Associate Security Consultant

NCC Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A cybersecurity consultancy in Manchester is offering an Associate Security Consultant position aimed at providing extensive training in ethical hacking. The role combines structured learning and real-world applications, preparing candidates for roles in penetration testing. Applicants should have a passion for cybersecurity and some exposure to relevant skills. The company offers a hybrid working model, a supportive environment, and opportunities for personal development. Applications close on the 23rd of November.

Benefits

Flexible working

Pension

Life Assurance

Community & Volunteering Programmes

Learning & Development

Qualifications

• Good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to ask smart questions and show initiative.
• Ability to communicate clearly with clients.

Responsibilities

• Engage in structured learning over the first 6 months.
• Work through real-world scenarios using various tools.
• Deliver a graduation project demonstrating technical skills.

Skills

Pen testing web dev frameworks (React, Flask)

Networking (TCP/IP, routing, switching)

Cryptography (PQC, symmetric & asymmetric)

Programming (Python, Java, C#)

Security tools (Burp Suite)

Tools

Burp Suite

Kali Linux

Job description

Associate Security Consultant - This is your launchpad into ethical hacking

Manchester Office-based during probation then hybrid

The Opportunity

At NCC Group our incredible Technical Assurance division is looking for Associate Security Consultants to embark on a journey of growth and development. Kicking off on the 19th of January 2026 you will be based in our Manchester office where you will work with and learn from some of the best minds in the industry.

This opportunity is available to candidates from various backgrounds and specialisms whether you are changing careers or looking to move into another area of Cyber Security. Our industry-renowned and awarded training program will teach you to perform web application security assessment network and infrastructure testing applied research consultancy skills and more.

You will propel your career and be on the fast track to becoming a full fledged Penetration Tester (aka Security Consultant). The wealth of experience and knowledge available to learn from is invaluable and can often lead to you finding interests in cyber security that you didnt know you had.

The challenge :

• Youll spend your first 6 months in our Manchester office engaging in structured learning a mix of guided classroom sessions 1 : 1 mentoring and self-paced modules
• Youll be paired with experienced consultants who guide your technical development and help you build consultancy soft skills from client communication to report writing
• Youll work through real-world scenarios using tools like Burp Suite Kali Linux and custom NCC Group platforms. Expect to learn manual testing techniques alongside automated approaches
• Youll observe live client engagements gaining exposure to different industries threat models and testing methodologies
• Midway through the programme youll deliver a graduation project; this could be a research piece a custom tool or a deep-dive into a specific technique
• Once trained youll begin contributing to billable client work supported by your mentor and line manager. Youll start with scoped tasks and gradually take on full engagements
• Regular check-ins and performance reviews throughout will ensure youre progressing technically and professionally with clear milestones and support.

Expected outcomes in your first 12 months :

• Deliver a graduation project that demonstrates technical depth and presentation skills
• On successful completion of the training you will sit an industry wide qualification (such as CRT or CSTM) before commencing billable client facing work.
• After gaining CRT or CSTM you will apply to NCSC for CHECK Team Member accreditation.
• Transition into client-facing delivery work with confidence and credibility
• Build a strong foundation in penetration testing and consultancy ready to specialise or broaden into other areas of cyber security.

A successful Associate

• Has a good level of English command both written and spoken
• Asks smart questions loves solving problems and showing initiative
• Communicates clearly with clients and colleagues
• Demonstrates curiosity and drive to learn continuously.

Youll bring genuine passion for cyber security and ideally you will have some degree of experience or exposure in at least 3 of the following :

• Pen testing web dev frameworks (React Flask etc.)
• Networking (TCP / IP routing / switching)
• Cryptography (applied PQC symmetric & asymetric)
• OS internals (Windows Linux MacOS)
• Hardware testing including embedded systems firmware analysis or physical device security
• Programming (Python Java C# etc.)
• Cloud platforms (AWS Azure GCP)
• Security tools (Burp Suite etc.)
• Ethical hacking platforms (Hack the Box Catch the Flag Try Hack Me vulnhub Immersive Labs etc.).

About our company :

At NCC Group our mission is to create a more secure digital future. That mission underpins everything we do from our work with our incredible clients to groundbreaking research shaping our industry. Our teams partner with clients across a multitude of industries delving into securing new products and emerging technologies as well as solving complex security problems.

As global leaders in cyber and escrow NCC Group is a people-powered business seeking the next group of brilliant minds to join our ranks. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment that fosters creativity collaboration authenticity and accountability. We offer a comprehensive benefits package opportunities for learning and development and career growth.

What do we offer in return

We have a high-performance culture balanced with world-class well-being initiatives and benefits :

• Flexible working
• Financial & Investment : Pension Life Assurance Share Save Scheme
• Maternity & Paternity leave
• Community & Volunteering Programmes
• Employee Referral Program
• Lifestyle & Wellness
• Learning & Development

So whats next

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you wed love to hear from you! Applications close on the 23rd of November.

Click Apply or send your CV and cover letter to

About your application

We review every application received and will get in touch if your skills and experience match what were looking for. If you dont hear back from us within 10 days please dont be too disappointed we may keep your CV on our database for future vacancies and encourage you to keep an eye on our career opportunities.

Please note : This role involves mandatory pre-employment background checks due to the nature of the work NCC Group does. To apply you must be willing and able to undergo the vetting process. This role will be subject to BS7858 screening as a mandatory requirement.

Eligibility Requirements

This role may involve work on government-related projects requiring security clearance. As such applicants must :

• Have unrestricted and permanent right to work in the UK (e.g. British or Irish citizen or settled / pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme).
• Have been continuously resident in the UK for the past five years to meet the baseline criteria for Security Check (SC) clearance.

While not all projects require clearance the nature of the work means we can only consider candidates who meet these criteria. Unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Required Experience :

IC

Key Skills

ISO 27001,B2B Sales,SafeNet,IDS,Risk Management,PCI,NIST Standards,Salt,Information Security,Customer relationship management,Encryption,FISMA

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1