Security Assurance Manager in Bristol

We are seeking an experienced Security Assurance Lead to join a leading technology and innovation consultancy delivering a large-scale, nationally significant transformation programme. Working as part of a high-performing cyber security team, you'll provide independent security assurance across complex programmes, ensuring security is embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle. You'll work closely with technical teams, programme stakeholders and third-party suppliers to review solutions, manage risk, and ensure compliance with government security standards and secure-by-design principles.

Key Responsibilities as a Security Assurance Lead

• Provide independent security assurance across programme workstreams, projects and suppliers.
• Review and challenge security designs, technical artefacts and implementation approaches to ensure secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles are followed.
• Assess compliance with government security policies, industry standards and programme security frameworks.
• Identify, assess and manage security risks, ensuring appropriate mitigation and escalation where required.
• Build strong relationships with programme teams, suppliers and senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted security advisor.
• Provide pragmatic security guidance that balances risk, operational requirements and delivery objectives.
• Support security accreditation, authority-to-operate activities and programme release gates.
• Review significant security incidents and contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement activities.
• Monitor remediation activities relating to vulnerabilities, incidents and audit findings.
• Produce high-quality security assurance reports, risk assessments and documentation for senior decision-makers.
• Conduct supplier and third-party security assurance reviews to ensure compliance with contractual and programme security requirements.

Experience You'll Need as a Security Assurance Lead

• Proven experience as a Security Assurance Lead, Security Assurance Manager or Security Accreditor.
• Experience delivering security assurance across large, complex transformation programmes involving multiple suppliers and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of government security policies and frameworks, including Secure by Design, NCSC guidance and related standards.
• Experience conducting security assessments, audits and assurance reviews.
• Experience reviewing technical security architectures and providing constructive challenge to delivery teams.
• Strong understanding of security governance, risk management and compliance.
• SFIA Level 5 capability or equivalent experience.
• Experience within telecommunications, mobile network operators, critical national infrastructure or emergency services.
• Knowledge of 4G/5G Core Networks, Radio Access Networks (RAN), IMS, OSS/BSS platforms and network virtualisation (NFV/SDN).
• Understanding of Zero Trust architecture, identity security, encryption, SIEM, SOC integration and network segmentation.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, CRISC, ISO 27001, NCSC CCP, TOGAF, SABSA or AWS Security.
• Experience working within highly regulated public sector or government environments.

What's on Offer

• Up to £600 per day Inside IR35.
• Hybrid working with two days onsite each week in London.
• Opportunity to work on a high-profile, nationally significant transformation programme.
• Collaborative environment alongside experienced cyber security and technology specialists.
• Initial contract with strong potential for extension.

Please note: Active SC Clearance is required for this role. Candidates should have clearance that has been used within a UK Government department within the last 12 months. Candidates who do not fully meet this requirement may still be considered, subject to client approval and sponsorship.