Senior Security Architect

Position Summary

Yum! Brands is seeking a Principal-level Senior Security Architect to shape enterprise security architecture across our global ecosystem (KFC, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill). In this role, you tackle unique, enterprise-wide problem spaces, anticipating future risks and setting strategic recommendations that guide multi-year roadmaps. You will operate with limited oversight, aligning outcomes through consultation with your coach and stakeholders. Your decisions will influence multiple functions and cross-brand programs. You will establish secure-by-design guardrails that accelerate delivery while reducing risk, and mentor Staff/Principal architects and senior engineers to raise the bar across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Security Architecture & Design

• Author reusable reference architectures, patterns, blueprints, and decision frameworks. Lead end-to-end reviews and threat modeling for complex, cross-brand initiatives; resolve novel challenges with broad business impact and drive clarity amid uncertainty.

• Establish pragmatic architecture governance (principles, patterns, review mechanisms) that balances innovation with risk reduction; translate strategy into roadmaps and measurable outcomes (OKRs/KPIs).

• Translate strategy into actionable roadmaps and multi-year control adoption plans; measure outcomes with meaningful KPIs.

Cloud Security & DevSecOps

• Define enterprise guardrails for AWS/Azure/GCP (landing zones, identity boundaries, network baselines, encryption, logging) and guide adoption at scale.

• Integrate security into CI/CD (SAST, DAST, IaC scanning, policy-as-code, artifact signing, SBOMs); influence platform roadmaps for secure delivery velocity.

• Advance container/Kubernetes security (runtime controls, supply-chain security, secrets management) and coach platform/product teams on cloud-native practices.

• Serve as principal consultant for complex cloud decisions; decisions typically span multiple departments/functions.

Identity, Access & Zero Trust

• Architect Zero Trust across workforce, workloads, and data; mature segmentation, continuous verification, and strong authentication.

• Guide enterprise IAM patterns (SSO, MFA, RBAC/ABAC, PAM) and standardize access models for least privilege at scale.

• Partner with platform and identity teams to modernize federation and entitlement lifecycle.

Data, Network & Detection

• Define enterprise data protection strategy (classification, end-to-end encryption, tokenization, key management, data residency) with cross-functional impact.

• Lead segmentation and secure access patterns aligned to Zero Trust; evolve secure edge and private access.

• Raise the quality of telemetry and detection engineering (logging standards, SIEM/XDR) with detections mapped to MITRE ATT&CK.

Risk, Compliance & Vendor/SaaS

• Align architectures to PCI, SOX, GDPR, and internal risk frameworks; recommend practical compensating controls when constraints exist.

• Lead security assessments for emerging technology and third-party platforms; negotiate security outcomes with vendors.

• Communicate tradeoffs and risks to senior technical and business leaders; influence investment decisions and sequencing.

Leadership, Autonomy & Influence

• Serve as a primary representative for Security Architecture in enterprise forums and technical councils; decisions typically affect multiple functions.

• Operate with limited supervision, using judgment in ambiguous situations; outcomes are reviewed via consultation and alignment.

• Mentor Staff/Principal architects and senior engineers; lead communities of practice; drive continuous improvement with metrics, threat intelligence, and post-implementation reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 10+ years in security architecture/engineering or related function.

• Deep expertise in two or more major clouds and cloud-native security controls.

• Advanced knowledge of IAM/Zero Trust, data protection, secure networking, and DevSecOps toolchains.

• Familiarity with NIST (800-53/207), ISO 27001, PCI, and architecture methods (TOGAF, SABSA).

Preferred Qualifications

• CISSP, CCSP, CISM, AWS/Azure/GCP Security Specialty, TOGAF, or SABSA certifications.

• Experience in regulated or high-scale environments (retail/QSR, payments, consumer data).

• Demonstrated impact establishing enterprise guardrails, control libraries, and architecture governance.

Salary Range: $169,900 to $233,100 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.