At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in delivering cutting-edge penetration testing and security assessments.
- Company: Rapidly growing cyber security organisation with exciting expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security practices while making a real impact in cyber security.
- Qualifications: Significant hands-on penetration testing experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
Location: London, UK (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Employment Type: Permanent
Overview
We are partnering with a rapidly growing cyber security organisation that has recently undergone a significant acquisition and is entering an exciting phase of expansion and investment. As part of this growth, they are seeking an experienced Penetration Testing Lead to take ownership of their offensive security function. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical delivery, team management, and strategic direction across a broad range of cyber security services. You will lead a team of security consultants delivering penetration testing, red team, blue team, and purple team engagements, while remaining actively involved in technical assessments and client-facing activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the security practice, driving quality standards, mentoring consultants, and expanding service capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of penetration testers and security consultants.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the offensive security practice, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Conduct and oversee penetration testing engagements across web applications, APIs, cloud environments, infrastructure, wireless networks, and mobile platforms.
- Support and deliver Red Team, Blue Team, and Purple Team exercises.
- Establish and maintain testing methodologies, reporting standards, quality assurance processes, and technical best practices.
- Provide technical leadership and hands-on support during complex security assessments and client engagements.
- Work closely with commercial and leadership teams to support project scoping, resource planning, proposals, and client presentations.
- Review technical reports and ensure findings are communicated effectively to both technical and executive-level stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement of offensive security services, tooling, frameworks, and methodologies.
- Stay current with emerging threats, attacker techniques, and industry trends to ensure testing approaches remain effective and relevant.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant hands-on penetration testing experience across multiple security domains.
- Strong technical expertise in web application, API, infrastructure, cloud, wireless, and mobile security testing.
- Experience leading security teams and managing the delivery of offensive security engagements.
- Deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies including OWASP Testing Guide, PTES, and OSSTMM.
- Experience working within Red Team, Blue Team, and Purple Team environments.
- Strong knowledge of common attack techniques, threat emulation, vulnerability assessment, and exploitation methodologies.
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard security testing tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, Nessus, Qualys, and Kali Linux.
- Strong understanding of networking concepts, security protocols, and modern attack surfaces.
- Experience reviewing technical deliverables and maintaining quality assurance standards.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical findings to a variety of audiences.
- Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing high-performing technical teams.
- Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with hands-on technical delivery.
- Experience driving team utilisation, performance, and professional development.
- Strong stakeholder management and client engagement skills.
- Commercial awareness with experience supporting project scoping and pre-sales activities.
Certifications & Qualifications
- One or more of the following certifications would be highly desirable: CREST CRT / CCT, OSCP, OSCE / OSWE, CISSP, CHECK Team Member / Team Leader.
- A degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, or a related discipline is advantageous but not essential.
Desirable Skills
- Experience conducting advanced Red Team operations and adversary simulation exercises.
- Purple Team and Breach & Attack Simulation experience.
- Knowledge of cloud security testing across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Experience with social engineering engagements.
- Understanding of AI and emerging security threats.
- Experience with container security, Kubernetes, Docker, and CI/CD security testing.
- Knowledge of C2 frameworks and advanced offensive security tooling.
- Experience contributing to technical communities through blogs, conference talks, or industry events.
Penetration Testing Lead in London employer: Stott & May Professional Search Limited
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding cyber security organisation in London, where you will lead a talented team of penetration testers in a hybrid work environment. The company fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, offering competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. With a focus on cutting-edge security practices and a commitment to employee development, this is an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of cyber security.
Contact Details:
Stott & May Professional Search Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Penetration Testing Lead in London
✨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 Stott & May Professional Search Limited, 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 Stott & May Professional Search Limited
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Stott & May Professional Search Limited. 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 Penetration Testing Lead in London
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 Stott & May Professional Search Limited 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 Stott & May Professional Search Limited that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stott & May Professional Search Limited
✨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 Stott & May Professional Search Limited 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 Stott & May Professional Search Limited.
✨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.
