Lead Security Consultant

Location: Wokingham, RG41 5BN

About the Role

The Lead Security Consultant will work across NESO, partnering with business and technology leaders to translate security strategy, policy and risk appetite into practical delivery. Acting as a trusted interface between the organisation and the Security function, the role will build a clear understanding of business priorities, transformation roadmaps and technology change, providing proportionate advice that enables secure outcomes.

The role will coordinate security input across programmes and projects, support Secure by Design, resolve security issues pragmatically, and ensure material risks are clearly understood, owned and managed. Through strong relationships, credible challenge and effective coordination, the Lead Security Consultant will help NESO embed security into decision-making and deliver maximum value from its security capabilities.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.

This role is designated as requiring a National Security Vetting (NSV) clearance. You will usually need to have been a resident in the UK for the last five years to apply for the required level of clearance.

Key Accountabilities

Develop a strong understanding of organisational strategies, priorities, transformation roadmaps and delivery timelines, providing a holistic security view across programmes, projects and business areas.

Act as a trusted security partner to business, digital, data and technology stakeholders, providing clear, timely and proportionate advice throughout the change and service lifecycle.

Lead the coordination of security design, assurance and review activities across relevant Security teams, ensuring specialist input is aligned and delivered efficiently.

Work closely with Security Architecture teams to ensure security mitigations are appropriately designed into solutions and aligned with NESO’s security principles, standards and risk appetite.

Handle escalations and resolve security issues through pragmatic, business-focused decision-making while maintaining appropriate control of cyber and information security risk.

Ensure material security risks and issues are identified, assessed and addressed, with residual risks clearly documented, assigned to accountable owners, understood and formally accepted where appropriate.

Establish and continually improve ways of working between the Security function and organisational stakeholders, helping to embed security by design and enable consistent, effective security delivery.

Assess demand and resource requirements across the organisational portfolio, prioritising activity and coordinating Security colleagues and specialist resources to provide appropriate coverage.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

• We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need credible, collaborative security leaders who can combine sound judgement with a practical understanding of business delivery. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:
• Has significant experience in cyber or information security, including security consultancy, risk management, security assessment and the secure delivery of technology-enabled change.
• Can build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and act as an effective bridge between business, delivery and technical security teams.
• Can translate complex technical and security requirements into clear business language, decisions and proportionate actions.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and can develop pragmatic solutions that balance delivery objectives with NESO’s security obligations and risk appetite.
• Is confident providing constructive challenge and leading difficult conversations where necessary, while maintaining collaborative and outcome-focused relationships.
• Can operate independently, coordinate activity across multiple teams and priorities, and produce high-quality security documentation, including assessments, plans, policies, standards and procedures.
• CISSP, CISM or equivalent relevant professional qualification (or equivalent experience)
• Significant experience in cyber or information security consultancy, risk management, security assessment or secure technology delivery
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity standards, good practice and their practical integration into organisational change and operations

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £70,000 - £77,000 dependent on experience and capabilityAs well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
• Additional Birthday Day Off
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thing and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy. Our future. Together

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

More Information

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. If this role sparks your interest but you're not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

Additional Locations: Warwick, CV34 6DA