Technical Assurance Lead

develop; Reading; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Leading UK Cyber & Digital consultancy in Reading seeks a Technical Assurance Lead for a major international defence programme. You will deliver strategic digital assurance, engaging senior stakeholders and directing assurance across complex environments.

Role focuses on maturing the Digital Assurance capability, defining the assurance strategy and plan, and supporting ATO activities. On-site two days a week, strong governance and security experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Active SC clearance is required.
• Sole UK nationality is mandatory.
• Experience developing assurance strategies and plans.
• Experience leading assurance across a complex programme.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Experience working across defence networks, digital and/or security environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and mature the programme’s Digital Assurance capability.
• Define and implement the assurance strategy and assurance plan.
• Lead assurance activity across complex technical capabilities.
• Provide assurance at formal design reviews and test events.
• Establish the programme’s strategic technical baseline.
• Produce high-quality strategic assurance and technical documentation.
• Engage with senior client stakeholders and establish expectations around technical assurance.
• Support activities relating to Authorisation to Operate (ATO).

Skills

SC clearance

Sole UK nationality

Technical writing

Stakeholder management

Defence sector experience

Job description

I’m currently supporting a leading UK Cyber & Digital consultancy in the appointment of a Technical Assurance Lead for a major international defence programme.

This is a high-profile, long-term programme involving multiple sovereign nations, with the successful candidate playing a key role in establishing and maturing the programme’s Digital Assurance capability.

The Opportunity

This is a strategic technical assurance position, suited to an experienced professional who can operate confidently with senior stakeholders and provide direction across complex technical environments.

You will be responsible for developing the programme’s assurance approach, establishing the strategic technical baseline and providing senior-level assurance across digital capabilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and mature the programme’s Digital Assurance capability
• Define and implement the assurance strategy and assurance plan
• Lead assurance activity across complex technical capabilities
• Provide assurance at formal design reviews and test events
• Establish the programme’s strategic technical baseline
• Produce high-quality strategic assurance and technical documentation
• Engage with senior client stakeholders and establish expectations around technical assurance
• Support activities relating to Authorisation to Operate (ATO)

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced technical assurance professional with a background in Defence or Critical National Infrastructure.

You should have:

• Active SC clearance
• Sole UK nationality – dual nationality cannot be accepted
• Demonstrable experience developing assurance strategies and plans
• Experience leading assurance across a complex programme
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills
• Experience working across defence networks, digital and/or security environments
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills

Package & Location

Location: Reading

On-site: 2 days per week – this requirement is non-negotiable

Start: October/November 2026

Employment: Permanent strongly preferred

This is an opportunity to join a major, long-term international defence programme and have genuine influence over the assurance strategy and technical direction of a complex digital environment.

If you are an experienced Technical Assurance Lead, Technical Architect, Digital Assurance Lead, Security Architect or similar professional with active SC clearance, I’d be very interested in speaking with you.

Due to the nature of the programme, active SC clearance and sole UK nationality are essential requirements.