Associate Security Consultant - Accelerator Programme

Application Deadline: 8 July 2026

Department: Cyber Services and Capabilities

Location: GBR Manchester Hardman Boulevard

Description

Locations: Cheltenham or Manchester (hybrid, primarily remote)
Application deadline: 10 July 2026

We’re launching our Associate Security Consultant Accelerator Programme — a fast-paced, structured pathway into cybersecurity consulting for high-potential individuals who are curious, analytical, and commercially aware.

This is not a purely technical programme. It is designed to develop well-rounded consultants who can engage clients, solve problems, and deliver meaningful outcomes in security, risk, and assurance.

Programme delivery: Primarily remote, with occasional in-person sessions

Interview process:

• Held from August 2026
• Candidates must be available during August–early September
• Includes:
  • Structured interview
  • Practical task/skills assessment
  • Pre-prepared presentation

Start date: Monday 5 October 2026

What this programme is

• A 4-month, intensive training and development programme
• Designed to build core consulting capability alongside foundational security knowledge
• A blend of instructor-led learning, practical exercises, client exposure, and real-world scenarios
• Structured with clear milestones, feedback loops, and assessment points

What you’ll learnYou’ll build capability across consultancy, audit, and security domains, including:

• Consulting fundamentals
  • Engagement lifecycles
  • Client communication and stakeholder management
  • Consultancy role-play and scenario-based delivery

Security and assurance foundations

• ISO 27001, exposure to Lead Auditor and Implementer concepts
• ISO 42001 (AI governance) and emerging risk areas
• Supplier assurance and third-party risk

Applied consulting skills

• Report writing and presenting insights
• Running workshops and client sessions
• Case studies and simulated engagements

Broader security exposure

• Incident response fundamentals
• Privacy and PETs
• Security engineering basics
• Threat analysis, resilience, and organisational risk
• Cross-functional collaboration across security disciplines

Professional development

• Practical assignments and guided research tasks
• Exposure to real client environments
• One industry-recognised certification (e.g. ISO 27001 or ISO 42001)

The programme concludes with a final assessment in Manchester, with successful candidates progressing into consulting roles.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

We’re deliberately not narrowing this to a specific background. Instead, we’re looking for:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Natural problem-solving and critical thinking ability
• Interest in security, risk, or consulting
• Ability to learn quickly and operate in structured programmes
• High levels of ownership, curiosity, and resilience

Experience in cybersecurity is helpful but not required.

No degree requirement — we care more about capability and mindset.

Job Benefits

• Fast-track into a consulting career in cybersecurity
• Structured development, not “sink or swim”
• Exposure to real clients, real problems, real delivery

Clear pathway into a Delivery Consultant role

We review every application received and will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we’re looking for. If you don’t hear back from us within 10 days, please don’t be too disappointed – we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies and we would encourage you to keep an eye on our career opportunities as there may be other suitable roles.

If you do not want us to retain your details, you can utilise the Manage Your Data tool provided by Pinpoint or contact us directly at: global.ta@nccgroup.com. All personal data is held in accordance with the NCC Group Privacy Notice.

We are committed to diversity and flexibility in the workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, please tell us at any stage.

Please note that this role involves mandatory pre-employment background checks due to the nature of the work NCC Group does. To apply, you must be willing and able to undergo the vetting process.