At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct web app and API penetration testing while mentoring junior team members.
- Company: Leading enterprise organisation with a strong focus on cyber security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role offering both hands-on work and strategic influence.
- Why this job: Become a trusted security advisor and tackle complex challenges in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in penetration testing and relevant industry certifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ per year.
A leading enterprise organisation is seeking a Senior Information Security Tester / Senior Penetration Tester to join a growing cyber security function. This is a highly visible, hybrid role combining hands-on penetration testing with strategic input, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring responsibilities.
This position is ideal for a well-rounded security professional who can act as a “go-to” resource across the business. You will deliver a mix of web application and API penetration testing, security assessments, and advisory work - going beyond pure testing to help shape how security engagements are approached, scoped, and executed.
Key Responsibilities- Perform web application, API, and infrastructure penetration testing
- Lead and contribute to end-to-end security assessments, from scoping through to reporting and remediation advice
- Act as a subject matter expert, providing guidance to internal teams on testing strategies and best practice
- Support and mentor junior team members, raising overall security capability
- Contribute to secure design and vulnerability management discussions across the business
- Engage with stakeholders to clearly communicate risks and remediation actions
- Strong experience in web application and API penetration testing (core focus)
- Broad technical capability across multiple domains – a true “jack of all trades” with deep specialism
- Experience delivering practical security guidance, not just identifying vulnerabilities
- Understanding of penetration test scoping and methodology design
- Exposure to malware development and advanced testing techniques
- Knowledge of PCI-DSS and regulated environments
- Relevant industry certifications (e.g. OSCP, CREST, GIAC or similar) preferred
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Opportunity to operate as a trusted security advisor, not just a tester
- Hybrid role balancing hands-on technical work with strategic influence
- Access to complex, large-scale environments and varied testing challenges
- Collaborative culture with a strong focus on learning, mentoring, and continuous improvement
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior tester looking to step into a broader, more consultative role while still remaining technically hands-on.
Penetration Tester in Leeds employer: Sanderson
Join a leading enterprise organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise as a Senior Penetration Tester will be recognised and rewarded. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members while engaging with stakeholders to shape security strategies. Enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid role that combines hands-on testing with strategic influence, all within a supportive environment that prioritises continuous learning and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Tester in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry meetups, webinars, and conferences to connect with fellow security professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your penetration testing projects, including any web applications or APIs you've worked on. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your communication skills. Be ready to explain complex security concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Penetration Tester in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Penetration Tester role. Highlight your web application and API penetration testing experience, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications you have!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, make sure to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas and experiences.
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your web application and API penetration testing skills. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used in past projects, as well as any relevant industry certifications you hold. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role isn't just about testing; it's about shaping security engagements. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to scoping and reporting in previous roles. Highlight your experience in providing practical security guidance and how you've influenced stakeholders in your past positions.
✨Be a Mentor at Heart
Since mentoring junior team members is part of the job, think of instances where you've supported others in their learning. Share how you've raised the overall security capability of your team or organisation. This will demonstrate your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex security concepts in simple terms, especially for non-technical stakeholders. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you've successfully communicated risks and remediation actions to different audiences.
