Penetration Tester

Penetration Tester

Manchester Full-Time 34000 - 51000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct penetration tests and help clients strengthen their cyber defences.
  • Company: Join a top CREST-accredited cyber security consultancy in the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid/remote work, and a focus on work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while growing your skills in a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: 2-5 years in ethical hacking with strong technical skills and client communication.
  • Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior testers and shape internal security capabilities.

The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 £ per year.

We’re hiring a Penetration Tester to join one of the UK’s most respected, CREST-accredited cyber security consultancies. You’ll work across public and private sector projects, helping clients identify vulnerabilities, strengthen defences, and build resilience against real-world attacks.

This role offers autonomy, variety, and technical depth — all within a collaborative team that genuinely values knowledge sharing, personal growth, and work-life balance.

What You’ll Do

  • Conduct penetration tests across web apps, APIs, networks, cloud, and mobile platforms.
  • Participate in Red Team and social engineering engagements.
  • Deliver clear, actionable reports and guide clients through remediation.
  • Contribute to scoping calls, proposals, and client presentations.
  • Mentor junior testers and help shape the consultancy’s internal security capability.

What You’ll Bring

  • 2–5 years’ experience in ethical hacking or penetration testing.
  • Strong understanding of OWASP, web, and infrastructure testing.
  • Experience with Burp Suite, Nmap, Nessus, Qualys, Metasploit, Kali Linux.
  • Familiarity with cloud security (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
  • Confident communicator with client-facing experience.

Bonus points for:

  • Public sector testing experience.
  • Code review skills (Python, Java, JavaScript).
  • CHECK accreditation (CTM/CTL).
  • Active or eligible SC clearance (five years’ UK residency).

Penetration Tester employer: 4square Recruitment Ltd

Join a leading CREST-accredited cyber security consultancy that prioritises employee growth and work-life balance. As a Penetration Tester, you'll enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and the opportunity to mentor junior team members while tackling diverse projects across both public and private sectors. Our collaborative culture fosters knowledge sharing and technical excellence, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of cyber security.
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Contact Detail:

4square Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups, webinars, or local events where you can connect with other penetration testers and cyber security professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, including any reports or findings from previous engagements. This not only demonstrates your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on the latest security trends or vulnerabilities. Engaging with the community can help you get noticed by recruiters and companies looking for talent like yours.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission in cyber security.

We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester

Penetration Testing
Ethical Hacking
OWASP
Web Application Testing
Infrastructure Testing
Burp Suite
Nmap
Nessus
Qualys
Metasploit
Kali Linux
Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Client Communication
Mentoring
Code Review (Python, Java, JavaScript)

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in ethical hacking and penetration testing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your knowledge of OWASP and tools like Burp Suite or Nmap.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about cyber security and how you can contribute to our team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a bit of personality, so let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Projects: If you've worked on any interesting projects or have relevant certifications, make sure to include them in your application. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their hands-on experience and technical depth, especially in areas like cloud security.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to join our collaborative team. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at 4square Recruitment Ltd

✨Know Your Tools

Make sure you’re well-versed in the tools mentioned in the job description, like Burp Suite and Nmap. Practise using them on different platforms so you can confidently discuss your experience during the interview.

✨Understand the OWASP Top Ten

Familiarise yourself with the OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities. Be prepared to explain how you would identify and mitigate these issues in real-world scenarios, as this shows your depth of knowledge and practical application.

✨Prepare for Client Interaction

Since the role involves client-facing responsibilities, think about how you would communicate complex technical information clearly. Practise explaining a past project or vulnerability to someone without a technical background to demonstrate your communication skills.

✨Show Your Mentorship Skills

If you have experience mentoring junior testers, be ready to share specific examples. Discuss how you’ve helped others grow in their roles, as this aligns with the consultancy’s focus on knowledge sharing and personal growth.

Penetration Tester
4square Recruitment Ltd
Location: Manchester

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