Job Description
Penetration Test Lead (Hands-On)
Rate: £500 - £550 per day Inside IR35 - total to umbrellaDuration: 3 months initial (Scope for extension) Location: South West (onsite once per month)
We're looking for an experienced Penetration Test Lead to join a growing internal security function, combining hands-on technical delivery with team leadership.
The Role:
You'll lead a team of three penetration testers, taking ownership of testing intake, engagement scoping and delivery oversight. Alongside managing workloads and priorities, you'll stay hands-on supporting complex assessments, validating findings and driving improvements in testing approaches.
You'll play a key role in ensuring high-quality outputs across multiple concurrent engagements, while helping shape more advanced capabilities such as red team and adversary-led testing.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead, mentor and support a team of penetration testers
* Manage and prioritise testing intake and engagement pipeline
* Scope penetration tests and allocate work effectively
* Remain hands-on in penetration testing activities where required
* Review and validate findings, ensuring high-quality reporting
* Maintain consistency in testing standards, methodology and delivery
* Contribute to the development of red team and advanced testing capabilities
Key Experience Required
* Proven experience as a Penetration Tester with leadership or lead responsibilities
* Strong hands-on testing experience across web, infrastructure, and/or cloud environments
* Experience scoping and managing multiple testing engagements
* Ability to mentor and guide junior testers
* Strong understanding of penetration testing methodologies and reporting standards
* Exposure to red teaming or adversary-led testing (highly desirable)
Reasonable Adjustments:
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.
If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.