Penetration Test Lead - Hands on in Bristol
Penetration Test Lead - Hands on

Penetration Test Lead - Hands on in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team of penetration testers and manage testing engagements.
  • Company: Dynamic tech firm focused on cybersecurity and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work arrangements, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while leading a talented team.
  • Qualifications: Strong hands-on penetration testing experience and leadership skills.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers career growth.

Rate - £400 - £500 Inside IR35

Duration - 3 months initial

Location - Bristol (Once a month on site)

We are seeking an experienced Pen Test Lead with strong, hands-on penetration testing expertise to lead and support a small internal testing function. This role combines technical delivery with day-to-day leadership, overseeing a team of three penetration testers. You will be responsible for managing testing intake, scoping engagements, delegating work and ensuring high-quality, timely delivery across multiple assessments.

Alongside team leadership, you will remain technically engaged, providing guidance on complex testing activities, validating findings and supporting continuous improvement of tooling and methodology. An understanding of red team concepts and adversary led testing is highly desirable.

Key responsibilities:
  • Lead and mentor a team of penetration testers
  • Manage and prioritise testing requests and intake
  • Scope penetration tests and allocate work effectively
  • Maintain hands-on involvement in penetration testing where required
  • Assure quality, consistency, and reporting standards
  • Contribute to red team or advanced testing approaches

Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Penetration Test Lead - Hands on in Bristol employer: Sanderson Recruitment

Join a dynamic and inclusive team in Bristol, where your expertise as a Penetration Test Lead will be valued and nurtured. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and hands-on involvement in cutting-edge security practices. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, we ensure that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects.
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Contact Detail:

Sanderson Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Penetration Test Lead - Hands on in Bristol

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity field, especially those who are already in leadership roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects and methodologies. This will not only highlight your hands-on experience but also demonstrate your leadership capabilities when discussing past team projects.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on both technical and leadership questions. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed teams and tackled complex testing scenarios. We want to see your thought process and how you guide others!

✨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 that extra step to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Test Lead - Hands on in Bristol

Penetration Testing
Team Leadership
Testing Management
Scoping Engagements
Delegation
Quality Assurance
Reporting Standards
Red Team Concepts
Adversary Led Testing
Technical Delivery
Continuous Improvement
Mentoring
Hands-on Technical Expertise

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on penetration testing experience and leadership skills. We want to see how you've led teams and managed testing requests, so don’t hold back on those details!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Pen Test Lead role. Mention your understanding of red team concepts and any unique approaches you’ve taken in past roles.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to mention specific tools and methodologies you’ve used in penetration testing. We love seeing candidates who are technically engaged and can validate findings effectively.

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’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Recruitment

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing skills and methodologies. Be ready to discuss specific tools and techniques you've used in past projects, as well as any red team concepts. This will show that you're not just a leader but also technically savvy.

✨Show Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you managed testing requests or scoped engagements. Highlight your ability to mentor others and ensure high-quality delivery, as this is key for the role.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Practice articulating how you would handle complex testing activities or manage conflicting priorities within your team. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have some thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the team's current challenges or the company's approach to continuous improvement in testing methodologies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

Penetration Test Lead - Hands on in Bristol
Sanderson Recruitment
Location: Bristol

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