Associate Security Consultant - Accelerator Programme
Application Deadline: 8 July 2026
Department: Cyber Services and Capabilities
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: GBR Manchester Hardman Boulevard
Description
Locations: Cheltenham or Manchester (hybrid, primarily remote)
Application deadline: 10 July 2026
We're launching our Associate Security Consultant Accelerator Programme - a fast-paced, structured pathway into cybersecurity consulting for high-potential individuals who are curious, analytical, and commercially aware.
This is not a purely technical programme. It is designed to develop well-rounded consultants who can engage clients, solve problems, and deliver meaningful outcomes in security, risk, and assurance.
Programme delivery: Primarily remote, with occasional in-person sessions
Interview process
- Held from August 2026
- Candidates must be available during August-early September
- Includes:
- Structured interview
- Practical task/skills assessment
- Pre-prepared presentation
Start date: Monday 5 October 2026
What this programme is
- A 4-month, intensive training and development programme
- Designed to build core consulting capability alongside foundational security knowledge
- A blend of instructor-led learning, practical exercises, client exposure, and real-world scenarios
- Structured with clear milestones, feedback loops, and assessment points
You'll build capability across consultancy, audit, and security domains, including:
- Consulting fundamentals
- Engagement lifecycles
- Client communication and stakeholder management
- Consultancy role-play and scenario-based delivery
- Security and assurance foundations
- ISO 27001, exposure to Lead Auditor and Implementer concepts
- ISO 42001 (AI governance) and emerging risk areas
- Supplier assurance and third-party risk
- Applied consulting skills
- Report writing and presenting insights
- Running workshops and client sessions
- Case studies and simulated engagements
- Broader security exposure
- Incident response fundamentals
- Privacy and PETs
- Security engineering basics
- Threat analysis, resilience, and organisational risk
- Cross-functional collaboration across security disciplines
- Professional development
- Practical assignments and guided research tasks
- Exposure to real client environments
- One industry-recognised certification (e.g. ISO 27001 or ISO 42001)
The programme concludes with a final assessment in Manchester, with successful candidates progressing into consulting roles.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
We're deliberately not narrowing this to a specific background. Instead, we're looking for:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Natural problem-solving and critical thinking ability
- Interest in security, risk, or consulting
- Ability to learn quickly and operate in structured programmes
- High levels of ownership, curiosity, and resilience
Experience in cybersecurity is helpful but not required.
No degree requirement - we care more about capability and mindset.
Job Benefits
- Fast-track into a consulting career in cybersecurity
- Structured development, not "sink or swim"
- Exposure to real clients, real problems, real delivery
- Clear pathway into a Delivery Consultant role
