Lead Ethical Hacking Penetration Tester

Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency; Swansea; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym

Free parking

Hybrid working options

25 days holiday + bank holidays + Priv

Privilege Day

Job summary

Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea is seeking a senior cyber security leader to head penetration testing, vulnerability management and security assurance programmes. You will guide risk-based assessments across applications, infrastructure and networks, reporting clearly to drive remediation and improvements.

The role emphasizes influencing security strategy, developing talent and contributing to government cyber security best practices.

Qualifications

• Experience leading penetration testing and ethical hacking activities within complex enterprise environments.
• Experience designing and delivering vulnerability management and security testing programmes.
• Experience assessing and communicating cyber security risks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving remediation activity.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams.
• Experience working with security standards, frameworks and industry best practice.
• Expert knowledge of penetration testing methodologies and tools.
• Strong understanding of vulnerability management and cyber security operations.
• Knowledge of threat intelligence, threat assessment and threat mitigation techniques.
• Strong understanding of security technologies, networks, infrastructure and application security.
• Ability to diagnose security weaknesses and recommend practical solutions.
• Understanding of legal, regulatory and compliance requirements relating to cyber security.

Responsibilities

• We lead and act as subject matter experts for penetration testing, ethical hacking and vulnerability management services.
• We design, deliver and oversee programmes of penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and IT health checks across applications, infrastructure and networks.
• We identify, analyse and assess vulnerabilities, ensuring risks are prioritised using a risk-based approach.
• We provide clear reporting and recommendations to support remediation and security improvement activities.
• We influence security strategy, develop talent and contribute to cyber security best practice across government.

Skills

Penetration testing

Vulnerability management

Threat intelligence

Security frameworks

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Security operations

Regulatory compliance

Tools

Penetration testing methodologies

Job description

Salary: £57,515 - 82,430 per year

Requirements

• Experience leading penetration testing and ethical hacking activities within complex enterprise environments.
• Experience designing and delivering vulnerability management and security testing programmes.
• Experience assessing and communicating cyber security risks to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving remediation activity.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams.
• Experience working with security standards, frameworks and industry best practice.
• Expert knowledge of penetration testing methodologies and tools.
• Strong understanding of vulnerability management and cyber security operations.
• Knowledge of threat intelligence, threat assessment and threat mitigation techniques.
• Strong understanding of security technologies, networks, infrastructure and application security.
• Ability to diagnose security weaknesses and recommend practical solutions.
• Understanding of legal, regulatory and compliance requirements relating to cyber security.

Responsibilities

• We lead and act as subject matter experts for penetration testing, ethical hacking and vulnerability management services.
• We design, deliver and oversee programmes of penetration testing, vulnerability assessments and IT health checks across applications, infrastructure and networks.
• We identify, analyse and assess vulnerabilities, ensuring risks are prioritised using a risk-based approach.
• We provide clear reporting and recommendations to support remediation and security improvement activities.
• We influence security strategy, develop talent and contribute to cyber security best practice across government.

Technologies

• Support
• Security

More

We are based in Swansea and offer a hybrid working arrangement for a permanent role with flexible working options, including full-time, job share and part-time. Our Ethical Hacking Services team protects critical digital services through expert cyber security assurance. We offer a salary of £57,515 and a Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

• learning and development tailored to the role
• a supportive work-life balance
• an inclusive culture
• digital communities with clear career frameworks
• an on-site gym
• nursery
• restaurants and coffee bar
• 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays and an additional Privilege Day
• an Employee Assistance Programme
• free parking

last updated 36 week of 2026