At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of Digital Assurance strategies for a major international defence programme.
- Company: Join a leading UK Cyber & Digital consultancy with a focus on high-assurance environments.
- Benefits: Permanent position with significant influence and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Work 2 days a week on-site in Reading, engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a complex, strategic role within the defence sector.
- Qualifications: Active SC clearance and experience in technical assurance within Defence or CNI required.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
Location: Reading 2 days per week on-site
Employment Type: Permanent
Clearance: Active SC Clearance required
Start Date: October/November 2026
We are currently recruiting for a Technical Assurance Lead to join a leading UK Cyber & Digital consultancy, supporting a major international defence programme. This is a significant, long-term programme involving the UK, Italy and Japan, providing an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical assurance professional to work within a complex, high-assurance defence environment.
The Role
As Technical Assurance Lead, you will be responsible for helping to develop and mature the programme's Digital Assurance capability, establishing the assurance strategy and providing strategic technical oversight across the programme. This is a strategic technical role, rather than a hands-on engineering or project management position. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and technical teams to establish assurance expectations, review technical capabilities and provide professional challenge where required.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and mature the client's Digital Assurance capability
- Develop the programme's assurance strategy and assurance plan
- Lead assurance activity across complex technical capabilities
- Provide assurance during formal design reviews and test events
- Review technical capabilities and provide robust professional feedback
- Establish and maintain the programme's strategic technical baseline
- Produce high-quality technical assurance documentation
- Develop technical policies and supporting documentation where required
- Engage directly with senior client stakeholders
- Establish and communicate expectations around technical assurance
- Support activities relating to Authorisation to Operate (ATO)
About You
We are looking for an experienced Technical Assurance Lead, Technical Architect, Solution Architect, Security Architect or similar who has operated within a defence, government or other high-assurance environment. You will ideally have:
- Demonstrable experience developing technical assurance strategies and plans
- Experience leading assurance activity across a complex programme
- Experience within Defence or Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)
- Strong technical writing and documentation skills
- Experience reviewing and assuring technical capabilities
- Strong stakeholder management and client-facing skills
- Experience working across digital, technical and/or security domains
- A strategic approach to technical assurance and governance
Desirable Experience
Experience with the following would be highly advantageous:
- Authorisation to Operate (ATO)
- Defence networks
- Cyber security
- Security architecture
- Technical architecture
- Solution architecture
- Secure/high-assurance environments
- Technical policies and standards
- Complex international programmes
Essential Requirements
Please note that the following requirements are mandatory:
- Must already hold active SC clearance
- Must be a sole UK national; dual nationality cannot be accepted
- Demonstrable technical assurance experience within Defence or CNI
- Experience developing assurance strategies and plans
- Experience leading assurance across complex programmes
- Strong technical writing skills
- Able to work 2 days per week on-site in Reading; the on-site requirement is non-negotiable.
What's On Offer?
- Permanent position
- Opportunity to work on a major international defence programme
- Exposure to complex digital, technical and security environments
- Opportunity to work directly with senior client stakeholders
- Significant influence over the programme's Digital Assurance strategy
- Long-term career opportunity within a major international defence environment
- Target start date of October/November 2026
Apply
If you are an experienced Technical Assurance Lead, Technical Architect, Solution Architect, Security Architect or similar professional with active SC clearance and a strong background in defence or high-assurance environments, we would be very interested in hearing from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV, or contact us for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.
Please note: Due to the nature of the programme, active SC clearance and sole UK nationality are essential requirements.
Technical Assurance Lead in Slough employer: develop
As a Central Government Sector Leader at our client, you will join an innovative AI-native consultancy that prioritises employee growth and offers a dynamic work culture. With a competitive salary and substantial bonus potential, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of public sector consulting while enjoying a flexible work environment in Farringdon, fostering collaboration and creativity among talented professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Assurance Lead in Slough
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
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✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including develop, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
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Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at develop. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Assurance Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at develop insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
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How to prepare for a job interview at develop
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For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
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✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at develop.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
