Location: Leeds (Hybrid - 2-3 days in the office)
The Opportunity
Cognisys is entering its next phase of growth. As demand for our penetration testing services accelerates globally, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Test and Technical to take ownership of our day-to‑day practice operations, performance and client delivery expectations. This is not a pure technical escalation role. It is a practice leadership role.
You will lead, shape and scale a high‑performing team of Security Consultants and Managing Security Consultants across multiple regions. You will drive utilisation, quality, delivery standards, commercial performance and client satisfaction — ensuring our penetration testing function operates with clarity, consistency, client focus and momentum.
You will work in close partnership with our Technical Director. The Technical Director will focus on strategic tooling, R&D and emerging offensive capabilities. Your role will be to focus on operational excellence, team development and consistent delivery of those capabilities. Where methodologies evolve or new tools are adopted, the Technical Director will lead the what and why, and you lead the ‘how’ and implementation.
If you combine deep offensive security credibility with outstanding consultancy skills and a strong commercial instinct, this is the role for you.
About the Role
As Head of Test and Technical, you will:
* Lead the operational performance of the Pen Testing practice across all regions
* Own utilisation, capacity planning and revenue delivery across the team
* Drive quality assurance and reporting standards
* Coach and develop consultants into trusted security advisors
* Partner with Sales and Client Success to scope complex engagements and support winning commercial bids
* Act as a senior escalation point for client engagements
* Embed a consultancy‑led mindset across the function
* Contribute to the strategic growth of our offensive security capability
You will be responsible for ensuring that Cognisys delivers penetration testing services that are technically excellent, commercially disciplined and consistently exceptional in client experience.
Key Responsibilities
Practice Leadership & Operations
* Lead day‑to‑day operational management of the Pen Testing function
* Oversee workload planning, utilisation targets and delivery forecasting
* Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to a high standard
* Develop practice KPIs and performance dashboards
* Drive continuous improvement in methodology and delivery frameworks
Commercial & Client Excellence
* Partner with Sales to support scoping, proposals and complex bids
* Ensure engagements are appropriately sized and commercially viable
* Maintain strong senior‑level client relationships
* Lead post‑engagement reviews and drive repeat business
* Identify opportunities for upsell and cross‑sell into GRC and Managed Services
Consultancy & Quality
* Maintain high reporting standards with clear senior‑level articulation of risk
* Embed a “trusted advisor” approach across the team
* Provide technical oversight on high‑risk or high‑profile engagements
* Ensure alignment with industry standards (CREST, CHECK, etc.)
People Leadership
* Lead and develop Managing Security Consultants
* Coach consultants in client communication and stakeholder management
* Support hiring, onboarding and capability mapping
* Contribute to career pathways and skills matrices
* Build a culture of Ownership, Momentum, Excellence and Together to support the Cognisys values
Requirements
Technical
* Strong background in penetration testing across infrastructure, web, API and cloud
* Experience leading complex engagements and red‑team style assessments
* Solid understanding of offensive tooling and methodology
* Certifications such as OSCP, CRT, CREST CCT, or equivalent highly desirable
Leadership & Commercial
* Experience leading or managing a penetration testing team
* Strong understanding of utilisation models and revenue delivery
* Proven ability to scope and price consultancy engagements
* Comfortable engaging at CISO and Board level
* Exceptional written reporting and presentation skills
Personal Attributes
* Consultancy‑first mindset
* Commercially astute
* Calm, credible and decisive
* Growth‑oriented
* Collaborative and values‑driven
What We Offer
* Annual Leave: 25 days + UK bank holidays
* Additional Leave: 1 day for your birthday
* Health & Wellbeing: Westfield Health Cash Plan + mental wellbeing platform
* Professional Development: £2,000 annual training budget
* Global Exposure: Work with clients across 30+ countries
* Leadership Influence: Genuine ability to shape and scale a growing practice
Why Join Cognisys?
We are scaling intentionally. Our growth requires operational clarity, high standards and strong leadership. This role sits at the centre of that journey — shaping how our penetration testing function performs today and evolves tomorrow. You will work alongside a Technical Director focused on advancing capability, while you ensure the practice runs with discipline, quality and commercial edge.
If you want to lead, elevate and scale a penetration testing practice within a fast‑growing global cybersecurity business — we’d love to hear from you.
Applications
Please feel free to reach out to Andrea, our Senior Recruiter, if you would like any further information, to discuss accessibility requirements, or if you require this information provided in an alternative format – andrea.smith@cognisys.group
We welcome applications from candidates from a range of diverse backgrounds and can make various reasonable adjustments to consider individual needs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr