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- Tasks: Lead complex penetration tests across various platforms and mentor junior testers.
- Company: Join Instil, an award-winning tech company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while pushing your technical skills to new heights.
- Qualifications: CHECK Team Lead status and 5+ years of penetration testing experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture that values wellbeing and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a highly skilled Lead Penetration Tester with CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status to join our dynamic security team. This is a senior, hands‑on role where you’ll lead and deliver complex penetration testing engagements across infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications for a diverse range of clients, including software, fintech, manufacturing, engineering, legal, and public sector organisations. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our offensive security services, coordinating end‑to‑end testing, mentoring junior testers, and contributing to the evolution of our methodologies. If you thrive on tackling challenging security problems, enjoy working in a collaborative environment, and want to keep pushing your technical boundaries, we’d love to hear from you.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and execute penetration tests across infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications.
- Manage end‑to‑end engagements: from scoping and kick‑off sessions to delivery and client debriefs.
- Produce detailed, actionable reports outlining vulnerabilities and tailored remediation steps.
- Stay ahead of emerging threats by researching new offensive techniques and integrating them into our methodology.
- Automate repetitive tasks and streamline testing processes through scripting.
- Mentor and coach junior testers, supporting their technical growth and career development.
- Enhance tools and methodologies, ensuring our services remain cutting‑edge.
- Support pre‑sales efforts as a subject‑matter expert in penetration testing.
- Communicate findings effectively to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Contribute to thought leadership through blogs, white papers, or speaking engagements.
Essential Skills
- CHECK Team Lead (CTL) status – Infrastructure or Web Applications
- Current UK SC Clearance.
- Minimum 5 years’ penetration testing experience, with a proven track record of complex engagements.
- Proven experience in cloud security reviews (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Deep expertise in web, mobile, and network penetration testing methodologies.
- Advanced knowledge of operating systems (Linux, Windows, Active Directory).
- Familiarity with cloud environments and ability to perform cloud security reviews.
- Proficiency with tools such as BurpSuite Pro, Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, and Kali Linux.
- Strong scripting skills (Python, Shell, etc.).
- Excellent communication and technical report writing skills.
Nice‑to‑Have
- Additional certifications: OSCP, CSTL/CCT, Cyber Scheme, CREST.
- UK Cyber Security Council Chartership (Principal or above).
- Experience with Hack The Box or Capture the Flag simulations.
- Exposure to advanced testing techniques and red team engagements.
Why Join Instil?
- A discretionary annual performance bonus that rewards your impact and contribution to our success.
- Flexible working arrangements and summer hours, because life isn’t 9 to 5, and balance matters.
- A highly competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions, private healthcare, and life assurance for peace of mind.
- Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, cycle‑to‑work scheme, and regular social events to keep our culture vibrant.
- 35 days holiday, enhanced maternity pay, and family‑first policies so you can focus on what matters most.
- From courses to certifications, we’ll invest in your development so you can keep growing and shaping what’s next.
- Opportunities to volunteer, give back, and be part of initiatives that make Instil a truly inclusive and connected workplace.
Instil has been delivering world‑class software engineering and technology solutions for over 20 years, trusted by global brands to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. From modernising legacy systems to building cutting‑edge applications, we help our clients navigate an ever‑changing digital landscape with confidence and agility. We’re proud to be an award‑winning employer, reflecting how our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Lead Penetration Tester in Bristol employer: Instil
Contact Detail:
Instil Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Penetration Tester in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. 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 complex engagements you've led. This not only highlights your expertise but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your methodologies and how you tackle security challenges. Remember, communication is key, so practice explaining your findings to non-technical stakeholders too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our dynamic security team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Penetration Tester in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CHECK Team Lead status and relevant experience in penetration testing. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about offensive security and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a bit of personality!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with tools like BurpSuite Pro and your scripting skills. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our awesome team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Instil
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing methodologies, especially for infrastructure, cloud, web, and mobile applications. Be ready to discuss specific tools like BurpSuite Pro and Metasploit, and how you've used them in past engagements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Penetration Tester, you'll be expected to mentor junior testers and manage end-to-end engagements. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to coaching others.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to convey complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects and their outcomes in simple terms, focusing on the impact of your work and the actionable steps you provided.
✨Stay Ahead of the Game
Research emerging threats and offensive techniques relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you keep your skills sharp and how you would integrate new methodologies into the team's practices. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.