Lead Cyber Security Consultant (Defence)

Actica Consulting; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Actica Consulting is seeking a Lead Cyber Security Consultant to join the Defence Cyber team in the UK. You will lead teams, work with Defence customers and industry partners to deliver secure digital capabilities and trusted security services. You will mentor colleagues and drive secure outcomes across complex programmes.

You will communicate with senior stakeholders, balance security with operational needs, and contribute to strategic security planning and governance across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience directing cyber security workstreams or teams.
• Strong communication with diverse stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Ability to translate security risk into actionable plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support teams delivering cyber security services across Defence programmes.
• Work closely with customers to understand challenges and develop practical security solutions.
• Provide trusted advice to senior stakeholders on cyber security risks and opportunities.
• Support design and delivery of secure systems, platforms and digital services.
• Apply and advocate Secure by Design principles throughout project lifecycles.
• Help organisations identify, assess and manage cyber and information security risks.
• Develop security strategies, architectures and assurance approaches for delivery.
• Support security testing activities and communicate remediation options.
• Build strong relationships with customers, delivery partners and colleagues.
• Contribute to proposals, business growth and evolution of cyber security capability.
• Mentor and develop team members to realise their potential.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Cyber security

Communication

Tools

Secure by Design

DevSecOps

Cloud security

Job description

Help Shape the Future of Defence Cyber Security

We're looking for a Lead Cyber Security Consultant to join our growing Defence Cyber team.

In this role, you'll work alongside Defence customers, industry partners and multidisciplinary teams to help deliver secure, resilient and trusted digital capabilities. You'll lead teams of cyber security professionals, solve complex challenges and support programmes that contribute directly to UK Defence outcomes.

This is an opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership and strategic thinking while working on varied and meaningful projects. We believe the best solutions come from diverse teams with different perspectives, experiences and ways of thinking. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, develop and do their best work.

Key Responsibilities

As a Lead Cyber Security Consultant, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and support teams delivering cyber security services across Defence programmes and projects.
• Work closely with customers to understand their challenges and develop practical, proportionate security solutions.
• Provide trusted advice to senior stakeholders on cyber security risks, opportunities and best practices.
• Support the design and delivery of secure systems, platforms and digital services.
• Apply and advocate Secure by Design principles throughout project lifecycles.
• Help organisations identify, assess and manage cyber and information security risks.
• Develop security strategies, architectures and assurance approaches that enable successful delivery.
• Support security testing activities and help stakeholders understand findings and remediation options.
• Build strong relationships with customers, delivery partners and colleagues.
• Contribute to proposals, business growth activities and the evolution of our cyber security capability.
• Mentor and develop team members, helping others achieve their goals and realise their potential.

No two projects are the same, and you'll have the opportunity to work across a variety of technologies, programmes and challenges.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We're interested in people who can demonstrate many of the following:

• Experience working within cyber security, information security, technology, risk management or a related field.
• A passion for helping organisations solve complex security challenges.
• Experience leading workstreams, projects or teams in a collaborative environment.
• An ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to balance security requirements with operational and business objectives.
• A customer-focused approach and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.

Don't Meet Every Requirement?

That's okay.

Research shows that some talented people are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet every listed criterion. We're interested in potential as well as experience. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you can contribute, we'd encourage you to apply even if your background doesn't align perfectly with every requirement.

Experience That Would Be Beneficial

We recognise expertise can be developed through many career paths. Experience in any of the following areas would be valuable:

• Security architecture and secure solution design.
• Applying Secure by Design principles within technology, engineering or digital programmes.
• Working within Defence or with Defence industry partners.
• Cyber security governance, risk and compliance.
• Security assurance.
• Cloud security and modern digital platforms.
• DevSecOps and Agile delivery environments.
• Identity and access management.
• Enterprise security technologies and controls.
• Defence security policies, standards and frameworks.

Relevant certifications are welcome but are not essential. We value practical experience, a willingness to learn and a collaborative mindset just as highly.

What You'll Bring as a Leader

As a senior member of our cyber security community, you'll help create an environment where people can do their best work. We value leaders who:

• Build inclusive and supportive teams.
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Invest in the growth and development of others.
• Create opportunities for junior colleagues to learn and succeed.
• Bring curiosity, empathy and a positive approach to problem solving.
• Help foster a culture of trust, respect and continuous improvement.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC) as a minimum. Higher levels of clearance may be required for some assignments. Find out more information about the Security Clearance (SC) process and requirements here.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We know that diverse teams drive innovation, creativity and better outcomes. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to succeed. We believe that talent is found in many places and that different perspectives make our team stronger.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.

Why Join Us?

• Work on meaningful Defence programmes that make a real difference.
• Lead interesting and complex cyber security projects.
• Be part of a collaborative and supportive team.
• Access ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
• Help shape the growth of a respected cyber security practice.
• Build a career where your expertise, ideas and individuality are valued.