Control Testing Lead - Cyber Security

As a Control Testing Lead, you will play a key role within the Information Security team, supporting the Control Test and Assurance Manager in the delivery of a robust and forward-looking Cybersecurity Control Testing & Assurance Programme.
This role requires strong cybersecurity expertise combined with hands-on experience in control testing, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of security controls and ensuring alignment with internal policies, standards, and industry frameworks.

This role will report directly to the Control Testing & Assurance Manager, with whom you will work to deliver the goals of the company to have a stable and fit-for-purpose control testing environment that supports the organisation’s security and compliance objectives.

What you’ll be doing as a Control Testing Lead - Cyber Security

Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the Cybersecurity Control Testing Framework.
Execute control testing in line with defined procedures, templates, and standards.
Assist in the development and localisation of standard test scripts, ensuring they are tailored to specific control environments and aligned with the organisation’s Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
Conduct control testing activities to evaluate the design and operational effectiveness of cybersecurity controls, documenting results clearly and raising issues where appropriate.
Ensure timely delivery of assigned control assessments in accordance with the agreed testing schedule and escalation protocols.
Maintain accurate and consistent documentation for each control assessment, including test plans, test results, and final reports.
Escalate issues, delays, or risks to the Control Testing & Assurance Manager, contributing to the resolution of challenges and continuous improvement of the testing process.
Collaborate with control owners and stakeholders to gather evidence, clarify control objectives, and support the smooth execution of testing activities.
Stay informed on relevant cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, CIS Controls) and industry best practices to support the evolution of the control testing programme.

Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court, Reading.

What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are

Proven experience in performing cybersecurity control assessments, including evaluating design and operational effectiveness.
Strong understanding of information security principles, cyber risk management, and control frameworks.
Clear and professional verbal and written communication, including the ability to explain cybersecurity issues to non-technical audiences.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of assigned tasks and driving them to completion while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
Strong understanding of Cybersecurity Domains, including Threat Intelligence, Vulnerability Management, Security Testing, Security Architecture, Infrastructure Protection, Application Security, Identity and Access Management, Incident Investigation & Response and Cryptography.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:

Experience working in a regulated environment.

Experience with in the water utility industry or large, complex critical national infrastructure.
Experience in internal audit, external audit, or assurance functions related to IT or cybersecurity.
Professional certifications such as CISA, CISSP, CRISC, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor are advantageous.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary of up to £78,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water…