Headshot of Conor Woods

Conor Woods, MSc

Security Architect

Glasgow / Remote • SC Cleared

Email cwoods2503@msn.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/cnrwoods

Cybersecurity leader with 14+ years delivering end-to-end security solutions across Identity & Access Management (IAM), Extended Detection & Response (XDR), and enterprise security architecture. Proven track record designing large-scale architectures, leading multi-stream programmes, and improving governance, operational efficiency, and threat mitigation across financial services, energy, and government.

About

Outcome-led, pragmatic, and stakeholder-focused.

  • IAM architecture & delivery
  • SOC improvement & XDR integrations
  • Bid / RFP solutioning & estimation
  • Client leadership & governance

Skills

Core platforms & strengths.

Identity & Access (incl. PAM)

  • Azure AD / Microsoft Entra ID
  • Saviynt EIC
  • Auth0 / Okta CIC
  • IBM Security Identity Manager
  • IBM Security Verify Access / ISV
  • IBM Security Directory Suite
  • CyberArk
  • IBM Security Verify Privileged

Detection, Response & Security Ops

  • Detection & Response (XDR) integrations
  • SOC improvement planning (themes, KPIs)
  • Incident response mindset & diagnostics
  • DLP / VMS oversight (programme level)
  • ISO 27001 aligned controls

Architecture & Delivery

  • Architecture (HLD / LLD), design governance
  • Integration patterns, PKI, UNIX
  • Ansible (automation)
  • Cloud fundamentals
  • Mentorship, estimation, stakeholder leadership

Experience

Selected roles and impact.

Jan 2025 — Present Kyndryl • Glasgow (Remote)

Senior Lead, Security Architecture

Senior Security Architect — International Market Research

  • IAM architect for crown-jewel application onboarding to Saviynt EIC (assessments, designs, delivery).
  • Led role modelling: assessed existing access models and proposed a standardised model.
  • Designed a SOC improvement plan across 7 themes, measured against 21 quantifiable success criteria.
  • Provided oversight across DLP, SOC, VMS, and engineering functions; built opportunities pipeline.

Senior Security Architect — UK Energy Utilities

  • Lead IAM/PAM architect overseeing CyberArk design and implementation.
  • Supported day-to-day architectural decisions and ensured alignment to target-state patterns.
  • Maintained senior client relationships and delivery confidence.

Security Architect — Bid & Proposal

  • Responded to ITTs/RFPs; produced solution designs and effort estimates for transition & run stages.
  • Solutioned large cybersecurity platforms with a technology-agnostic approach.

Commercial impact: Personal credit total (2025): £640k (e.g., role modelling, CyberArk).

Nov 2023 — Dec 2024 IBM UK Ltd • Glasgow (Remote)

Managing Security Consultant

  • Led teams on large, complex bids; developed and implemented cyber security strategies and architectures.
  • IAM lead for a UK savings bank across CIAM, workforce IAM, and federated IAM workstreams.
  • Architected access management solutions supporting mission-critical financial market infrastructure.
  • Consulted on IAM strategy for a European automotive manufacturer; built managed support capability.

Commercial impact: Personal credit total (2023): $6.8M • (2024): $1.1M.

Mar 2023 — Nov 2023 IBM UK Ltd • Glasgow (Remote)

Senior Security Consultant

  • Delivered IAM consulting and architecture support across enterprise clients, focusing on secure design and delivery.
Mar 2017 — Mar 2023 IBM UK Ltd • Greenock (Hybrid)

Senior IT Security Specialist

  • L2/L3 support for shared IAM service across public, industrial, telecoms, and banking sectors.
  • Designed, deployed, configured, upgraded, and health-checked IBM IAM suite; some PingFederate/Imprivata exposure.
  • 24/7 on-call; health checks, environment builds, fixes/upgrades, and integration design improvements.
  • Mentored junior engineers and standardised support catalogue and delivery practices.
Feb 2012 — Mar 2017 IBM UK Ltd • Greenock

IT Security Specialist → Apprentice IT Security Specialist

  • Progressed from apprenticeship to specialist roles supporting IBM Security products and client operations.

Education

Academic foundation.

MSc Cyber Security (Merit)

The Open University • 2021 — 2023

  • Dissertation (Distinction): An investigation into the impact of Consumer Identity and Access Management systems on user experience and usability
  • Modules: ISO 27001, Digital Forensics, Network Security, Incident Response

Certifications

  • Microsoft SC-300 (Identity & Access)
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • CompTIA CySA+
  • Cisco CyberOps Associate
  • Saviynt Certified IGA Professional
  • Auth0 Fundamentals