmetric and asymmetric keys, digital signatures, key exchange and encryption. Advocate the improvement and implementation of security controls when appropriate.
  • Presentation of complex ideas effectively to technical and non-technical audiences at all levels of Leadership.

Director Expectations

  • To manage a business function, providing significant input to function wide strategic initiatives. Contribute to and influence policy and procedures for the function and plan, manage and consult on multiple complex and critical strategic projects, which may be business wide..
  • They manage the direction of a large team or sub-function, leading other people managers and embedding a performance culture aligned to the values of the business. Or for an individual contributor, they lead organisation wide projects and act as deep technical expert and thought leader, identifying new ways of working and collaborating cross functionally. They will train, guide and coach less experienced specialists and provide information affecting long term profits, organisational risks and strategic decisions..
  • Provide expert advice to senior functional management and committees to influence decisions made outside of own function, offering significant input to function wide strategic initiatives.
  • Manage, coordinate and enable resourcing, budgeting and policy creation for a significant sub-function.
  • Escalates breaches of policies / procedure appropriately.
  • Foster and guide compliance, ensure regulations are observed that relevant processes in place to facilitate adherence.
  • Focus on the external environment, regulators, or advocacy groups to both monitor and influence on behalf of Barclays, when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of how the function integrates with the business division / Group to achieve the overall business objectives.
  • Maintain broad and comprehensive knowledge of industry theories and practices within own discipline alongside up-to-date relevant sector / functional knowledge, and insight into external market developments / initiatives.
  • Use interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve problems and design solutions in often complex/ sensitive situations.
  • Exercise management authority to make significant decisions and certain strategic decisions or recommendations within own area.
  • Negotiate with and influence stakeholders at a senior level both internally and externally.
  • Act as principal contact point for key clients and counterparts in other functions/ businesses divisions.
  • Mandated as a spokesperson for the function and business division.

All Senior Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

Barclays welcomes applications from all candidates and is committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments (accommodations) are put in place to allow for a fair and inclusive recruitment process. For more information and how to request one, please review Adjustments to the recruitment process.

We’re a global, vital and highly respected financial organisation with an inspiring Purpose. Operating in 39 countries and employing around 100,000 people across the world, we help communities, individuals and businesses thrive. And we’ve created financial solutions and technology that the world now takes for granted. A career with us can offer incredible variety, depth and breadth of experience, and the chance to learn from some of the best minds in technology and finance.

To find out more about Barclays' strategy please click here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and opposed to discrimination on any grounds. It is the policy of Barclays to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, creed, religion, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law.

Barclays is required by law to confirm that you have the Legal Right to Work in any role that you apply for. If you currently hold a work visa sponsored by Barclays, or you would require sponsorship from Barclays, you must declare this as part of your application. Sponsored visas are role and entity specific and any changes must be reviewed. It is important that you ensure you are working on the correct visa at all times. Failure to accurately disclose your visa status or Legal Right to Work may result in your application or any employment offer being withdrawn at any time.

Who succeeds in
Tech at Barclays?

For a career with us, you need to be prepared to take big steps forward, curious to face the challenges ahead, and driven to focus on the outcomes. We need people with the Barclays mindset to make it happen here.

Qualities we look for:motivator, supporter, connector, driver, communicator, transformer, maker, observer

What you'll get in return

Competitive holiday allowance
Life assurance
Private medical care
Pension contribution

Our technology

Supporting our 48 million customers and clients worldwide takes a lot of forward thinking. It means harnessing technology to support the economy. It means making a difference to people’s lives. And it requires the maintenance and development of a global, technological infrastructure. At Barclays, technology helps us keep transactions moving, manages data, and protects our customers. Join a world where your work creates unique moments of impact. Make it happen here.

This is Barclays Manchester

Barclays Knutsford is a world-class campus in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, and at the centre of our global operations. The place where it all happens. The place where we deliver the technology, security and customer care that our personal and corporate banking customers rely on 24/7/365.

Our redeveloped campus offers state-of-the art, collaborative workspaces set within 64 acres of lush gardens and surrounded by wildlife.

To ensure our campus is accessible to everyone, we offer a shuttle bus from the local bus, tram, and train stations on weekdays.

There are endless opportunities to socialise, pursue personal interests, visit the onsite gym, or join one of our many clubs and groups.

We run amazing experiences, from firework displays to gigs, diverse celebrations and art & crafts sessions. There’s something for you.

This is Barclays Manchester

Barclays Knutsford is a world-class campus in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, and at the centre of our global operations. The place where it all happens. The place where we deliver the technology, security and customer care that our personal and corporate banking customers rely on 24/7/365.

A workplace like no other

Our redeveloped campus offers state-of-the art, collaborative workspaces set within 64 acres of lush gardens and surrounded by wildlife.

Your commute

To ensure our campus is accessible to everyone, we offer a shuttle bus from the local bus, tram, and train stations on weekdays.

Much more than work

There are endless opportunities to socialise, pursue personal interests, visit the onsite gym, or join one of our many clubs and groups.

Immersive events

We run amazing experiences, from firework displays to gigs, diverse celebrations and art & crafts sessions. There’s something for you.

Barclays

Working flexibly

We’re committed to providing a supportive and inclusive culture and environment for you to work in. This environment recognises and supports your personal needs, alongside the professional needs of our business. If you'd like to explore flexible working arrangements, please discuss this with the hiring manager. Your request will be reviewed in-line with the requirements of the role/business needs of the team.

Hybrid working

We have a structured approach to hybrid working, where colleagues work at an onsite location on fixed, ‘anchor’, days, as set by the business area. Please discuss the working pattern requirements for the role you are applying for with the hiring manager. Please note that working arrangements may be subject to change on reasonable notice to ensure we meet the needs of our business.

Barclays is built on an international scale.

Our geographic reach, our wide variety of functions, businesses, roles and locations reflect the rich diversity of our worldwide customer base. All of which means we offer incredible variety, depth and breadth of experience. And the chance to learn from a globally diverse mix of colleagues, including some of the very best minds in banking, finance, technology and business. Throughout, we’ll encourage you to embrace mobility, exploring every part of our operations as you build your career.

Find more information

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