Cyber Security Consultant in Reading

Cyber Security Consultant in Reading

Reading Freelance 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Ensure security and compliance for applications and cloud environments in a dynamic tech programme.
  • Company: Join a leading firm in cyber security with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with potential for travel and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in securing technology that impacts lives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in cyber security and knowledge of IT assurance frameworks required.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Contract Cyber Security Consultant

Location: Reading HQ, 3-4 days a week onsite

Security clearance is essential

Rate: Up to £104 p/h Inside IR35

We are seeking an experienced security cleared Cyber Security Consultant professional to play a key role in a large scale, complex technology programme operating within a highly regulated environment. This position is responsible for assuring the security, compliance, and resilience of applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments throughout their lifecycle, ensuring adherence to Security by Design principles and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide independent assurance for applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments throughout the development and operational lifecycle.
  • Ensure alignment with Security by Design principles, frameworks, and organisational security policies.
  • Assess compliance against relevant standards and regulatory requirements, including ISO 44001, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-172, NIS2, DEFSTAN, JSPs, and other applicable frameworks.
  • Collaborate with development, engineering, and security teams to embed security requirements throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Review technical designs and security controls to ensure critical data and systems are adequately protected.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and assure effective mitigation strategies in both development and production environments.
  • Identify, assess, and manage security risks, recommending tactical and strategic improvements where required.
Skills & Experience:
  • Extensive experience within a complex, high-technology or highly regulated environment such as defence, aerospace, government, critical infrastructure, or enterprise IT.
  • Strong knowledge and practical application of IT assurance frameworks and standards, including: ISO 144001, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, NIST 800-172, NIS2, DEFSTAN and JSPs.
  • Proven experience implementing and assuring Security by Design across the full technology lifecycle.
  • Experience working with cloud, infrastructure, and application security technologies.
  • Strong understanding of vulnerability management, security controls, and risk management practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, influencing, and collaboration skills.
  • Experience working within large-scale transformation or complex technology programmes.
  • Relevant security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CCSP, SABSA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor/Implementer, or equivalent.

Occasional travel to company sites, suppliers or stakeholder locations may be required.

Cyber Security Consultant in Reading employer: Synergize Consulting Limited

Join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise as a UX Designer will directly contribute to the Defence Digital Transformation Programme. With a hybrid working model across multiple MOD sites in the South West UK, you will enjoy a flexible work environment that fosters professional growth and development, while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to enhancing national security. Our commitment to employee well-being and career advancement makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work.

S

Contact Details:

Synergize Consulting Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Consultant in Reading

Get Active on Cybersecurity Forums

Join platforms like Stack Exchange and Reddit’s r/cybersecurity to hang out with industry pros, learn the latest, and share your insights. This will not only boost your visibility but also help you connect with potential clients who might need your freelance services.

Show Off Your Skills with Public Projects

Create a few open-source projects or contribute to existing ones that showcase your cybersecurity skills. Use GitHub to display your work, as this is an excellent way to attract clients looking for freelancers with a proven track record.

Attend Local Conferences and Meetups

Make sure to hit up cybersecurity meetups, workshops, and conferences in your area. These events are goldmines for networking, and you’ll often find people looking for freelancers after a chat over a coffee – so come prepared with your business cards and a killer elevator pitch!

Market Yourself Smartly

Set up a professional website that showcases your portfolio, expertise, and client testimonials. Optimise it for SEO with relevant keywords so potential clients searching for cybersecurity freelancers can easily find you. Don’t forget to link to your site on all your social media and profiles!

We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Consultant in Reading

Cyber Security
Security Clearance
Compliance Assurance
Security by Design
ISO 44001
NIST 800-53
NIST 800-171

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Skills Through a Strong Portfolio:Since you're applying for a freelance role in cybersecurity, it's crucial to showcase your technical skills through a detailed portfolio. Include case studies of projects you've worked on, any security tools you've developed or assessed, and specifics on the methodologies you’ve used. This will help Synergize Consulting Limited understand what you're capable of.

Certifications Matter!:Make sure to list any relevant certifications you hold, such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+. Freelance clients often value these credentials as they reflect your expertise and commitment to the field. If you’re actively pursuing more certifications, don’t hesitate to mention that too!

Rates, Availability, and Your Work Style:In your application, it’s essential to be clear about your freelance rates and availability. Clients appreciate transparency. Mention how many hours a week you can dedicate and your preferred working hours, as this sets expectations from the start and shows you're organised and professional.

Tailor Your CV to Highlight Cybersecurity Experience:When crafting your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically to cybersecurity. Highlight projects, tasks, and achievements related to security assessments, vulnerabilities you've mitigated, or compliance work you've undertaken. Keywords relevant to the job can grab attention and increase your chances of landing a spot at Synergize Consulting Limited.

How to prepare for a job interview at Synergize Consulting Limited

Showcase Your Cybersecurity Skills

As a freelancer in cybersecurity, it’s crucial we demonstrate not just our knowledge but our practical skills too. Be ready to discuss specific tools you’ve used, like Wireshark or Metasploit, and share relevant experiences where you identified vulnerabilities or mitigated risks in past projects.

Prepare Your Portfolio

Unlike traditional roles, freelancing relies heavily on your portfolio. Let’s curate a selection of past work that showcases our best projects. If we’ve handled penetration tests, audits, or incident responses, be sure to highlight these in your portfolio, and share any client testimonials if we have them.

Stay Updated on Trends and Tools

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so we should be prepared to chat about recent developments and how they impact our work. Familiarise ourselves with the latest threats, tools, and frameworks, like MITRE ATT&CK, that are pertinent to the projects we’re pitching.

Pitching Your Value as a Freelancer

When freelancing, we often need to negotiate our rates and value propositions. Be ready to explain how our skills can help Synergize Consulting Limited protect their assets and manage risks. It can help to outline some potential strategies or improvements we could implement for them based on their current setup.