Security Program Lead

Cognisys; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Leeds is seeking a Security Program Lead to lead their Digital Trust Accelerator programme. In this hybrid role, you will ensure timely and quality delivery across multiple client engagements, managing project timelines and client relationships. Applicants should have over 5 years of experience in programme management within cybersecurity, with a focus on ISO 27001 and SOC 2 standards. The position offers a supportive work environment with a commitment to personal and professional development.

Benefits

Professional development budget

Employee Share Schemes

Employee Wellness Hub access

Frequent team social events

22 days holiday increasing to 25

Refer a friend bonus scheme

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in programme or project management within cybersecurity, compliance, or SaaS implementation.
• Familiarity with ISO 27001, SOC 2, and automated compliance platforms.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent client projects.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end delivery of all DTA engagements.
• Oversee project scheduling and risk management.
• Act as the primary escalation point for delivery issues.

Skills

Programme management

Client relationship management

Operational excellence

Cybersecurity knowledge

Strong communication

Job description

Location: Leeds with 2-3 days per week in the office

Salary: £50 - 60K (DOE)

Security and Compliance don’t have to slow innovation, and at Cognisys, they don’t. Our Digital Trust Accelerator (DTA) programme helps startups and scale-ups achieve ISO 27001 and SOC 2 certification with speed, structure, and confidence.

We’re looking for a Security Program Lead (or known within the business as a DTA Programme Manager) who can keep that promise: driving flawless delivery, aligning teams and embedding operational excellence across every client engagement. You’ll turn strategy into momentum and momentum into measurable results.

About the Role

The DTA Programme Manager owns the successful delivery of Cognisys’ flagship Digital Trust Accelerator programme, ensuring every client progresses from kick-off to certification on time, on scope and with measurable quality.

They act as the operational heartbeat of the DTA function, coordinating internal delivery teams, managing client timelines and driving accountability across projects.

This is a hybrid role combining programme management, client delivery leadership and operational oversight, responsible for ensuring the DTA engine runs smoothly across multiple concurrent engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Management & Delivery Leadership

• Own end-to-end delivery of all DTA engagements (ISO 27001, SOC 2, etc.), ensuring clear scoping, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee project scheduling, risk management, and progress tracking across multiple concurrent clients.
• Lead delivery reviews, track dependencies, and manage escalations.
• Ensure adherence to delivery playbooks, templates, and QA standards across all engagements.
• Align project timelines and deliverables with client expectations and internal capacity.

Client Relationship Management

• Own overall delivery accountability for all assigned DTA client engagements, ensuring that each project is progressing to scope, time, and quality expectations.
• Support Project Managers and Consultants in maintaining effective client communication and cadence.
• Act as the primary escalation point for delivery issues, risks, or client concerns, ensuring prompt resolution and proactive communication with stakeholders.
• Review and oversee client status reporting, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and quality across all projects.
• Maintain visibility of client satisfaction metrics, intervening early where necessary to protect relationships and outcomes.

Operational Excellence

• Maintain and continuously improve the DTA Delivery Framework, including SOW templates, QA checklists, and reporting dashboards.
• Track delivery KPIs (time-to-certification, CSAT, utilisation, delivery margin, etc.) and report to leadership weekly.
• Collaborate with Sales, RevOps and Operations to ensure smooth handoff from sale to delivery, accurate forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Work closely with the CTO to build and deploy cutting‑edge AI processes and automations that enhance efficiency, scalability, and delivery quality across the DTA programme.
• Identify process inefficiencies and drive operational improvements across delivery.

Team Management

• Line manage and develop a team of Project Managers and Delivery Coordinators.
• Coach and mentor delivery staff, promoting a culture of accountability, ownership, and pace.
• Partner with Practice Leads and Consulting Managers to align project resourcing and maintain high delivery standards.

Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in programme or project management within cybersecurity, compliance, or SaaS implementation.
• Strong familiarity with ISO 27001, SOC 2, and automated compliance platforms (Vanta experience is a plus).
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent client projects in a fast‑paced, service‑driven environment.
• Excellent communicator, comfortable with C‑suite clients and internal technical teams alike.
• Hands‑on operator who thrives on pace, structure, and accountability.
• Ownership mindset: Takes responsibility for results, not just tasks.
• Operational rigour: Balances pace with precision.
• Client‑centric: Always focused on impact, clarity, and delivery quality.
• Team player: Elevates others and builds trust through transparency.
• Resilient: Thrives under pressure and adapts quickly to change.

If you think you can deliver but don't match the criteria above, please don't be put off. We are very open‑minded and focus on ability and attitude above skills.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and supportive work environment where customer care and innovation drive everything we do.
• A dedicated budget for your professional development
• EMI Employee Share Schemes provide the opportunity to share in the company's success.
>Access to an Employee Wellness Hub supported by Kara Connect for health and well‑being resources.
• Frequent team social events and celebrations.
• 22 days holiday rising to 25, plus a birthday holiday.
• Refer a friend bonus scheme, up to £2,000!

Why Join Us?

At Cognisys, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative team that values your input and shares support. You'll have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that make a real impact for our clients. We'd love to hear from you if you want to challenge, lead and innovate!

We're not just about the work; we're about the people. Join a team where innovation is celebrated, and your contributions are valued. We foster a collaborative environment where fresh ideas thrive, and professional growth is encouraged.

Applications

Please feel free to reach out to Dom, our Head of Talent Acquisition, if you would like any further information, to discuss accessibility requirements, or if you require this information provided in an alternative format – [e-mail]

We welcome applications from candidates from a range of diverse backgrounds and can make various reasonable adjustments to consider individual needs.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES, PLEASE