At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security standards and assurance for IELTS, ensuring integrity and trust worldwide.
- Company: Join a collaborative team at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, private medical insurance, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global security while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in security standards, risk management, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45100 - 60400 € per year.
Play a pivotal role in upholding the security of IELTS. We are looking for a Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead to maintain and assure robust security standards that underpin the integrity and trustworthiness of IELTS worldwide. This role, based within the Central Security Team IELTS (CSTI), will lead continuous improvement in security performance, delivering clear, evidence‑based assurance to senior leadership, regulators, and key stakeholders. It will oversee the governance of risk‑based security assurance activities, drive the adoption of best practice, and monitor global implementation. The role also involves extensive collaboration with IELTS partners to foster strong cross‑functional relationships and ensure cohesive organization‑wide security maturity.
About the role
This role delivers strategic leadership, embedding consistent risk‑based security governance across the global IELTS ecosystem, supporting the development and implementation of security strategies that protect test fairness, maintain candidate trust, and ensure regulatory compliance across the global and digital IELTS environment.
Additional responsibilities and accountabilities include:
- Collaborate closely with other Operational Security Leads to ensure security standards, assurance, and best practices are integrated into threat monitoring, investigations, and test security activities
- Prioritise assurance activities according to threat intelligence, incident data, and operational risk profiles
- Ensure standards/policies remain current, effective, and aligned with emerging risks, regulatory requirements, and IELTS objectives
- Capture, analyse and document lessons learned from incidents, audits, assurance activities, and major investigations
- Support the integration of controls into operational processes and partner requirements
This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40‑60% of their time collaborating and connecting face‑to‑face at their dedicated location. Flexible working requests will be considered from day one, including arrangements to accommodate disabilities or long‑term health conditions.
About you
- Proven experience in security standards, assurance, policy development or risk management
- Knowledge of current examination malpractice methods, including proxy testing, question leaks, AI cheating and organised fraud
- Proven track record of designing risk‑based assurance programmes, developing policies/standards, creating audit guidance and driving the adoption of best practices
- Strong analytical and advisory skills, with the ability to translate complex risks into practical controls and recommendations
- Excellent communication skills, including report writing, stakeholder engagement, and delivering guidance
- Demonstrated leadership in managing assurance or standards functions
- Experience working in international or joint‑venture environments
Desirable:
- Experience working in law enforcement, the military, or regulatory environments
Rewards and benefits
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical and permanent health insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Group personal pension scheme
- Life assurance up to 4 × annual salary
- Green travel schemes
Application and interview process
The closing date for all applications is 14th April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed from the week commencing 13th April 2026. The interview stages include:
- First stage: virtual interview via MS Teams.
- Final stage: in‑person interview at our offices in Cambridge.
Successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks, including DBS, due to working in a regulated industry. Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during recruitment should inform us via our online application form. We are a Disability Confident employer committed to equality and inclusion, ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. We do not accept CVs from recruiters; all applications must be submitted via our official online application procedure. Cambridge University Press & Assessment is an approved UK employer for the sponsorship of eligible roles and applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please consult the gov.uk website for guidance on eligibility.
Why join us
Joining us offers the opportunity to pursue potential within a collaborative team that explores new ways to serve students, teachers, and researchers worldwide. We embrace diversity of thought, backgrounds, and approaches, and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of demographic characteristics. We are a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, speak up safely, and learn continuously to improve together.
Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Assessment
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including private medical insurance, a generous annual leave policy, and a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to play a pivotal role in enhancing global security standards while enjoying flexible working arrangements and opportunities for continuous learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at IELTS or similar organisations on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for security roles and practice your answers. We want you to showcase your experience in risk management and assurance confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex security issues in the past. Use real examples to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to IELTS's security standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in security standards and risk management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your experience and how it relates to the responsibilities of the Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead role. We appreciate clarity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role involves strategic leadership, so be sure to highlight any past experiences where you’ve led teams or projects. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to drive best practices and improve security performance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Assessment
✨Know Your Security Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest security standards and best practices relevant to the role. Brush up on risk management frameworks and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing specific examples where you've translated complex risks into actionable strategies. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves collaboration, think of ways you’ve successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share how you’ve built relationships and communicated effectively across different teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your response to potential security threats or incidents. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making steps clearly, as this will showcase your leadership capabilities.
