At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the security testing practice while ensuring high-quality delivery.
- Company: Dynamic cyber security consultancy backed by private equity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to evolve into new areas like AI security testing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security testing and make a real impact in the tech world.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience in security testing and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 € per year.
We’re working with a growing, private equity-backed cyber security consultancy looking to hire a Security Testing Practice Lead to take ownership of their security testing function. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining technical delivery with practice growth, team development, and client engagement - ideal for someone operating at (or ready to step into) a leadership role while still staying close to the tech.
Salary: £80-90k DOE
Location: London (3 days onsite)
Package: Competitive
The Role:
You’ll be responsible for leading and scaling the security testing practice, ensuring high-quality delivery across engagements while shaping the future direction of the service offering. This includes owning delivery standards, supporting commercial activity, and mentoring a team of testers - all while remaining hands-on where needed. You’ll also play a key role in evolving the practice into new areas such as AI / LLM security testing, helping define new services in line with market demand.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the security testing practice (services, tooling, methodologies)
- Oversee delivery across testing engagements (web, API, infra, cloud, mobile)
- Ensure quality, consistency, and technical excellence across all outputs
- Support pre-sales, scoping, and client engagement activities
- Manage team utilisation, capacity, and performance
- Mentor and develop testers, driving a strong technical culture
- Own reporting standards and delivery methodology (OWASP, PTES, OSSTMM)
- Contribute to practice growth and new service development (incl. AI security)
Key Skills & Experience:
- Strong hands-on background in penetration testing / security testing (CHECK / CREST or equivalent)
- Experience across web apps, APIs, infrastructure, and cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP)
- Solid understanding of modern attacker techniques and threat-led testing approaches
- Experience with tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Nessus, Qualys, Metasploit, Kali
- Experience leading or mentoring teams (or ready to step up)
- Ability to engage with clients and support commercial discussions
- Strong reporting and stakeholder communication skills (technical → non-technical)
- Understanding of delivery processes, QA, and scaling services
Nice to Have:
- Red team / social engineering experience
- Exposure to AI / LLM security testing
- Certifications such as CREST, OSCP, OSWE, CISSP or CHECK
- Experience in consultancy environments
This is a great opportunity to step into a role where you can shape and own a security testing function, not just deliver within one. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, apply now!
Security Testing Lead in City of London employer: Oscar
Join a dynamic and innovative cyber security consultancy in London, where you will have the opportunity to lead and shape the security testing practice while working closely with cutting-edge technologies. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salary packages, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a unique chance to grow your career in a supportive environment that values both technical excellence and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Testing Lead in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the cyber security scene. Attend meetups, webinars, or industry events to meet potential employers and learn about opportunities that might not be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your hands-on experience in security testing. Include case studies, tools you've used, and any innovative projects you've led. This will help you stand out when chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and leadership questions. Be ready to discuss your experience with penetration testing and how you've mentored teams. We want to see your passion for security and your ability to lead!
✨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 are proactive about their job search. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Security Testing Lead in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Security Testing Practice Lead role. Highlight your hands-on experience in penetration testing and any leadership roles you've had, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about security testing and how your background makes you the perfect fit for leading our practice. Don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or tools you’re familiar with.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, be sure to mention specific tools and methodologies you’ve used in past roles. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how your technical expertise aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in penetration testing and security testing methodologies. Familiarise yourself with tools like Burp Suite and Nmap, as well as the latest trends in AI security testing. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a leader but also hands-on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or mentored testers in the past. Think about specific situations where you drove a strong technical culture or improved delivery standards. This will demonstrate your readiness for a leadership role and your ability to develop others.
✨Engage with Clients
Since client engagement is key in this role, practice how you would approach commercial discussions. Be ready to talk about your experience in scoping projects and how you've successfully communicated technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Be Future-Focused
Think about how you can contribute to the growth of the security testing practice. Prepare ideas on new service developments, especially in areas like AI/LLM security testing. Showing that you have a vision for the future will set you apart from other candidates.
