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FORWARD ROLE
SECURE

FORWARD ROLE SECURE.

Securing The Defence-Tech Talent That's Mission-Critical To Your Success. 

About us

About us.

In a landscape where security is paramount, sourcing and retaining individuals with Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV & eDV) clearances is critical to the success of government, defence, and private sector organisations. With a deep understanding of the UK’s security-cleared market, we deliver tailored recruitment solutions that align with the highest standards of confidentiality, compliance and efficiency.

 

Our Recruitment Solution

Forward Role Secure deliver tailored recruitment solutions that align with the highest standards of confidentiality, compliance & efficiency.
Market Mapping and Talent Pooling

Market Mapping and Talent Pooling

We conduct full market mapping, benchmarking, and proactive outreach using the latest recruitment technology, while maintaining a robust database of pre-vetted professionals with active SC or DV clearances
Rigorous Screening and Vetting

Rigorous Screening and Vetting

Conducting multi-layered interviews to assess technical expertise, cultural fit, eligibility clearance and compliance with UK Government’s vetting guidelines.
Compliance Assurance

Compliance Assurance

Managing all candidate documentation to ensure adherence to National Security Vetting (NSV) protocols. Safeguarding all candidate and client data in line with GDPR and information security regulations.
Quality Shortlisting

Quality Shortlisting

You'll receive a high-quality fully assessed shortlist with complete with insights on each candidate's skills, experience, and career goals.
End-to-End Support

End-to-End Support

Providing candidates with guidance on clearance renewals and navigating the security vetting process. Supporting clients throughout onboarding to ensure seamless integration of new hires
Specialists in Sourcing
SC, DV & eDV Cleared Talent

Specialists in Sourcing SC, DV & eDV Cleared Talent.

Across all vertical Technology markets including:
  • Software Engineering
  • Infrastructure, Cloud & DevOps
  • Cyber & InfoSec
  • Data Engineering Data Science, AI/ML
  • Systems Engineering, R&D
  • Technical Product/Commercial – Presales, FDE, SRO
  • Senior Leadership & C-Suite – CIO, CISO, CPTO, Chief of Staff

Industry Insights

Cyber & Secure Perspectives Podcast

Cyber & Secure Perspectives Podcast

Hosted by Rob Wall and Charlie Cairoli, on our popular monthly podcast, we're joined by well-respected security and defence industry experts, who discuss the latest issues and trending topics.

Catch-up on our episodes for insights from leaders from businesses like Tesco Bank, The Premier League, Capita, Forge, Argo DevOps and many more!

Listen Now.
The UK Defence & National Security Jobs Market in 2026

The UK Defence & National Security Jobs Market in 2026

This isn’t a generic market report.

The insight comes from more than 600 candidate conversations and 100+ role briefings over the past year. Most of that work has been focused on National Security, supporting SMEs, sub-primes and specialist consultancies delivering genuinely mission-critical work.

Rather than pulling from headlines or desk research, this reflects what the market has actually felt like on the ground. 

Read Here.
Get Social With Us!

Get Social With Us!

FR Secure is proud to be truly immersed in the Security & Defence industry

Follow us on LinkedIn for all of our latest jobs, blogs and events we are hosting or attending!

Meet The Team

Email
Charlie Cairoli
Charlie Cairoli
Principal Consultant -Technology
EmailPhone
Robert Wall
Robert Wall
Director - Defence, Cyber & Information Security
EmailPhone
Chloe Armstrong
Chloe Armstrong
Delivery Consultant – Defence & National Security

Latest Secure Jobs.

Technical Delivery Lead / Architect (DV / eDV Cleared)
Greater London, England
Technical Delivery Lead / Architect (DV / eDV Cleared) Location: London / South (hybrid + high-side work) Salary: Up to £120,000 + bonus + DV incentives + benefits If you’re currently leading technical delivery but feel like you’re spending more time managing process than actually shaping outcomes, this is where things tend to improve.We’re working with a range of Defence and National Security organisations across London and the South who are looking for people that can bridge the gap between engineering teams and end clients.These roles sit at the centre of delivery. Not removed from it. What’s different about these roles? You’re not just coordinating delivery. You’re influencing it.These environments are typically: Closer to the client, with real accountability for outcomesLeaner teams, where you have visibility across the full lifecycleSet up to give senior individuals autonomy rather than layers of governance For many people coming from large consultancies or primes, it’s a shift towards more ownership and less overhead. What you’ll be doing This will vary depending on the organisation, but typically includes: Leading technical delivery across complex programmesActing as the bridge between engineering teams and stakeholdersShaping solutions alongside architects and senior engineersEnsuring delivery is aligned to both technical and business objectivesSupporting and mentoring engineers within the team Most roles will involve high-side working and direct client engagement. Typical environment You’ll usually be working across: Cloud-based platforms (AWS / Azure)Cross-functional engineering teams (DevOps, Software, Data)Agile or iterative delivery modelsSecure, high-assurance environments This isn’t a hands-off role. You’ll still be close enough to the technology to challenge and guide effectively. What they’re looking for Experience leading delivery within technical or engineering environmentsStrong understanding of cloud, platform, or data-led systemsAbility to engage confidently with both engineers and stakeholdersComfortable operating in secure, client-facing settings Active DV or eDV clearance is typically required. Why it’s worth considering More influence over how delivery is shaped, not just managedGreater visibility and ownership across programmesOpportunity to step into Principal or Head of Delivery rolesBase salaries up to £120,000 depending on experienceAdditional DV bonuses, company bonus, and full benefits If you’re looking for a role where you can combine technical understanding with real delivery ownership, happy to talk through the different environments we’re supporting.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
Up to £120,000 + bonus + DV incentives + benefits
April 16, 2026
Data / Machine Learning Engineer (DV / eDV Cleared)
Greater London, England
Data / Machine Learning Engineer (DV / eDV Cleared) Location: London (hybrid + high-side work) Salary: £110,000 – £120,000 + bonus + DV incentives + benefits If you’re working in data or ML and feel like you’re building pipelines or models that never quite make it into real-world use, this is the kind of environment that changes that.We’re supporting a number of product-led Defence and National Security organisations in London, building advanced data platforms and ML-driven capabilities used in high-impact, real-world scenarios.These teams tend to sit closer to the product and the end user, rather than operating as internal support functions. What’s different about these roles? You’re building things that actually get used.These environments are typically: Product-focused, with a strong engineering barSet up for faster iteration than traditional programmesFocused on delivering usable outputs, not just research or theory For engineers coming from large programmes or financial services, it’s often a shift towards more ownership and faster feedback loops. What you’ll be doing This will vary depending on the team, but typically includes: Building and maintaining scalable data pipelinesDeveloping and deploying ML models into production environmentsWorking closely with engineers, analysts, and end users to shape solutionsImproving data availability, quality, and performanceContributing to the design of data platforms and ML systems As with most roles in this space, some high-side working and client interaction will be involved. Typical tech environment Most teams are working across: Python (core language for data and ML)Data processing frameworks (Spark, Pandas)Cloud platforms (AWS, sometimes Azure)ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn)Data pipelines and orchestration tools What they’re looking for Experience in Data Engineering, ML Engineering, or a hybrid roleStrong Python skills and experience working with data at scaleExperience deploying models or data products into productionComfortable working in fast-moving, product-focused teams Active DV or eDV clearance is typically required. Why it’s worth considering Work on genuinely impactful data and AI-driven productsMove closer to product and end-user outcomesStrong engineering environments with high technical standardsBase salaries between £110,000 – £120,000Additional DV bonuses, company bonus, and full benefits If you’re looking to move into a more product-driven environment where your work actually gets used, happy to talk through the different teams we’re supporting.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£100k - 120k per year + + DV Bonus + Package
April 16, 2026
Senior / Lead DevSecOps Engineer (DV / eDV Cleared)
Gloucestershire, England
Senior / Lead DevSecOps Engineer (DV / eDV Cleared) Location: Cheltenham / Gloucester (hybrid + high-side work) Salary: Up to £110,000 + bonus + DV incentives + benefits If you’re a DevSecOps engineer who’s already operating at a senior level but still feels too far removed from the real engineering, this is where things tend to get more interesting.We’re supporting a number of Defence and National Security organisations across the South West, ranging from established consultancies to highly regarded SMEs. All are delivering into secure, high-impact programmes and are looking for engineers who can combine strong technical depth with real delivery ownership. What’s different about these roles? You’re not just implementing pipelines. You’re shaping how secure platforms are built.These environments tend to be: Engineering-led, with strong technical standardsCloser to the end mission, not buried in layers of deliverySet up to give senior engineers real influence over architecture and approach For many people coming from larger organisations, it’s a shift from “following process” to actually defining it. What you’ll be doing Depending on the team, you’ll typically be: Designing and implementing secure cloud platforms (primarily AWS)Embedding security best practices across the full delivery lifecycleLeading on CI/CD design within high-assurance environmentsWorking directly with clients to shape platform and security decisionsMentoring junior engineers and setting engineering standards High-side working is a core part of these roles, along with regular interaction with end clients. Typical tech environment Most teams are working across: AWS (often in highly controlled / secure configurations)Infrastructure as Code (Terraform primarily)CI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions)Containers & orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)Security tooling integrated into pipelines (SAST, DAST, etc.) What they’re looking for Strong background in DevOps / DevSecOps within secure or complex environmentsExperience designing rather than just maintaining platformsGood understanding of security principles in cloud-native systemsComfortable working directly with stakeholders and end clients Active DV or eDV clearance is typically required for these roles. Why it’s worth considering Genuine influence over how platforms are designed and securedExposure to some of the most interesting high-side programmes in the UKOpportunity to move into Lead / Principal roles as teams growBase salaries up to £110,000 depending on experienceAdditional DV bonuses, company bonus, and full benefits packages If you’re looking for a role where you can take more ownership and operate at a higher level technically, happy to talk through what’s available across different teams.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£80k - 120k per year + DV Bonus + Benefits
April 16, 2026
DevOps / Platform Engineer (SC / DV Eligible)
Greater Manchester, England
DevOps / Platform Engineer (SC / DV Eligible) Location: Manchester / Northwest (hybrid + high-side work) Salary: £55,000 – £80,000 + bonus + DV incentives + benefits If you’re currently in a DevOps or Platform role and feel like you’re stuck maintaining rather than building, this is the kind of move that changes that.We’re working with a number of Defence and National Security organisations across the Northwest who are actively hiring engineers into delivery-focused teams. These range from growing SMEs to established consultancies, all supporting high-impact programmes across the UK. What’s different about these roles? You’ll be closer to the work.These teams are typically embedded directly into mission-critical programmes, working alongside end clients rather than being layered behind multiple levels of delivery. For most engineers, that means: More ownership of what you buildMore visibility of the impactLess red tape than traditional prime environments There’s also a strong push across the Northwest right now to grow these teams, so relocation support is available where needed. What you’ll be doing This will vary slightly depending on the environment, but typically includes: Building and improving cloud-based platforms (primarily AWS)Designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines for secure environmentsSupporting infrastructure as code and automation best practicesWorking closely with software and data teams to enable deliveryContributing to platform reliability, scalability, and security Most roles will involve some level of high-side working and direct client interaction. Typical tech environment You won’t need everything here, but most teams are working with: AWS (core cloud environment)Terraform or CloudFormationCI/CD tooling (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions)Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)Scripting (Python, Bash) What they’re looking for Experience in a DevOps, Platform or SRE-type roleStrong fundamentals across cloud and automationComfortable working in delivery-focused environmentsWillingness to work in secure / high-side settings Security clearance is required, but DV can typically be sponsored. Experience within Defence or National Security is a strong advantage. Why it’s worth considering Clear progression into senior / lead roles as teams scaleExposure to meaningful, real-world programmesOpportunity to move into more agile, engineering-led environmentsBase salaries from £55,000 – £80,000 depending on experienceAdditional bonuses, DV incentives, and full benefits packages  As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£50k - 80k per year + bonus + benefits
April 16, 2026
Software Engineering Team Lead - eDV cleared
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
As part of our clients' growing National Security team, you'll lead technical teams from the front, ensuring best practices and delivery of software projects. We are looking for technical leaders who can drive project delivery forward in an Agile environment, whilst mentoring the next generation of Software Engineers. Software Engineering Team Lead - eDV clearedPackage - £90,000 - £120,000Benefits - DV Bonus plus excellent benefitsand relocation assistance  Location - Manchester, Cheltenham or London.Join a trusted leader in National Security technology solutionsWhat You'll Be Doing: Leading an established team of Software EngineersBuild strong customer relationships through direct engagement.Contribute to and help prepare technical proposals and bids.Assist the customer account team in business development efforts.Collaborate with delivery management to identify risks, plan deliveries, and support resource allocation. What You Bring: Proven experience leading teams in Agile, customer-facing software projects. Experience with one or more of the following: Full-stack web developmentSoftware as a Service (SaaS)Mobile application developmentAPI design and developmentCloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Front-end development and user experience (UX) Clearance required - Due to the nature of the client's work, you are required to hold an eDV level security clearance. As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£90k - 120k per year
April 15, 2026
Systems Engineer
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Our client, a leading organisation within the national security sector, is seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to play a key role across the Systems Development Lifecycle. This is a unique opportunity to work on highly impactful, mission-critical programmes that contribute directly to national security outcomes.You'll join a collaborative, forward-thinking engineering environment where innovation, quality, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything they do.Systems EngineerSalary: £90,000 - £100,000 + DV BonusClearance Required: eDVLocation: Cheltenham (Hybrid Working)What You'll Be Doing Driving Systems Engineering activities across the full V Lifecycle Providing architectural oversight, ensuring robust integration and test strategies Championing engineering best practices and process rigour to improve quality and delivery Applying systems thinking to shape and influence complex customer challenges Supporting delivery across a range of methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) Working closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-assurance solutions  Your Skills & Experience Strong understanding of the V Lifecycle Proven experience in architectural design oversight, integration, and testing Ability to implement engineering governance and improve quality standards Systems thinking mindset with the ability to solve complex problems Experience across multiple delivery methodologies Exposure to diverse client domains and relevant standards Key Requirements Ability to manage and influence multiple, challenging stakeholders Confidence engaging with C-suite, business, and technical audiences Strong working knowledge of ISO 15288 and IEC 61508 Experience within high-security or safety-critical environments  As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£85k - 100k per year
April 15, 2026
Engineering Lead - AI, Cloud & National Security
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Our exciting client is seeking an Engineering Lead to build and lead small, high-performing Agile teams (4-8 engineers) delivering secure, scalable solutions within the UK National Security (NatSec) domainEngineering Lead - AI, Cloud & National SecurityPackage - £110,000 - £120,000 + dv bonus + excellent packageLocation - Cheltenham - HybridClearance - eDV Clearance RequiredOverviewThis is a hands-on leadership role combining architecture, software engineering, and team leadership, with a focus on Software, AI, data platforms, and cloud-native systems.Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor Agile engineering teams, driving high-quality, rapid delivery (DevSecOps)Own solution architecture, designing for secure and constrained environments.Lead the implementation of the "underpinning tech" for AI, including data pipelines.Act as a trusted advisor to UK Government stakeholders.Define technical roadmaps and support cloud transformation (AWS/Azure)  Core Skills Background in UK National Security / Defence / Government.Strong leadership experience in software engineering teams.Proficiency in Python, Go, or Java (+ TypeScript/Node.js desirable)Expertise in AWS or Azure, Terraform, and Kubernetes (EKS/AKS)Strong grounding in SQL (Postgres) and NoSQL (MongoDB/DynamoDB)Experience with CI/CD, microservices, TDD/BDD.Knowledge of secure system design. Desirable (AI & Data) Vector DBs: Milvus, Weaviate, PineconeData orchestration: Airflow, Prefect, DagsterSearch: ElasticSearch / OpenSearchAI frameworks: LangChain, Hugging FaceMLOps: MLflow, Kubeflow If you are looking for an opportunity to work on mission-critical systems at the forefront of UK National Security? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£120k - 130k per year + excellent benefits
March 25, 2026
Security Operations Team Lead
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
We are looking for an experienced Security Operations Team Lead to join our clients Information Security function. Security Operations Team Lead - SOCSalary - £75,000 - £85,000 + excellent benefits + bonusLocation - Manchester or Leeds - hybridRole OverviewThis role will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of our Security Operations capability, ensuring the organisation's systems, networks, and data remain protected against evolving cyber threats.As the SecOps Lead, you will manage security monitoring and incident response activities while providing strategic direction for security tools including SIEM and Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) platforms. You will work closely with internal teams and external security partners to strengthen our threat detection capabilities and improve the organisation's overall cyber resilience.This is an excellent opportunity for a security professional who enjoys leading teams, improving security operations, and driving proactive threat detection strategies.Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor the internal Security Operations team, overseeing daily operational activities and performance.Define and implement the strategy and operational roadmap for security monitoring, detection, and response. Own and manage the security incident response lifecycle, including investigation, containment, remediation, and post-incident reviews.Lead incident response efforts during high-severity security events and ensure timely escalation where required. Monitor emerging cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attack trends to assess potential impact to the organisation. Analyse security data to identify patterns, trends, and control weaknesses.Recommend improvements to strengthen the organisation's security posture and defensive controls. Skills & Experience Experience in Cyber Security or Security Operations leadershipProven experience working with SIEM platforms such as Google Chronicle or similar.Strong knowledge of network security, threat detection, and incident response.Experience analysing malware, security alerts, and attack patterns. Understanding of MITRE ATT&CK framework and its application in threat detection and mitigation.Experience working with EDR tools and endpoint security technologies.Knowledge of firewalls, IDS/IPS systems, and Windows Security Event Logs.Knowledge of both cloud environments and traditional IT infrastructure. Strong attention to detail and investigative mindset.Effective communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to technical and non-technical stakeholders.Calm and decisive under pressure during security incidents. As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£75k - 85k per year
March 23, 2026
Senior Product Manager - Secure Government Projects
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
We're seeking an experienced Senior Product Manager to help a secure government department design and deliver user-centred, high-impact digital products.This is a unique opportunity to shape services of national importance, where your insight and leadership will directly influence how critical systems evolve to better meet user needs. Senior Product Manager - Secure Government Projects (DV Cleared)Salary: £75,000 - £90,000 + packageLocation: London, Cheltenham or Manchester - Hybrid   Clearance: DV / eDV Clearance requiredThe OpportunityThe organisation is looking for someone who isn't afraid to challenge assumptions, bring fresh thinking, and inspire teams to deliver meaningful change.You'll have the autonomy to define your approach, backed by talented multidisciplinary teams skilled in agile delivery, research, design, and engineering.What You'll DoAs Senior Product Manager, you will: Lead one or more multidisciplinary Agile teams to identify problems, co-design solutions, and deliver products that balance user needs, organisational goals, and long-term sustainability.Develop and maintain product roadmaps, setting clear vision, strategy, and priorities.Oversee delivery across the full product lifecycle - from Discovery through Alpha, Beta, and Live.Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and product owners, influencing strategy and outcomes.Make evidence-based decisions using user research and performance data.Mentor and coach others to raise product management capability across the organisation. About YouYou'll be an accomplished Product Manager with a strong track record of delivering user-focused services in complex environments.Essential skills and experience: Proven expertise in Agile product management and delivery within cross-functional teams.Experience defining and managing product roadmaps and minimum viable products (MVPs).Ability to lead teams through the full product lifecycle - Discovery, Alpha, Beta, and Live.Strong user research and analysis skills; able to translate insight into actionable improvements.Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence and negotiate at senior levels.Exceptional communication skills - both written and verbal - with the ability to simplify complexity.Must hold DV Clearance (Developed Vetting) due to the nature of the work.  As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£75k - 100k per year
March 6, 2026
Agile Project Manager - Delivery Lead
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Agile Project Manager - Delivery Lead - Central Government & Defence ProjectsLocation - Cheltenham - HybridSalary - £75,000 -£100,000 + excellent benefits Clearance - eDV clearance requiredWe are working with a leading consultancy who are looking for an experienced Agile PM and Delivery Lead to join their team on a high-profile government programme. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a large, complex software delivery project and play a key role in driving outcomes across Central Government and Defence.The RoleAs Agile Delivery Lead, you'll be responsible for ensuring successful project delivery from end to end. You'll lead teams, manage stakeholders, and adapt delivery methods to fit the needs of fast-moving and high-impact technology projects.Key responsibilities include: Lead end-to-end project delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and budgets.Work directly with clients to understand their requirements and turn them into delivery plans.Provide project planning and support on activities including bids and proposalsManage project governance, reporting, and risk management activities, ensuring robust decision-making and timely issue resolutionManaging customer and partner relationships, acting as a key point of engagement.Applying agile and scaled agile practices, alongside traditional project management methods.Providing strong leadership and direction to delivery teams. Essential experience: Background in delivering software-based projects within government agencies or similar organisations.Extensive experience in managing projects that range from conceptual research through to sub-system development, delivery, and support of programmes up to £5m.Strong understanding of agile principles and hands-on experience with agile ceremonies.Previous experience of working within multi-disciplined projectsExcellent stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills.Commercial awareness across budgets, risk management, and forecasting.Ability to build, lead, and motivate high-performing delivery teams.You will ideally hold a recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile PM. Due to the nature of the client's work, you are required to hold a high level of security clearance.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£75k - 100k per year
March 6, 2026
Cyber and Information Assurance Security Consultant
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Cyber and Information Assurance Security Consultants Salary: £50,000 - £85,000 + bonusLocation: Cheltenham, Gloucester (Hybrid Working)Clearance Required: eDV clearance Join a Leading Consultancy Driving National Security InnovationFR Secure is partnering with a rapidly expanding consultancy that delivers cutting-edge cyber and information assurance solutions for high-security government and industry clients. We're looking for multiple Cyber Security & Information Assurance Consultants to support long-term, mission-critical programmes in the National Security sector. Your RoleAs a Cyber Security & Information Assurance Consultant, you will: Deliver expert security advice for BAU, technical refresh, and new project initiatives.Implement and improve governance models aligned with client business needs.Identify cyber risks and propose risk-based mitigation strategies.Conduct compliance assessments across systems and processes to evaluate cyber and information assurance posture.Develop, refine, or review security policies and procedures to align with corporate and regulatory standards.Build strong relationships with clients and internal teams to enhance the value of Cyber Security & Information Assurance services delivered.  What You BringWe're looking for people who can make a real impact. You should have: Proven experience in Cyber Security & Information Assurance within Defence or UK Government environments.Strong understanding of risk management frameworks Familiarity with government and defence security standards such as: HMG/NCSC IA Policies and GuidelinesJSP440 and other MoD IA standardsCyber EssentialsNIST, NIS-D You will ideally hold CISM / CISSP or similar higher level recognised and current Information Security or Assurance certificationExcellent stakeholder communication skills - you can clearly explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.  Security ClearanceDue to the highly sensitive nature of the work, all applicants must hold valid eDV clearance. Ready to advance your career in national security?As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£50k - 85k per year + bonus
February 6, 2026
Infrastruture Engineer
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Infrastructure EngineerSalary: £40,000 - £55,000 plus a strong benefits packageSecurity Clearance: SC clearance required (with eligibility for DV)Location - CheltenhamRole OverviewWe're seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to join an ambitious technology function supporting secure, mission‑critical environments for well‑known clients. This position offers a broad technical scope, working across on‑premise, cloud, and hybrid platforms while helping to evolve infrastructure through automation, modern tooling, and best practice.You'll be hands‑on, technically curious, and comfortable collaborating with DevOps and security specialists to improve resilience, performance, and scalability across the estate.Key Responsibilities Design, deploy, and maintain physical and virtual server environmentsAdminister cloud and hybrid platforms using AWS, Azure, and/or GCPSupport and troubleshoot enterprise networking technologies including firewalls, VPNs, routing, switching, and load balancingManage identity, access control, and authentication services in line with security standardsCreate and maintain scripts and automation to streamline infrastructure operationsImplement and support monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions to enhance system reliabilityMaintain backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilitiesInvestigate and resolve infrastructure incidents, performing root cause analysis where requiredWork closely with DevOps, cyber security, and application teams on ongoing improvements and project delivery Skills & Experience At least 2 years' experience in an Infrastructure, Systems, or Platform Engineering roleStrong administration skills across Windows and/or Linux environmentsPractical experience with virtualisation technologies such as VMware, Hyper‑V, or KVMSolid understanding of networking fundamentals including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and VLANsScripting ability using tools like PowerShell, Bash, or PythonHands‑on experience with cloud services, particularly AWS and/or AzureExposure to monitoring and observability platforms such as Splunk, Datadog, or NagiosGood understanding of infrastructure security concepts and best practicesExperience using Infrastructure as Code and automation tools (e.g. Terraform, Ansible, CloudFormation)Familiarity with enterprise storage and backup solutions, including SAN/NAS technologies As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£40k - 55k per year
February 5, 2026
Software Engineers - multiple opportunities
Itchen Stoke, Hampshire, England
Software Engineers - multiple opportunitiesLocation: Hampshire / hybridSalary: £60,000 - £75,000Job Type: Permanent / Full-timeSecurity Clearance - You will ideally hold an active SC clearance or be willing to go through the clearance process.We are recruiting several Software Engineers to join a high-performing engineering team developing advanced software solutions for products in the RF communications and sensor systems domain.This role offers the opportunity to work across the full software development lifecycle, contributing to the design, implementation, and verification of complex, mission-critical systems within an agile environment. Depending on your background and interests, the position can focus on modern user interface development or embedded software engineering.Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Software Engineer, you will: Design and develop software components for complex RF and sensor-based products.Implement and test software within an agile, cross-functional team.Collaborate closely with Product Owners, System Architects, and engineers.Contribute to technical decision-making and trade-off analysis.Maintain and enhance existing systems while supporting future product development.(If applicable) Provide technical leadership and line management support to junior engineers. Essential Skills & ExperienceYou will ideally have: Experience developing software across the full product lifecycle, from concept through to deploymentKnowledge of sensor systems and/or communication systemsStrong understanding of modern software architecture principlesExperience with scientific computing, signal processing, or algorithm implementationProficiency in multiple programming languages such as C++, C#, and PythonExperience working in agile development environments (Scrum, Kanban, etc.)Familiarity with modern development tools including Git, GitLab, and VS CodeA degree (BSc/BEng, MSc or equivalent) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, or a related discipline Desirable ExperienceExperience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: Modern UI/UX design and developmentEmbedded software development, cross-compilation and deploymentLinux systems, kernel drivers, and low-level developmentDevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, containerisation (Docker)Technical leadership, mentoring, or line management As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£60k - 75k per year
January 22, 2026
Cyber Software Vulnerability Engineer
Hampshire, Surrey or London - hybrid working
As part of our client's expanding National Security division, you'll contribute to high-impact missions across AI/Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud, DevOps, and Platform Engineering. We're seeking inquisitive individuals who excel at dissecting technical systems, not just to understand how they work, but to identify weaknesses, assess risks, and develop mitigation strategies. Cyber Software Vulnerability EngineerPackage - £45,000 - £65,000 (depending in experience level)Benefits - DV Bonus plus excellent benefitsClearance - Clearable to eDV level, SC clearance required to start.Location - Hampshire, Surrey or London  Join a trusted leader in National Security technology solutions.Do you enjoy solving technical cyber problems and identifying vulnerabilities?What You'll Be Doing Software analysis and reverse engineering of compiled or interpreted code that could be obfuscated or defensively structured, for either x86/x64 or ARM processor architectures.Reverse engineering a wide range of technologies to uncover vulnerabilities and improve security including operating systems and/or firmware internals, security architectures and hardware abstraction.Engineering software from design to delivery in modern IDEs and languages, using Agile delivery.Creating tested and testable code. Integrating with automated verification systems, CI and CD pipelines.Working closely with cybersecurity teams to prioritize vulnerabilities and implement patching strategies.Collaborating in Agile teams to deliver innovative, secure, and robust technical solutions. What We're Looking For Proficiency in one or more of C, C++, Java or C#.Familiarity with scripting and automation using Python, Bash, Powershell or Groovy.Experience working with IDA Pro or Ghidra for reverse engineeringExperience working with Linux or Windows-based systems.Awareness of secure coding practices and modern cybersecurity threats.Knowledge of principles used in Agile environments.  Desirable exposureAny exposure of AI, ML, Cloud or Virtualisation would be considered a plus.Clearance requiredDue to the nature of the clients' work, you will either already hold or are required to go through the eDV security clearance process. SC Clearance required to startThis is an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of National Security innovation. If you're naturally curious, thrive in high-stakes environments, and want to make a real impact, apply today! As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£45k - 65k per year + excellent benefits
January 15, 2026
Automation Test Engineer
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
I'm currently supporting a leading consultancy that is looking to bring a Test Engineer into their growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about modern testing practices, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to work in a supportive environment that actively invests in career development.Automation Test EngineerSalary - £70,000 to £85,000Location: London, Cheltenham or Manchester - HybridClearance: DV Clearance required ideally at eDV levelThe role is client-facing, so strong communication skills and the confidence to collaborate with stakeholders will be important. You'll be joining an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation with a genuinely friendly culture and plenty of opportunities to grow.What You'll Be Doing Building automation frameworks from scratch across Web, API/Web Services, Performance and Accessibility testing.Working within CI/CD pipelines in a DevOps-focused environment.Advising clients and contributing technical solutions when required.Performing both exploratory and automated testing across the full project lifecycle.Managing defects-identifying, documenting, tracking and collaborating on resolutions.Owning and overseeing the release process.Working closely with developers, junior testers and cross-functional Scrum teams to improve coverage and efficiency.Maintaining and updating regression test suites as products evolve. What They're Looking For Strong hands-on experience with Selenium and modern testing frameworks (BDD, Cucumber, Nightwatch.js).Proficiency in Java, JavaScript or Python (comfortable writing and reading scripts).API testing experience using Rest Assured or Postman.Performance testing experience (JMeter or similar).Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Experience working in Agile teams.A genuine passion for technology and continuous learning. Desirable AWS knowledgeSecurity testing experience  You must hold DV Clearance (Developed Vetting) due to the nature of the work.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£70k - 85k per year
November 19, 2025
Business Analyst
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Business Analyst  Salary - £45,000 - £65,000 + DV Bonus + excellent benefitsLocation: London or Cheltenham - HybridClearance: eDV clearance requiredAbout the RoleAre you a strategic thinker who thrives on solving complex problems and driving transformation in high-impact environments?We're looking for a Business Analyst to join our clients established team, working on innovative projects across AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Big Data, and Digital Transformation. In this role, you'll help shape the future of national security and deliver solutions that make a real difference.What You'll DoAs a Business Analyst, you'll be the bridge between our clients and delivery teams - ensuring strategic objectives are translated into actionable insights and tangible results. Your key responsibilities will include: Engaging with senior stakeholders to gather, analyse, and validate business requirementsTranslating complex business needs into clear documentation, user stories, and process mapsCollaborating with architects, engineers, and delivery teams to design secure and scalable solutionsSupporting the development of Target Operating Models and transformation roadmapsLeading workshops, interviews, and stakeholder engagement sessionsDriving business process re-engineering and continuous improvement initiativesEnsuring end-to-end requirements traceability throughout project deliveryContributing to bids and proposals by providing analytical insights and clarity  What You'll BringYou're a skilled communicator and problem solver who's comfortable working in fast-paced, secure, or complex environments. You'll ideally bring: Proven experience as a Business Analyst in Defence, National Security, Government or similarly complex sectorsStrong knowledge of business analysis frameworks and methodologies (e.g., BABOK, Agile, Waterfall, SAFe)Experience in business process modelling (e.g., BPMN, UML) and requirements management toolsExcellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersA proactive, delivery-focused mindset with a commitment to excellence and innovation As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£55k - 75k per year
October 28, 2025
Scrum Master
Bristol, England
Join a trusted leader in National Security technology solutions.As part of our clients growing National Security team, you'll guide one or more scrum teams made up of developers, architects, testers and business analysts. As a Scrum master you will be able to motivate teams and help them work together to deliver value quicklyScrum Master - eDV clearedPackage - £55,000 - £80,000 (depending in experience level)Benefits - DV Bonus plus excellent benefitsLocation - Cheltenham / Bristol What You'll Be Doing: Facilitate the scrum meetings - Daily Standup, Sprint Retrospective, Sprint PlanningBuilding / Maintaining relationships - To be effective at removing blockers, relationships must be built and maintained with other delivery teams, product and other client teams across the organisation. Attend the bi-weekly Scrum Master catch up sessionsMaintain the active Jira board and backlog items ensuring all attributes are correctly assigned. Sprint / PI Reporting - Ensure reporting on activities is completed and accurate every sprint and every PI.Work with the Agile Coach to ensure that agile methodology is implemented and complied with. Experience required: Stakeholder Engagement - Internal & External PartnersAgile FrameworkLeading engineering teamsSoftware / Product backgroundNational Security sector experience  Clearance required - Due to the nature of the clients' work, you are required to hold an eDV level security clearance.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£55k - 80k per year
October 16, 2025
Technical Project Manager
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Our client is seeking a Technical Project Manager to engage in projects that safeguard the nation. Working alongside the Head of Delivery, the Project Manager is responsible for delivering the strategic leadership of their projects, as well as implementing standard project controls and management tasks. You will bring an expertise in delivery of technical projects within National Security / Government environments and hold an active eDV clearance.Technical Project Manager- eDV clearedSalary - £70,000 - £85,000 + DV bonusLocation - CheltenhamClearance - eDVKey Responsibilities: Lead end-to-end project delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and budgets.Work directly with clients to understand their requirements and turn them into delivery plans. Provide project planning and support on activities including bids and proposalsManage project governance, reporting, and risk management activities, ensuring robust decision-making and timely issue resolution.Foster strong relationships with key government stakeholders to understand and deliver on their unique requirements.Stakeholder communications for project planning, delivery, and maintenance. Skills required: Proven experience delivering projects within the national security, defence, or government sectorsExtensive experience in managing projects that range from conceptual research through to sub-system development, delivery, and support of programmes up to £5mProven experience in Research & Development, Product Development to Software and Solution Delivery. Experience working to Agile methodologies.Pre-sale / bid delivery experience and a thorough understanding of the business lifecyclePrevious experience of working within multi-disciplined projects Excellent Stakeholder management skillsAbility to create and lead positive working relationships with colleaguesYou will ideally hold a recognised project management qualification such as PRINCE2, PMP, or Agile PM. As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.
Permanent
£75k - 85k per year
May 19, 2025
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