Penetration Test Lead (Hands-On)
Rate: £500 - £550 per day Inside IR35 – total to umbrella
Duration: 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)