At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our fast-paced programme to kickstart your career in cybersecurity consulting.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on security, risk, and assurance with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Fast-track your career, gain real-world experience, and earn an industry-recognised certification.
- Other info: Intensive 4-month training with clear milestones and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Develop essential consulting skills while tackling real client challenges in a hybrid work environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a curious mindset; no specific background required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Locations: Cheltenham or Manchester (hybrid, primarily remote)
Application deadline: 10 July 2026
We’re launching our Associate Security Consultant Accelerator Programme — a fast-paced, structured pathway into cybersecurity consulting for high-potential individuals who are curious, analytical, and commercially aware. This is not a purely technical programme. It is designed to develop well-rounded consultants who can engage clients, solve problems, and deliver meaningful outcomes in security, risk, and assurance.
Programme delivery: Primarily remote, with occasional in-person sessions
Interview process: Held from August 2026. Candidates must be available during August–early September. Includes:
- Structured interview
- Practical task/skills assessment
- Pre-prepared presentation
Start date: Monday 5 October 2026
What this programme is:
- A 4-month, intensive training and development programme
- Designed to build core consulting capability alongside foundational security knowledge
- A blend of instructor-led learning, practical exercises, client exposure, and real-world scenarios
- Structured with clear milestones, feedback loops, and assessment points
What you’ll learn:
- Capability across consultancy, audit, and security domains, including:
- Consulting fundamentals
- Engagement lifecycles
- Client communication and stakeholder management
- Consultancy role-play and scenario-based delivery
- Security and assurance foundations
- ISO 27001, exposure to Lead Auditor and Implementer concepts
- ISO 42001 (AI governance) and emerging risk areas
- Supplier assurance and third-party risk
- Applied consulting skills
- Report writing and presenting insights
- Running workshops and client sessions
- Case studies and simulated engagements
- Broader security exposure
- Incident response fundamentals
- Privacy and PETs
- Security engineering basics
- Threat analysis, resilience, and organisational risk
- Cross-functional collaboration across security disciplines
- Professional development
- Practical assignments and guided research tasks
- Exposure to real client environments
- One industry-recognised certification (e.g. ISO 27001 or ISO 42001)
The programme concludes with a final assessment in Manchester, with successful candidates progressing into consulting roles.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:
We’re deliberately not narrowing this to a specific background. Instead, we’re looking for:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Natural problem-solving and critical thinking ability
- Interest in security, risk, or consulting
- Ability to learn quickly and operate in structured programmes
- High levels of ownership, curiosity, and resilience
- Experience in cybersecurity is helpful but not required.
- No degree requirement — we care more about capability and mindset.
Job Benefits:
- Fast-track into a consulting career in cybersecurity
- Structured development, not “sink or swim”
- Exposure to real clients, real problems, real delivery
- Clear pathway into a Delivery Consultant role
Associate Security Consultant - Accelerator Programme in Manchester employer: NCC Group
Join our dynamic team as an Associate Security Consultant in either Cheltenham or Manchester, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth. Our Accelerator Programme offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your career in cybersecurity consulting through structured training, real-world client exposure, and mentorship, all while enjoying the flexibility of a primarily remote working environment. With a focus on developing well-rounded consultants, we empower our employees to engage with clients and deliver impactful solutions in security, risk, and assurance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Security Consultant - Accelerator Programme in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the cybersecurity field, especially those who have been through similar programmes. They can offer insider tips and might even refer you directly!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to consulting and security. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and get feedback.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during the practical task/skills assessment. Think aloud while you work through problems; it demonstrates your analytical process and how you approach challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Security Consultant - Accelerator Programme in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity:We want to see your genuine interest in cybersecurity and consulting. Use your application to highlight any experiences or projects that showcase your curiosity and analytical skills. Don’t be shy about sharing what excites you about the field!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Associate Security Consultant role. We’re looking for well-rounded individuals, so connect your skills and experiences to the key areas mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for the role shines through without fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, please apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at NCC Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of cybersecurity and consulting. Brush up on key concepts like ISO 27001 and risk management. This will help you engage confidently during discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Since there's a practical task and a presentation involved, rehearse your skills beforehand. Try to simulate the interview environment with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more comfortable and articulate your thoughts clearly when it counts.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your curiosity and problem-solving skills by asking insightful questions about the programme and the company. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to showcase your skills, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for candidates who can engage clients and work well in teams, so being authentic can set you apart from the crowd.
