Security Testing Lead Specialist

The HR Ally; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The HR Ally is seeking a Security Testing Lead Specialist in Australia (Sydney/Melbourne) to lead high‑complexity security assessments, including advanced penetration testing and secure code reviews. You will provide technical leadership and act as the primary escalation point for complex vulnerabilities, driving risk‑based remediation aligned with business goals.

You will shape testing strategy, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cyber security teams to translate findings into clear

Responsibilities

• Lead high‑complexity security assessments across customer systems.
• Perform advanced penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and source code security reviews.
• Provide authoritative technical leadership as a security testing SME and escalation point.
• Evaluate system protection and provide strategic recommendations to improve security posture.
• Identify critical vulnerabilities, exploit paths and attack vectors; analyse results for risk.
• Translate findings into clear business risk insights to prioritize remediation.
• Drive evolution of testing strategy, methodologies and standards.
• Collaborate with Security Testing – Senior Lead and cyber security teams on capability development.
• Assess existing security controls and recommend improvements to uplift maturity.
• Deliver high‑quality security assessment reports with clear risks and mitigations.
• Mentor junior team members and uplift capability across the team.
• Apply risk‑based approaches balancing security with business needs and timelines.

Skills

Security testing

Leadership

Penetration testing

Vulnerability assessment

Secure development

Threat modelling

Job description

Role: Security Testing Lead Specialist

Location: Sydney/Melbourne

Job type: Permanent

Eligibility: Australian PRs and Citizens

Key Accountabilities Include:

Lead and deliver high-complexity, high-assurance security assessments across customer's

systems, including advanced penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and source code security reviews, focusing on real-world exploitability and attack path development.

Provide authoritative technical leadership as a subject matter expert in security testing and secure development, acting as the primary escalation point for complex vulnerabilities, assessments, and adversary emulation activities.

Evaluate the effectiveness of systems in protecting organisational data and maintaining intended functionality, and provide strategic recommendations to improve security posture and resilience.

Identify and validate critical vulnerabilities, exploit paths, and attack vectors, including analysing scan outputs and manual testing results to assess risk and impact accurately.

Translate technical findings into clear, actionable business risk insights, supporting informed decision making and prioritised remediation.

Drive the evolution of security testing strategy, methodologies, and standards, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and continuous improvement across the function.

Collaborate with the Security Testing – Senior Lead and broader cyber security teams to shape capability development, resourcing, and operational direction.

Assess existing security controls and practices against expected standards and recommend improvements to address gaps and uplift security maturity.

Ensure delivery of high-quality security assessment reports, clearly articulating risks, impacts, and recommended mitigations.

Provide mentorship and technical guidance to uplift capability across both senior and junior team members.

Apply a pragmatic, risk-based approach to all activities, balancing security requirements with business objectives, timelines, and operational constraints.

Fulfil Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) responsibilities in accordance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.

Additional information:

Provide technical leadership across the domain, including performing and leading complex assessments across multiple technical domains, and responding to escalated incidents and engagements.

Provide input into customer's Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment and Secure Code processes, methodologies, standards, and corresponding roadmaps and enhancement plans.

Develop and deliver training for junior team members and the broader customer community to uplift security capability.

Promote shift-left practices to enable the delivery of secure, high-quality code at speed.

Provide guidance on application security architecture and secure design considerations.

Develop scripts and contribute to automation initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of security testing activities.

Refine and define engagement processes, secure code artefacts, security criteria, and use cases.

Collaborate with third parties, including vendors and newly acquired entities, to assess and uplift their security and development practices.

Conduct quality assurance reviews of deliverables produced within the Secure Code team to ensure high technical standards.

Operate effectively in environments with ambiguous or conflicting requirements, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes aligned with Cyber Security expectations.

Translate technical vulnerabilities into business risk for stakeholders in a timely manner, leveraging insights from the broader Cyber Security function.

Apply a pragmatic approach to security testing, balancing business objectives, standards alignment, cost, time, and risk considerations.