At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cybersecurity assurance for innovative defence programmes and spacecraft lifecycle.
- Company: Leading organisation in the UK Defence sector with a focus on security.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with a commitment to innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security through hands-on cybersecurity leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven Secure by Design experience in Defence and relevant cybersecurity certifications.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Must be eligible to attain National Security Vetting at SC. DV is desirable, which would require 10 years unbroken residency in the UK.
We're recruiting on behalf of a leading organisation for a Security Assurance Manager to own cybersecurity and information assurance across their products, programmes and spacecraft lifecycle. This is a genuinely broad, senior assurance role - spanning certification (ISO 27001, CE+, DCC), ITHCs, Secure by Design reviews, supplier security, and space licensing assurance. You'll sit across Change Advisory Boards, incident response, and executive-level reporting.
This is the one thing that matters most for this role: You need to have personally delivered Secure by Design assurance within a Defence programme. Not just an understanding of the framework - hands-on ownership: engaging with system and design owners, running gap analysis against security controls, and taking something through to a real outcome such as Authority to Operate or formal accreditation. If that's not something you've genuinely done, please don't apply - the client has been explicit that there isn't time to build this knowledge up from scratch.
What you'll need:
- Hands-on Secure by Design delivery experience in a Defence programme - as a Delivery Team Security Lead, Delivery Team Security Engineer, or Security Assurance Coordinator
- Hold, or have held, CISM, CISA, BCS CISMP, ChCSP or CMIRM
- Membership of a cybersecurity or information risk body (CIISec, IRM, or similar)
- Eligible for National Security Vetting at SC or above, with 5+ years unbroken UK residency (DV desirable)
- Proven delivery of security artefacts — Security Management Plans, Risk Registers, Security Requirements Documents, RMADS, Threat Models
- Experience coordinating ITHCs, including scoping and remediation prioritisation
- Technical understanding at architecture, design and audit level
Desirable: Knowledge of the space industry or aerospace communication systems.
If you've owned Secure by Design assurance on a Defence programme and can talk through a specific example of what you delivered and what it achieved, we'd like to hear from you.
Cyber Security Assurance lead - Secure by Design for Defence in Guildford employer: Standard 8 Careers
Join a leading organisation in the UK Defence sector as a Cyber Security Assurance Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of cutting-edge products and programmes. With a hybrid work model based in Guildford, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside opportunities to engage with senior leadership on critical cybersecurity initiatives. This role not only offers competitive remuneration but also the chance to make a meaningful impact in the defence industry, working on projects that safeguard national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Assurance lead - Secure by Design for Defence in Guildford
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Standard 8 Careers, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Standard 8 Careers
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Standard 8 Careers. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Assurance lead - Secure by Design for Defence in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Standard 8 Careers insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Standard 8 Careers that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Standard 8 Careers
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Standard 8 Careers to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Standard 8 Careers.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
