Head of Security Engineering - Security Testing & Application Security

Tesco PLC; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retailer is seeking a Head of Security Engineering - Application Security & Testing to lead a dynamic team in securing cutting-edge technology solutions. This role will focus on driving innovation in application security and vulnerability management while collaborating with senior stakeholders to enhance security practices. Ideal candidates will bring deep technical expertise and a strategic mindset to this high-impact leadership position.

Qualifications

• Deep technical expertise in application security, vulnerability management, and adversarial testing.
• Experience with modern security tooling and secure development practices.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A strategic mindset with hands-on execution ability.

Responsibilities

• Manage three Security Engineering Managers and their teams (20+ engineers).
• Oversee cutting-edge security solutions including SAST, SCA, ASPM, GenAI, and threat modelling.
• Build and evolve penetration testing and red/purple team capabilities.
• Deliver on Tesco's Tech Excellence programme.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Tesco Technology.

Skills

application security

vulnerability management

adversarial testing

stakeholder engagement

strategic mindset

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire: Manage three Security Engineering Managers and their teams (20+ engineers), plus a Principal Security Engineer/Architect.
• Drive Innovation: Oversee cutting‑edge security solutions including SAST, SCA, ASPM, GenAI, and threat modelling.
• Test & Assure: Build and evolve our penetration testing and red/purple team capabilities.
• Strategic Execution: Deliver on Tesco's Tech Excellence programme, translating strategy into action.
• Collaborate & Influence: Partner with senior stakeholders across Tesco Technology to embed security into everything we do.

Qualifications

• Deep technical expertise in application security, vulnerability management, and adversarial testing.
• Experience with modern security tooling and secure development practices.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A strategic mindset with hands‑on execution ability.

Are you ready to lead the charge in securing one of the UK's largest technology estates? Tesco Technology is looking for a visionary Head of Security Engineering - Application Security & Testing to join our dynamic Cyber function.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll shape the future of security assurance across our platforms and products. You'll lead a talented team of engineers and architects, driving innovation in vulnerability management, application security, and adversarial testing. This is a pivotal cyber leadership role within Tesco Technology, shaping how we secure our platforms and products. You'll be at the forefront of driving innovation in security engineering, ensuring Tesco remains resilient against evolving threats while enabling safe and secure technology delivery.

This is more than a job–it's a chance to shape how Tesco protects its technology and customers. You'll be at the forefront of security innovation, working with brilliant minds in a collaborative, forward‑thinking environment. Ready to make a difference?