At a Glance
- Tasks: Identify vulnerabilities and enhance security testing across global networks and applications.
- Company: Join a leading global organisation with a focus on internal security capabilities.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, contract flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with significant opportunities for influence and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity by shaping in-house penetration testing strategies.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in penetration testing and strong understanding of security risks.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 55000 £ per year.
Security Penetration Tester (Contract) | On-site (East Midlands) | Up to £525 a day | 6 months contract with the view to extend | Outside IR35
We are partnering with a global organisation to support the development of its internal penetration testing capability. With a digital footprint spanning more than 60 countries and over 15,000 IT users, this is a high-impact role within a growing Information Security function.
This position offers the opportunity to join a proactive defence team at a pivotal stage of maturity, transitioning from reliance on third-party providers to building a fully embedded in-house penetration testing capability.
The Opportunity:
You will act as a “think like an attacker” specialist, identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited and helping shape how security testing is delivered across a complex, global environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and execute authorised penetration tests across networks, applications, cloud, and infrastructure environments
- Identify vulnerabilities arising from technical weaknesses or human factors and provide clear remediation guidance
- Produce high-quality, business-focused reports translating technical risk into clear impact
- Develop and enhance testing approaches, scripts, and automation tools to improve effectiveness
- Collaborate with SOC and Detection Engineering teams to embed long-term security improvements
- Support red team exercises and broader threat-led testing initiatives
- Stay current with emerging threats and security trends through continuous learning and industry engagement
Requirements:
- Proven hands-on experience in penetration testing and/or red team engagements
- Strong understanding of vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response
- Experience working within cloud environments, ideally Microsoft Azure
- Ability to communicate complex security risks clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desirable Experience:
- Background in retail or large-scale eCommerce environments
- Exposure to operational technology environments (e.g. warehouse or logistics systems)
- Experience working within large, complex enterprise estates
Team Context:
You will be joining a growing Information Security function covering SOC, Vulnerability Management, and Threat/Incident Response, alongside a dedicated Engineering team focused on IAM and automation (including SailPoint and Google SecOps). The penetration testing capability is currently in its early stages, with significant opportunity to shape tooling, structure, and long-term strategy following an upcoming leadership transition.
If you are an experienced Security Pen Tester looking for your next contract opportunity we would be keen to speak with you.
Please note, we are only able to consider candidates who are based in the UK and who have the existing right to work in the UK.
Interview process- 1 maybe 2 stages. Immediate start.
Please click apply if this sounds like you!
Penetration Tester in Loughborough employer: develop
Join a dynamic global organisation as a Penetration Tester in the East Midlands, where you will play a crucial role in developing an in-house security capability. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this position offers competitive pay and the chance to shape the future of security testing within a complex environment. Embrace the opportunity to work alongside dedicated teams, enhancing your skills while contributing to meaningful security improvements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester in Loughborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity field, especially those who might know about opportunities in penetration testing. Attend local meetups or online webinars to expand your circle and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, including any reports or findings you've produced. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common penetration testing scenarios and be ready to discuss your thought process. Practise explaining complex security concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical folks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester in Loughborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Penetration Tester role. Highlight your hands-on experience in penetration testing and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about penetration testing and how you can contribute to our growing Information Security function. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't forget to mention your technical skills, especially around vulnerability management and cloud environments like Microsoft Azure. We love seeing candidates who can communicate complex security risks clearly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at develop
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing skills and the latest security trends. Familiarise yourself with common vulnerabilities and how to exploit them, as well as the tools you'll be using. This will help you demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work, especially any hands-on experience in penetration testing or red team engagements. Be ready to explain how you identified vulnerabilities and the impact of your findings, as this will show your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to translate complex technical risks into business-focused reports, practice explaining your findings in simple terms. Think about how you would communicate with non-technical stakeholders and be prepared to demonstrate this skill during the interview.
✨Stay Current
Keep up with emerging threats and security trends. Mention any recent developments in the field during your interview to show that you're proactive about continuous learning. This will highlight your commitment to staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
