Lead Cyber Security Consultant (Defence)

  • Sanderson Recruitment Plc
  • 04/02/2026
Full time Information Technology Telecommunications

Job Description

Lead Cyber Security Consultant (Defence)

UK Remote (travel required approx. 60%/3 days onsite per week)
Full-time & Permanent | Consultancy
Competitive salary + Excellent benefits

About the Opportunity

We're working with an established and growing UK cybersecurity consultancy expanding its Defence and Public Sector practice.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced security professional to lead high-impact programmes, influence senior stakeholders, and shape security outcomes across MOD and wider Defence environments.

The Role

As a Lead Cyber Security Consultant, you'll take ownership of multiple client engagements, delivering expert advice across governance, risk, compliance, and Secure by Design practices.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders to assess risk, define security controls, deliver assurance activities, and support secure architecture across complex, high-profile systems.

This is a hands-on, strategic role that combines leadership, client engagement, and technical depth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead Secure by Design and security assurance activities across MOD and Public Sector programmes
  • Support and guide the application of risk management frameworks, ISMS, and Enterprise Security Risk Management
  • Conduct and lead workshops with technical and business stakeholders
  • Produce clear, actionable reporting on risk, vulnerabilities, and remediation
  • Provide pragmatic, proportionate recommendations aligned to business goals
  • Support secure design across cloud and on-premise platforms
  • Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and thought leadership

Experience & Expertise

  • Strong background in Technical/Security Architecture or Governance, Risk & Compliance
  • Experience working in Defence/MOD environments
  • Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
  • Passion for continuous learning and high-quality security outcomes

Desirable Knowledge

  • SAC (Security Assurance Coordinator) or Delivery Team Security Lead experience
  • MOD/GDS Secure by Design
  • Familiarity with:
    • JSP440, JSP604/453, JSP490
    • Supplier Chain Assurance
    • GDPR, PCI DSS, ICO
    • ISO 27001, NIST CSF, CIS Controls v8
  • Skills in:
    • Threat modelling (kill chain, attack trees, etc.)
    • Cloud security (AWS, Azure), containerisation, Firewalls
    • Secure SDLC
    • HLD/LLD review
    • ITHC scoping and remediation

Certifications (Highly Desirable)

  • CIISEC
  • UK Cyber Security Council registration (Chartered or Principal)
  • AWS/Azure Security (Professional)
  • CCSP, CISSP, CISM
  • ISO 27001 Lead Auditor

Security Vetting/Clearance

  • Active and transferable DV clearance is essential
  • Must be a sole British National and UK-based

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Private healthcare & wellbeing support
  • Flexible working (remote with travel)
  • Career pathways, mentoring and continuous learning
  • Inclusive, supportive culture

Interested?

Submit your application to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

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.