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- Tasks: Lead a team of penetration testers and manage testing engagements while staying hands-on.
- Company: Join a growing internal security function focused on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in penetration testing with leadership responsibilities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values equality and support.
We are looking for an experienced Penetration Test Lead to join a growing internal security function, combining hands-on technical delivery with team leadership.
The Role: You will lead a team of three penetration testers, taking ownership of testing intake, engagement scoping and delivery oversight. Alongside managing workloads and priorities, you will stay hands-on supporting complex assessments, validating findings and driving improvements in testing approaches. You will play a key role in ensuring high-quality outputs across multiple concurrent engagements, while helping shape more advanced capabilities such as red team and adversary-led testing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor and support a team of penetration testers
- Manage and prioritise testing intake and engagement pipeline
- Scope penetration tests and allocate work effectively
- Remain hands-on in penetration testing activities where required
- Review and validate findings, ensuring high-quality reporting
- Maintain consistency in testing standards, methodology and delivery
- Contribute to the development of red team and advanced testing capabilities
Key Experience Required:
- Proven experience as a Penetration Tester with leadership or lead responsibilities
- Strong hands-on testing experience across web, infrastructure, and/or cloud environments
- Experience scoping and managing multiple testing engagements
- Ability to mentor and guide junior testers
- Strong understanding of penetration testing methodologies and reporting standards
- Exposure to red teaming or adversary-led testing (highly desirable)
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 employer: Sanderson Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Test Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity field, especially those who might know about openings for Penetration Test Leads. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Consider creating a portfolio of your past penetration testing projects. This could include case studies or reports that highlight your hands-on experience and leadership abilities. It’s a great way to stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of penetration testing methodologies and reporting standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to scoping tests and managing multiple engagements, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Test Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in penetration testing and leadership. We want to see how you've led teams and managed multiple engagements, 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 Penetration Test Lead role. Share specific examples of your hands-on testing experience and how you've driven improvements in past roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone with strong hands-on testing experience across various environments. Be sure to mention any relevant tools or methodologies you’ve used, especially if they relate to red teaming or advanced testing capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your penetration testing methodologies and reporting standards. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with web, infrastructure, and cloud environments, as well as any red teaming or adversary-led testing you've done.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored or guided junior testers in the past. Highlight your experience in managing workloads and prioritising tasks effectively.
✨Engagement Scoping is Key
Understand the importance of scoping penetration tests and managing multiple engagements. Be ready to discuss how you approach engagement intake and how you allocate work within your team.
✨Quality Over Quantity
Emphasise your commitment to high-quality outputs. Talk about how you review and validate findings, ensuring that your reports are thorough and meet the required standards. This will show that you value consistency in testing methodology and delivery.