Cyber Security Consultant

Contract Cyber Security Lead

Hybrid remote in Reading (Two-Three days a week)

SC Clearance Required

Up to £750 p/d inside IR35

We’re looking for a security cleared Cyber Security lead to take ownership of safeguarding applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments across their full lifecycle. This is a high-impact role where you’ll shape secure delivery, influence stakeholders, and ensure security is built in not bolted on.

You’ll operate at the heart of a complex, high-assurance environment working cross-functionally to ensure security is embedded into every stage of delivery.

This role blends leadership, hands-on assurance, technical influence, giving you the platform to define secure development practices, drive compliance, and elevate overall security posture.

Key skills

• Proven experience in IT Assurance / Security Assurance within complex, regulated environments (defence, government or similar – This needs to be a security cleared environment)
• Strong working knowledge of frameworks such as: ISO 4400, NIST 800-53 / 800-171 / 800-172

NIS2 and DEFSTAN / JSPs

• Demonstrated experience implementing Security by Design across the full development lifecycle
• Solid understanding of cloud, infrastructure, and application security controls
• Experience mitigating vulnerabilities across both development and live environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• A proactive, leadership mindset with the ability to drive collaboration across multiple teams

Key responsibilities

• Security by Design Leadership – Own and champion Security by Design principles across applications, infrastructure, and cloud environments
• Secure Development Enablement – Define and embed secure development standards, working closely with engineering teams to mitigate vulnerabilities early
• Independent Assurance – Provide objective oversight to ensure compliance with agreed processes, controls, and standards
• Risk & Compliance Management – Identify, assess, and manage risks, driving both tactical fixes and strategic improvements
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partner with PMO, engineering, and security teams to deliver secure, compliant solutions
• Continuous Improvement – Lead initiatives to enhance security maturity, strengthen controls, and improve assurance outcomes