Control Testing Lead - Cyber Security

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK seeks a Control Testing Lead - Cyber Security to deliver a robust Cybersecurity Control Testing & Assurance Programme. The role, based in a hybrid environment, requires strong cybersecurity expertise and experience in control testing. Responsibilities include supporting the Cybersecurity Control Testing Framework, executing assessments, and collaborating with various stakeholders. A competitive salary up to £78,000 per annum is offered, along with benefits such as 26 days of annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in performing cybersecurity control assessments.
• Strong understanding of information security principles and control frameworks.
• Ability to explain cybersecurity issues to non-technical audiences.
• Experience working in a regulated environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation and improvement of the Cybersecurity Control Testing Framework.
• Execute control testing and ensure accuracy of documentation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather evidence for testing.
• Stay informed on cybersecurity frameworks and industry best practices.

Skills

Cybersecurity control assessments

Information security principles

Communication skills

Independent work

Understanding of Cybersecurity Domains

Education

Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor

Job description

Job title Control Testing Lead - Cyber Security Ref 42015 Division Digital Location Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Hours 36 Salary A salary up to £78,000 per annum, depending on experience Job grade B Closing date 27/01/2026

As a Control Testing Lead, you will play a key role within the Information Security team, supporting the Control Test and Assurance Manager in the delivery of a robust and forward‑looking Cybersecurity Control Testing & Assurance Programme.

This role requires strong cybersecurity expertise combined with hands‑on experience in control testing, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of security controls and ensuring alignment with internal policies, standards, and industry frameworks.

This role will report directly to the Control Testing & Assurance Manager, with whom you will work to deliver the goals of the company to have a stable and fit‑for‑purpose control testing environment that supports the organisation’s security and compliance objectives.

What you’ll be doing as a Control Testing Lead - Cyber Security

• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the Cybersecurity Control Testing Framework.
• Execute control testing in line with defined procedures, templates, and standards.
• Assist in the development and localisation of standard test scripts, ensuring they are tailored to specific control environments and aligned with the organisation’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
• Conduct control testing activities to evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of cybersecurity controls, documenting results clearly and raising issues where appropriate.
• Ensure timely delivery of assigned control assessments in accordance with the agreed testing schedule and escalation protocols.
• Maintain accurate and consistent documentation for each control assessment, including test plans, test results, and final reports.
• Escalate issues, delays, or risks to the Control Testing & Assurance Manager, contributing to the resolution of challenges and continuous improvement of the testing process.
• Collaborate with control owners and stakeholders to gather evidence, clarify control objectives, and support the smooth execution of testing activities.
• Stay informed on relevant cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, CIS Controls) and industry best practices to support the evolution of the control testing programme.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are

• Proven experience in performing cybersecurity control assessments, including evaluating design and operational effectiveness.
• Strong understanding of information security principles, cyber risk management, and control frameworks.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication, including the ability to explain cybersecurity issues to non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of assigned tasks and driving them to completion while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Strong understanding of Cybersecurity Domains, including Threat Intelligence, Vulnerability Management, Security Testing, Security Architecture, Infrastructure Protection, Application Security, Identity and Access Management, Incident Investigation & Response and Cryptography.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:

• Experience working in a regulated environment.
• Experience within the water utility industry or large, complex critical national infrastructure.
• Experience in internal audit, external audit, or assurance functions related to IT or cybersecurity.
• Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor are advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £78,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is inevitably an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.