SC cleared Operational Technology Security Specialist

Overview

An SC cleared Operational Technology Security Specialist is required for an initial 6‑month outside of IR35 contract. The client’s site is Abingdon; this hybrid role pays £450 per day outside IR35 for 4 days working remotely one day on site, or £500 per day for 4.5 days on site and 0.5 day remotely.

Role Summary

The OT Security Specialist will lead the development and maturation of the Operational Technology (OT) security capability as part of a greenfield security programme. This includes defining and implementing an OT Security Strategy, developing policies and standards, and introducing appropriate security controls across OT environments.

The OT Security Specialist will provide technical and governance oversight of OT security, ensuring alignment with industry frameworks (IEC 62443, NIST CSF, CAF, ISO 27001) and with enterprise cyber security objectives.

The role will combine hands‑on implementation, strategic oversight, and the creation of governance artefacts. You will engage with engineering teams and managed service providers (MSPs) to ensure that OT security controls are effectively designed, implemented, and sustained. Experience with SIEM/SOC integration is valuable and considered desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of the OT Security Strategy, policies, and standards.
• Define governance processes for OT security, ensuring alignment with enterprise security frameworks.
• Conduct OT risk assessments and gap analyses against recognised standards (IEC 62443, NIST CSF, CAF).
• Identify, prioritise, and oversee the implementation of security controls across OT systems and networks.
• Provide technical oversight and assurance when engaging with MSPs and third‑party vendors.
• Collaborate with enterprise security teams to align OT security with broader cyber programmes.
• Support OT incident response activities, including escalation paths to SOC teams where relevant.
• Mentor and support junior team members in OT security concepts and practices.
• Track and report on OT security maturity progress against roadmap milestones.

Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience in maturing OT security within ICSe or critical infrastructure environments.
• Proven ability to create and implement OT security strategies, policies, and standards.
• Strong knowledge of OT security frameworks and standards (IEC 62443, NIST CSF, CAF, ISO 27001).
• Experience conducting OT security risk assessments, gap analysis, and remediation planning.
• Knowledge of OT networks, segmentation, and common industrial protocols.
• Experience working with operations and engineering teams in OT environments.
• Ability to provide technical oversight for MSPs or third‑party security service providers.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, particularly in policy/standards creation.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with SIEM/SOC integration for OT environments.
• Experience with OT asset discovery, monitoring, and security tool deployment.
• Exposure to regulatory compliance in critical infrastructure (e.g. NIS Directive, UK CAF).
• May be requested to represent the Group in OT security working groups, act as an SME in OT‑related projects, and contribute to the development of internal security capability through training and mentoring.

Security Clearance Requirement

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high‑level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Successful applicants will be required to be security‑cleared prior to appointment, which can take up to a minimum of 10 weeks.

About LA International

LA International is a HMG‑approved ICT recruitment and project solutions consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.