Senior Information Assurance & Risk Specialist

DataCareers; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm based in Southampton invites applications for the role of Senior Information Assurance & Risk Specialist. Candidates will assess security controls and guide secure decisions within a hybrid working environment, focusing on both established and emerging technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in security, relevant certifications, and experience in regulated sectors. Join us to shape secure digital services in a complex environment and foster high standards of information assurance.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Career development pathways

Hybrid and flexible working

Wellbeing support services

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong technical background in cloud, Microsoft stack, and modern technology risks.
• Applied IA experience necessary including assessments and security controls.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead assessments and produce assurance evidence for security controls.
• Guide secure-by-design decisions and project risk management.
• Mentor colleagues and support the development of the information assurance function.

Skills

Strong technical security background

IA experience: NIST, security controls

Ability to coach others

Experience in regulated environment

Collaborative, proactive approach

Education

CISSP, CISMP, Information Security certifications

Job description

Oxford or Hampshire | Hybrid

Circa £65,365 per annum + benefits

Permanent | Full time (flexible)

We're looking for a highly skilled Senior Information Assurance & Risk Specialist to help shape secure, modern digital services in a complex highly secure environment. This is a senior technical role where you'll lead through expertise, coaching and collaboration-not line management.

You’ll apply your strong technical background to assess security controls, guide secure‑by‑design decisions and support the organisation in managing risk across both established and emerging technologies. From cloud and Microsoft platforms to AI, LLMs and facial recognition , you'll bring clarity, rigour and practical insight to ensure decisions are safe, proportionate and evidence‑based.

You’ll lead SyAP assessments , produce high‑quality assurance evidence and help align policies and standards with national expectations. You'll also uplift colleagues through mentoring, translating complex concepts into plain language and supporting a maturing IA function.

What you’ll bring

• Strong technical security background (cloud, MS stack, architecture, modern tech risks)
• Applied IA experience : NIST, security controls, risk assessment
• Ability to coach others and communicate clearly with non‑technical stakeholders
• Experience in a regulated environment (policing, HMG, MoD or similar)
• Collaborative, proactive approach with high integrity
• Act as a visible advocate for high standards of information assurance.

Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CISSP, CISMP, Information Security certifications) are also preferred. A full UK driving licence is essential due to travel and operational flexibility requirements.

The Package

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Career development pathways and continuous professional learning
• A wide range of wellbeing support services and staff networks
• Lifestyle and discount schemes
• Local Government Pension Scheme

Vetting and eligibility

All roles require government level vetting. This includes checks on identity, criminal records, financial history and relevant associations. You will need five years of continuous UK residency to enable the necessary background checks to be completed.

If you're motivated by purposeful work and want to influence how emerging technologies are secured, we'd love to hear from you.