Head of Assurance

The Head of Assurance will be responsible for ensuring successful project delivery and team performance for customers. Key to this role will be the ability to lead by example, using strong technical aptitude and leadership skills to drive the established Assurance team to consistently high performance through upskilling, methodology implementation, and mentorship. This hands-on leadership role requires overseeing and assisting with mentoring team members in offensive testing against client applications and network assets. You will collaborate with the Group Head of Offensive Security and Sales team, drawing on your extensive industry knowledge of assurance best practices, principles, and standards to support evolving customer requirements and delivery excellence. Responsibilities This role encompasses four key areas of responsibility, balancing operational leadership with hands-on technical delivery and team management. The Head of Assurance Services will drive team performance, delivery excellence, and operational efficiency across Cline's Assurance division. 1. Service Delivery • Lead activities across the complete project lifecycle from SOW handover through to delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time and within allocated effort budgets • Oversee end-to-end delivery of all offensive assurance services including penetration testing, red team engagements, and security assessments • Maintain exceptional project management standards for internal stakeholders and customers through rigorous quality assurance and technical oversight • Establish and maintain technical standards, testing methodologies, and deliverable templates that ensure consistent, high-quality output across all engagements • Support the Project Management Office in resolving complex project issues and handling escalations • Develop and monitor team SLAs, metrics, reporting, and engagement management processes 2. Technical Leadership • Drive continuous improvement in offensive security methodologies, tools, and techniques by staying current with emerging threats and industry best practices • Plan and oversee effective assurance engagements delivered by team members • Foster a culture of research and knowledge sharing within the team • Analyse security outcomes and provide strategic vulnerability remediation and mitigation recommendations • Support the development and management of the Assurance division's technical assets 3. Business Support • Drive continuous improvement in offensive security methodologies, tools, and techniques by staying current with emerging threats and industry best practices • Plan and oversee effective assurance engagements delivered by team members • Foster a culture of research and knowledge sharing within the team • Analyse security outcomes and provide strategic vulnerability remediation and mitigation recommendations • Support the development and management of the Assurance division's technical assets 4. Team Leadership • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of offensive security consultants, ensuring continuous skill development and career progression • Manage consultant allocation, project scheduling, and capacity planning to optimise team utilisation • Support recruitment, training, mentoring, and professional development initiatives • Set and monitor specific, measurable team goals and objectives for direct reports • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture that encourages knowledge sharing, innovation, and mutual support • Ensure team members successfully deliver customer projects while advancing their capabilities Key Competencies: The ideal candidate will combine solid technical expertise in offensive security with proven operational leadership experience and strong project management capabilities. This role requires both hands-on security skills and the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively across various levels of diverse organisations spanning every industry vertical. Experience and Leadership • 4-6 years of progressive experience in offensive security consulting roles • Minimum 3 years in leadership positions managing offensive security teams • Demonstrated experience implementing cyber security practices in operational contexts • Proven ability to lead and develop teams effectively Technical Expertise • Extensive hands-on experience in penetration testing across web applications, internal infrastructure, and external environments • Proficiency with diverse penetration testing tools, frameworks, and methodologies (both commercial and open source) • Red team or adversarial simulation experience highly regarded • Solid understanding of information security standards and frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, OWASP) Communication and Operational Skills • Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences • Demonstrated experience preparing security reports and technical presentations • Proven track record building relationships with clients, team members, and key stakeholders • Strong analytical and organisational capabilities with experience in resource planning and project coordination Qualifications • Tertiary qualification in computer science, cybersecurity, or equivalent experience • Two advanced offensive security certifications (such as OSCP, CPTS, OSCE, CREST CRT/CCT, GIAC) • Additional recognised security certifications (CISSP, CISM, CRISC) advantageous Skills and Attitudes: • Degree qualified in marketing, business or communications preferred • Minimum 3 year marketing experience in technology industry, or relevant internship may be considered • Experience with SFDC and Pardot or other marketing automation platforms highly regarded • Experience/knowledge of SEO best practice preferred • Experience/knowledge of Drupal preferred • Experience/knowledge of Google Analytics preferred • Highly organized with attention to detail • Understanding of integrated marketing tactics • Previous marketing campaign management experience including digital, email and social will be highly regarded • Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook • Align and embody our core business values Personal Attributes The successful candidate will demonstrate strong operational leadership qualities combined with technical excellence and effective team management skills. These personal attributes are essential for driving team performance, managing complex projects, and adapting to the evolving cyber security landscape. Leadership and Management • Proven operational leadership capabilities with experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams • Strong team management skills across technical and project delivery contexts • Ability to set clear goals, motivate team members, and identify individual development opportunities • Hands-on leadership approach with willingness and capability to personally deliver technical engagements when required Communication and Commercial Acumen • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to influence and persuade in commercial contexts • Natural ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with prospects, clients, and internal teams • Commercial awareness with understanding of market dynamics and competitive positioning • Capable of translating technical capabilities into clear business value propositions Professional Excellence • Outstanding time management and organisational capabilities • Strong project delivery skills with high attention to detail • Demonstrated accountability and ownership mentality • Ability to perform effectively under pressure whilst maintaining quality standards APPLY HERE: https://hire.xemplo.com/public/69b514fc-0b49-4663-8e38-be0777f9b67a/4b7dfc3d-6e8d-4de7-9d6f-6703867bd7c1