We are looking for a Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead to maintain and assure robust security standards that underpin the integrity and trustworthiness of IELTS worldwide. This pivotal role, based within the Central Security Team IELTS (CSTI), will lead continuous improvement in security performance, delivering clear, evidence‑based assurance to senior leadership, regulators and key stakeholders. It will oversee the governance of risk‑based security assurance activities, drive the adoption of best practice and monitor global implementation. This role also involves extensive collaboration with IELTS partners to foster strong, effective cross‑functional relationships and ensure cohesive, organisation‑wide security maturity.
We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world‑leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.
Responsibilities and accountabilities
* Collaborate closely with other Operational Security Leads to ensure security standards, assurance and best practices are integrated into threat monitoring, investigations and test security activities
* Prioritise assurance activities according to threat intelligence, incident data and operational risk profiles
* Ensure standards/policies remain current, effective and aligned with emerging risks, regulatory requirements and IELTS objectives
* Capture, analyse and document lessons learned from incidents, audits, assurance activities and major investigations
* Support the integration of controls into operational processes and partner requirements
* Lead the development and implementation of security strategies that protect test fairness, maintain candidate trust and ensure regulatory compliance across the global and digital IELTS environment
* Embed consistent, risk‑based security governance across the global IELTS ecosystem
This is a hybrid role and the selected candidate will typically spend 40–60 % of their time collaborating and connecting face‑to‑face at their dedicated location. Flexible working requests, including adjustments for disability or long‑term health conditions, will be considered from the first day of employment.
Qualifications
* Proven experience in security standards, assurance, policy development or risk management
* Knowledge of current examination malpractice methods, including proxy testing, question leaks, AI cheating and organised fraud
* Proven track record of designing risk‑based assurance programmes, developing policies/standards, creating audit guidance and driving the adoption of best practices
* Strong analytical and advisory skills, with the ability to translate complex risks into practical controls and recommendations
* Excellent communication skills, including report writing, stakeholder engagement and delivering guidance
* Demonstrated leadership in managing assurance or standards functions
* Experience working in international or joint‑venture environments
Desired criteria
* Experience working in law enforcement, the military or regulatory environments
Application process
* First stage virtual interview via MS Teams
* Final stage interview: in‑person at our offices in Cambridge
If you are shortlisted and progress through the stages, you will have the opportunity to inform us of reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.
Equal opportunity statement
We are committed to an equitable recruitment process. Applications must be submitted via our official online application procedure. Please refrain from sending your CV directly to our recruiters. If you experience technical difficulties or require additional support with submitting your online application, contact the Recruiter.
We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics such as age, disability, educational attainment, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual identity, cultural or social class/background. We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach.
Benefits
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Group personal pension scheme
* Life assurance up to 4 × annual salary
* Green travel schemes
We are proud to be a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it’s safe to speak up and where we learn continuously to improve together.
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