Identity and Access Management Lead

Identity & Access Management Lead Location: Leeds (Hybrid – 2 days per week on site) Contract: Permanent Working Pattern: Full Time Salary: £56,000 – £71,000 Overview The Lead Identity & Access Management (IAM) Analyst provides technical leadership and strategic oversight of IAM capabilities, ensuring secure, effective and compliant access controls, identity governance, and authentication services that align with organisational risk and compliance requirements. Acting as a senior subject matter expert, the role partners closely with technology and business stakeholders to strengthen the organisations security posture, reduce identity‑related risks and support the delivery of secure and resilient services. The role also drives continuous improvement across IAM processes, standards and controls, while developing capability and promoting best practice across the wider organisation. Responsibilities * Lead and continuously improve Identity & Access Management (IAM) capabilities across the organisation. * Act as the IAM subject matter expert, providing guidance to business and technology teams. * Ensure secure, compliant and efficient access to systems, applications and data. * Embed IAM controls into projects, cloud services and technology change initiatives. * Identify, assess and manage identity and access risks, including privileged access, segregation of duties and account lifecycle management. * Lead the response to access‑related security incidents and control failures. * Develop and maintain IAM policies, standards, processes and best practices. * Own IAM governance, reporting and assurance activities, supporting audits and regulatory requirements. * Provide clear risk‑based recommendations and insights to senior stakeholders and governance forums. * Work closely with suppliers and service partners to ensure IAM services meet performance, security and compliance expectations. * Drive continuous improvement through industry best practice, emerging technologies and process optimisation. * Promote a strong security culture and increase awareness of identity‑related risks across the organisation. Qualifications * Strong expertise in Identity & Access Management (IAM), including authentication, authorisation, identity lifecycle management, access controls and Privileged Access Management (PAM). * Knowledge of Zero Trust principles and identity‑centric security models. * Experience of IAM in cloud and hybrid environments, including Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD). * Strong understanding of access‑related security risks, governance, compliance and audit requirements. * Experience designing and implementing IAM controls that balance security, usability and business needs. * Proven ability to assess risks, solve complex problems and make sound, risk‑based decisions. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence technical and non‑technical audiences. * Experience mentoring, coaching and supporting the development of colleagues. * Hands‑on experience with identity platforms, directory services, Single Sign‑On (SSO), Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA) and PAM solutions (Delinea and SailPoint would be advantageous). * Experience supporting major technology change programmes, cloud migrations or platform implementations. * Experience working with risk, audit and compliance teams to demonstrate effective access controls. Benefits * Discretionary on‑target bonus of 10% (up to a maximum of 20% based on performance). * 11% pension contribution (3% from you, 8% from us – optional additional matched 3% contributions, e.g. 6% from you, 11% from us). * 25 days annual leave, flexible public holidays and option to buy/sell additional leave. * Private medical cover. * Salary sacrifice scheme. * 6x salary death in service. * Holistic health and wellbeing support package. * Truly flexible hybrid‑working arrangement. * A culture that promotes inclusivity, wellbeing and rewards hard work. EEO Statement We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and we encourage you to apply even if you feel you do not match 100% of the technical requirements. We celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and strive to create a work environment which ensures everyone can be heard. J-18808-Ljbffr