Head of Security Engineering – Application Security & Security Testing
Tesco Technology’s Security Engineering function is responsible for proactively identifying and mitigating risks across our technology estate. As Head of Security Engineering – Application Security & Testing, you will lead a cross‑disciplinary team covering vulnerability management, application security engineering, and adversarial testing, and you'll be accountable for delivering full‑stack security assurance—from code to infrastructure—through a blend of engineering innovation and operational excellence.
Why This Role Matters
This is a pivotal leadership role within Tesco Technology, shaping how we secure our platforms and products. You’ll be at the forefront of driving innovation in security engineering, ensuring Tesco remains resilient against evolving threats while enabling safe and secure technology delivery.
You will be responsible for
Key Responsibilities
* Lead three Security Engineering Managers and a Principal Security Engineer/Architect, overseeing approximately 20+ engineers.
* Foster collaboration across teams focused on external attack surface management, bug bounty operations, application security engineering (SAST, SCA, GenAI solutions, ASPM, threat modelling), and penetration testing and adversarial simulation (red/purple team strategy).
* Develop talent, coach leaders, and build succession plans for long‑term capability growth.
* Oversee design, deployment, and operation of tools and solutions that identify vulnerabilities across the full stack.
* Ensure robust security testing capabilities to support business projects and strategic initiatives.
* Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, coverage, and automation.
* Translate strategic goals into actionable plans under Tesco’s Tech Excellence programme, monitor delivery progress, operational metrics, and team performance, and ensure alignment with broader security and technology objectives.
* Work closely with peers in Security Partnerships, Cyber Defence, Platform Security Architecture, and product & programme teams to embed security into delivery pipelines; act as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders across Tesco Technology.
You will need
* Proven experience leading large‑scale security engineering functions.
* Deep technical expertise in vulnerability management, application security, and adversarial testing.
* Strong understanding of secure development practices and modern engineering tooling.
* Experience with ASPM platforms, threat modelling, and GenAI-driven security solutions.
* Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Familiarity with operational metrics and performance tracking.
What’s in it for you?
* Annual bonus scheme of up to 45% of base salary.
* Car allowance of £7,320 per annum.
* Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day plus bank holidays.
* Private medical insurance.
* Retirement savings plan – 6% – 10% contribution with Tesco matching 1.5×.
* 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 year’s service) at full pay, followed by statutory maternity/adoption pay, plus 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
About Us
Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer’s favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is ‘Serving our customers, communities, and planet a little better every day’. We are proud to have an inclusive culture that values diversity and is committed to creating a workplace where differences are respected and all colleagues are given equal opportunities. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please click here. We offer a range of full‑time, part‑time, and blended working patterns across many business areas.
Location: London, United Kingdom
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