Cyber Security Assurance Specialist

Job Title: Cyber Security Assurance Specialist

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire (2-3 days/week on site)

Contract Duration: 18/12/26

Daily Rate: £55/hr (Umbrella - Maximum)

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Security Clearance: Active SC or lapsed within the last 24 months

The Role:

This is a cross-functional role with both advisory and hands-on responsibilities, focusing on security assurance, risk management and supporting architecture reviews, vulnerability management, risk assessments, cyber defence posture, driving technical assurance, and embedding risk-aligned security controls across IT and OT systems and secure-by-design practices. You will work across hybrid environments including cloud, infrastructure, applications, and OT systems. You will be responsible for reviewing and advising on security architecture patterns, reviewing and maintaining risk registers, leading assurance assessments, and embedding security controls across infrastructure and platforms. You will also guide teams in applying secure-by-design principles and support both internal audit and external compliance efforts including Gov Assure, CAF, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials (CE and CE+) while supporting the secure operation of core services.

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in designing and implementing secure infrastructure or cloud architectures.
• Proven experience with risk assessment methodologies and maintaining enterprise risk registers.
• Working knowledge of risk assessment methodologies (eg ISO 31000, FAIR, OWASP risk rating).
• Strong understanding of Gov Assure, CAF, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and NIST frameworks.
• Experience conducting or supporting security audits and implementing remediation plans.
• Proficiency in assessing and securing platforms such as Entra ID (Azure AD), Microsoft 365 E5, Azure IaaS/PaaS, Windows/Linux/Unix.
• Strong knowledge of security tooling such as SIEM, endpoint detection (EDR/XDR), and vulnerability management platforms.
• Hands-on experience with policy development, access control models (RBAC, ABAC), and logging standards.
• Experience supporting assurance activities or government-mandated reviews (eg GovAssure, Secure by Design).
• Knowledge of Incident Management, Vulnerability Assessments, SIEM & SOC Systems.
• Familiarity with ITSM workflows and change control procedures
• Experience designing or reviewing secure software supply chain and CI/CD security.
• Ability to interpret CVEs, CVSS scores, and threat intelligence feeds.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills with an ability to produce technical reports and articulate risk to non-specialists.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to senior stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a STEM subject (or equivalent experience).
• Security Assurance certifications such as CCP, SIRA
• Security certifications such as CISSP, SSCP, CISM, CRISC, CCSP, SABSA, or SANS GIAC (GSEC, GCCC, GCPM).
• Experience working in a regulated or government environment, particularly within research, energy, or national infrastructure.
• Knowledge of OT/ICS/SCADA security principles and industrial control environments.

To apply for this role please submit your latest CV or contact Aspect Resources

Disability Confident As a member of the disability confident scheme, CLIENT guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. Armed Forces Covenant CLIENT is proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant and as such, we guarantee to interview all veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

If you qualify for the above, please notify us.

We will be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview. Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.