Lead Penetration Tester

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)