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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

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View profileRobert Wall
Robert Wall
Director - Defence, Cyber & Information Security
EmailPhone
View profileCharlie Cairoli
Charlie Cairoli
Principal Consultant - Defence & National Security
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View profileChloe Armstrong
Chloe Armstrong
Delivery Consultant – Defence & National Security

Latest Secure Jobs.

Operational Analyst - Wargaming & Defence
Hampshire, England
Wargaming is a niche area, but that’s exactly what makes this one interesting. Operational Analyst – Wargaming & Defence Location: South HampshireWorking pattern: 3–4 days per week on-siteSalary: £30,000–£60,000 depending on experienceClearance: Active SC required, with the ability to obtain DV / NATO clearance I’m supporting a small specialist Defence SME that uses operational analysis, modelling and simulation to help customers make better decisions around complex, high-consequence problems. The role sits somewhere between data analysis, operational research and professional wargaming. You could be building analytical models, interrogating datasets, stress-testing concepts through simulation, or turning technical findings into clear evidence for senior Defence stakeholders. What you’ll be doing Analysing complex datasets to support operational and strategic decision-making Building and maintaining analytical models and simulations Using tools such as Python or R, alongside advanced Excel/VBA Supporting or running analytical wargames Translating complex outputs into clear, defensible recommendations Working closely with Defence customers and multidisciplinary teams Experience with tools such as Command Professional Edition, Flashpoint Campaigns or Combat Mission would be a real advantage, but it isn’t essential for every level. Who could fit? There are a couple of routes into this role. You might come from a STEM, Operational Research or analytical background, with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in Defence. Or you might already understand the operational domain through Defence or military experience and want to deepen your analytical and technical capability. At the more senior end, I’d expect stronger Operational Analysis experience, confidence owning work packages and the ability to engage directly with senior stakeholders. What matters throughout is attitude: curiosity, initiative, pragmatism and a willingness to get stuck into problems that don’t always have an obvious answer. Location & Clearance This is important. You’ll need to be based within realistic reach of South Hampshire and comfortable working on-site 3–4 days per week. You must also already hold active UK SC clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain DV and NATO clearance. If you like the idea of combining data, modelling and real-world Defence problems in a genuinely specialist environment, this is well worth a 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
£30k - 60k per year + benefits package
August 21, 2026
ML Engineer (National Security)
UK
I'm supporting specialist AI/ML teams working across that entire journey Machine Learning Engineer (National Security) Location: Opportunities across key UK National Security hubsLevel: Mid-level through to Senior / LeadClearance: Active SC minimum | DV/eDV particularly desirableWorking pattern: Hybrid / secure-site working depending on programme There's a big difference between experimenting with Machine Learning and seeing it survive contact with the real world. I'm supporting specialist AI/ML teams working across that entire journey — research, rapid prototyping, productionisation and deployment into genuinely challenging National Security environments. This isn't about joining a generic consultancy team that happens to have an AI project. I'm working with some excellent specialist engineering and research teams where AI/ML is core to what they do — surrounded by people who read the papers, experiment with emerging technology and genuinely care about keeping their technical edge. What you'll be working across Depending on the team and programme, that could include: Python and modern ML frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow or scikit-learn LLMs, RAG, agents, fine-tuning and evaluation ML research, algorithm development and rapid prototyping MLOps and production ML pipelines Model deployment, monitoring and lifecycle tooling such as MLflow, DVC or Weights & Biases AWS, Docker, Linux and CI/CD Translating emerging research into solutions that work against real customer problems These environments also place real value on engineers who can engage with stakeholders and work across multidisciplinary teams rather than disappearing into a purely research-focused silo. Who tends to thrive? You don't need to have used every framework above. I'm much more interested in smart, curious engineers who enjoy learning, can move between research and engineering, and actively keep up with a field that's changing incredibly quickly. If you've reached the point where you'd like to see more of your work make it beyond the notebook or PoC stage — and ultimately understand the impact it has in the real world — this could be a very interesting next step. Clearance You'll need active SC clearance as a minimum for the opportunities I'm currently supporting, with active DV/eDV particularly desirable for work on higher-side programmes. If you're already working in ML/AI within the secure community and curious about what some of the specialist labs and engineering teams are doing differently, feel free to get in touch. Even if you're not actively looking, I'm happy to share an honest view of the market and where your background might fit. 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 - 120k per year + + DV Bonus + Package
August 20, 2026
Cloud, Data & AI Engineers
United Kingdom
Cloud, Data & AI Engineers (DV/eDV) – National Security Locations: Opportunities across all compass points, including London, Cheltenham/Gloucester, Bristol, Hampshire and ManchesterClearance: Active DV / eDV predominantly requiredLevel: Mid-level through to Senior / Lead If you're working across Cloud, Platform, Data or AI in National Security, there's a good chance you're not actively looking for another job. But you might be wondering whether there's somewhere you'd be learning more, working with better people, getting broader exposure or simply being trusted with a little more flexibility. Those are increasingly the conversations I'm having. I'm currently supporting a mix of engineering-led SMEs, specialist consultancies and growing technology businesses across the National Security ecosystem — many of which are actively expanding their Cloud, Data and AI capability. The interesting part is how increasingly cross-functional these teams are becoming. A Platform Engineer might enable Data and ML workloads. A Data Engineer might work across cloud infrastructure and AI-enabled platforms. An ML Engineer might get much closer to deployment, evaluation and seeing their work make it into real-world environments. If you want to keep your tools sharp rather than disappear into a narrow programme or technical silo, there are some genuinely interesting teams worth knowing about. Where I'm Seeing Demand Cloud & Platform – AWS/Azure, Kubernetes, Terraform, CI/CD, Linux, automation, DevOps and DevSecOps Data Engineering – Python, SQL, ETL/ELT, Spark/Databricks, distributed systems and modern cloud data platforms AI & Machine Learning – ML Engineering, MLOps, model deployment/evaluation, Python and increasingly GenAI/LLM capability You don't need to sit neatly inside one of those boxes. In fact, some of the strongest opportunities are for engineers who enjoy working across them. Why Consider a Move? The organisations I work with vary significantly, but I've deliberately built relationships with teams offering things engineers consistently tell me they value: Strong, engineering-led cultures Broader technical exposure and progression Greater ownership and access to technical leadership Interesting, real-world National Security problems Varied hybrid models and greater flexibility where programmes allow Smaller teams where good engineers are genuinely valued I've already helped engineers join a number of these organisations, so I can also give you an honest view based on the feedback and testimonials I've had from people actually working there — not just what's written on a careers page. Clearance The majority of these opportunities support live National Security programmes, so active DV/eDV clearance is typically required. Occasionally, opportunities arise for exceptional SC-cleared engineers with a realistic route to higher clearance, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Not actively looking? That's completely fine. If you're curious about which organisations are genuinely investing, how their cultures and working patterns compare, or where you could broaden your experience across Cloud, Data and AI, I'm always happy to share what I'm seeing. If nothing else, you'll come away with a clearer picture of the market — even if your next move is still a year away. 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 - 120k per year + + DV Bonus + Package
August 20, 2026
Multiple eDV-Cleared Technical Roles
United Kingdom
If you already hold active eDV clearance and are considering what else is happening across the National Security technology market, I'm currently supporting multiple opportunities across a range of engineering-led organisations. Demand continues across all compass points, spanning specialist SMEs, growing technology consultancies and established National Security engineering teams. Locations Current opportunities include: London Cheltenham Gloucester Bristol Corsham Hampshire Manchester Working patterns vary by programme, with a mix of hybrid and secure-site environments available. Current Live Roles Current demand spans a broad range of technical disciplines, including: Cloud, DevOps & Platform Engineering – Cloud Engineers, DevOps, DevSecOps, Platform Engineers and SREs across modern AWS/Azure environments Infrastructure Engineering – secure infrastructure, Linux, Windows, networking, virtualisation and automation Data Engineering – Data Engineers and Architects working across modern data platforms, pipelines, ETL/ELT, cloud, analytics and complex operational datasets AI & Machine Learning – ML Engineers, MLOps Engineers and AI/ML Researchers Architecture – Cloud, Solution, Technical and Data Architecture Systems Engineering – Systems Engineers working across complex National Security environments Cyber & Security – Cyber Security Consultants, Security Engineers, Security Researchers and other specialist security disciplines Test & Assurance – Test Engineers and technical testing roles across secure programmes Technical Leadership – Tech Leads, Lead Engineers and senior technical specialists across Software, Cloud, Platform and Data Security Clearance Active eDV clearance essential across these roles Candidates should be comfortable working in secure environments where required If you're eDV-cleared and considering your next move, feel free to submit your CV for a confidential conversation. Rather than push you towards a single vacancy, I'm happy to give you an honest view of what's currently available across the market and which organisations might genuinely suit what you're looking for. 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
Market related
August 20, 2026
Data Engineer - DV / eDV
Greater London, England
Data Engineers needed for opportunities across key UK National Security hubs Hybrid: Secure-site working required, varying by programmeSalary: £70,000–£100,000+ depending on experience and levelClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance required If you're a Data Engineer who's spending more time maintaining what already exists than building something better, this could be worth a look. I'm supporting an engineering-led organisation that's continuing to grow its Data capability across National Security, with opportunities to work on modern platforms where data increasingly sits at the heart of analytics, AI/ML and operational decision-making. The attraction here isn't just a newer stack. It's the chance to work in smaller, multidisciplinary teams where Data Engineers have a voice, work directly with good technical people and can influence how platforms are actually designed and built. Less being the data person at the end of a delivery chain. More engineering ownership. You'll typically be working across: Python and SQL AWS and cloud-native data services ETL / ELT and scalable data pipelines Spark and distributed data processing Data modelling and modern data architectures CI/CD, automation and Infrastructure as Code Data platforms supporting analytics, AI/ML and complex operational datasets You don't need to have used every technology. I'm much more interested in Data Engineers with strong fundamentals who enjoy solving difficult problems, can communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders, and want to keep broadening their engineering capability. This should particularly appeal if you're coming from a larger consultancy or prime and wondering whether a smaller engineering environment could offer more ownership, less red tape, better progression and closer access to technical decision-making. Clearance Most of the work supports live National Security programmes, so active DV or eDV clearance is required for this opportunity. Occasionally I can support exceptional SC-cleared engineers into roles that offer a route to higher clearance, but those opportunities are the exception rather than the rule. Not actively looking? That's completely fine. If you're curious about which organisations are genuinely investing in Data Engineering, how their cultures compare, or simply what your experience is worth in the current market, I'm always happy to share what I'm seeing. If nothing else, you'll come away with a clearer picture of the market — even if your next move is still a year away. 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 - 100k per year + + DV Bonus + Package
August 14, 2026
Senior Project Manager
London, Greater London, England
We are working with a leading consultancy who are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager to join their team on a high-profile government programme. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of large, complex technical projects and play a key role in driving outcomes across Central Government and Defence. Senior Project Manager -  National Security & Defence Location: London (Hybrid Working)Clearance Required: eDV clearanceSalary - £75,000 -£90,000 + DV bonus + excellent benefitsThe RoleAs a Senior Project Manager, 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 technical 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.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 clearanceAs 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 - 90k per year + DV Bonus
August 7, 2026
Cyber Security Engineer
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Are you a cyber security professional looking to take ownership of security engineering work packages for a growing consultancy operating in the defence and national security space? Cyber Security EngineerSalary - £35,000 - £55,000 + excellent benefitsLocation - Cheltenham Clearance - Due to the secure nature of this position, candidates must hold or be eligible to obtain eDV Security Clearance.This is an opportunity to work across risk assessment, security architecture, and incident response, playing a central role in protecting critical digital assets and sensitive information. The RoleAs a Cyber Security Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in safeguarding the organisation's digital assets and ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of sensitive information. You'll implement and manage robust security measures, conduct risk assessments, and respond to security incidents, with genuine scope to shape and grow the wider cyber security capability. Key Responsibilities Deliver Cyber Security work packages for clients and internal delivery programmesDevelop Security Management PlansUnderstand and define capability context; perform Risk AssessmentsDefine and architect Security ControlsPlan Vulnerability Management activityDevelop Key/Certificate Management PlansProduce Security Case ReportsWrite clear, concise security policies and proceduresContribute to the ongoing development of the wider cybersecurity capability  What You'll Need Proven experience in cyber security roles, with a focus on security engineeringStrong understanding of networking, systems, and application securityKnowledge of security frameworks and standards (ISO 27001, NIST, etc.)Proficiency with security tools and technologiesExcellent problem-solving and analytical skillsStrong communication and collaboration skills 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
£35k - 55k per year + excellent benefits
August 7, 2026
Cloud Platform Engineer
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
FR Secure are supporting an engineering-led SME that's continuing to grow its National Security capability without losing the culture that got it there in the first place. Cloud Platform Engineer (National Security) Location: Cheltenham (Hybrid)Salary: £70,000–£95,000+ depending on experienceClearance: Active eDV clearance required You've probably reached the point where building platforms is the easy part. Finding somewhere you'll still be learning in three years' time is much harder. If you're spending more time navigating process than solving engineering problems, or you've found yourself wanting more ownership, better technical conversations and the chance to genuinely influence the platforms you're building, this could be worth a look. FR Secure are supporting an engineering-led SME that's continuing to grow its National Security capability without losing the culture that got it there in the first place. This is the sort of environment where Platform Engineers work alongside Software, Cloud and Data teams rather than sitting in an operational silo. Engineers are trusted to make decisions, challenge ideas and contribute well beyond their job title. You'll typically be working with: AWS Kubernetes Terraform Docker Linux CI/CD pipelines Python or Bash scripting Infrastructure as Code Cloud platform automation The stack is modern, but what they're really hiring for is engineering mindset. Curiosity. Pragmatism. Someone who enjoys solving problems with other good engineers rather than simply closing tickets. Most of the work supports live National Security programmes, so active eDV clearance is essential. This isn't a role that can currently support sponsorship or candidates working towards clearance. If you've been wondering what life looks like outside the larger consultancies or primes, this is exactly the sort of conversation I enjoy having. No hard sell. No pressure to move. Just an honest discussion about whether this (or one of our other clients within NS) might be the right next step. 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 - 95k per year + + bonus + package
August 6, 2026
Cyber & Information Assurance Security Consultants
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Join a Leading Consultancy Driving National Security Innovation FR 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. Cyber and Information Assurance Security ConsultantsSalary: £65,000 - £95,000 + DV bonusLocation: Cheltenham, Gloucester (Hybrid Working)Clearance Required: eDV clearance 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. Assess technical security controls across networks, systems, and infrastructure - including vulnerability management, security architecture reviews, and technical risk assessments - to inform wider assurance judgements. 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 Working technical knowledge across areas such as network security, secure system architecture, vulnerability assessment/penetration testing concepts, and cloud or infrastructure security controls. Familiarity with government and defence security standards such as: HMG/NCSC IA Policies and Guidelines JSP440 and other MoD IA standards Cyber Essentials NIST, NIS-D You will ideally hold CISM / CISSP or similar higher level recognised and current Information Security or Assurance certification Excellent 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
£65k - 95k per year + DV Bonus
July 24, 2026
Business Analyst
London, Greater London, England
Are you a Business Analyst who's operated inside UK government, defence, or intelligence environments? This is a rare opportunity to join a growing consultancy at the forefront of secure digital delivery, in a brand-new position with real influence from day one.Business Analyst - Secure Government & DefenceLocation - London (hybrid)Salary - £65,000 - £85,000 + benefitsClearance - You are required to hold an active eDV level security clearance.The opportunityYou won't be filling a seat. You'll be shaping how complex, mission-critical products get built, working directly with customers and delivery teams to translate classified operational needs into outcomes that matter.You'll be embedded in Agile delivery teams, working directly with customers, product owners, and technical specialists to translate complex mission needs into clear, actionable outcomes. This isn't a back-office BA role, you'll be hands-on, visible, and central to delivery. From requirements discovery and backlog management to stakeholder workshops and continuous improvement, you'll own the full analysis lifecycle in one of the most operationally significant delivery environments in the UK.Role duties Lead requirements discovery - eliciting, analysing, and validating business, user, data, and technical needs across complex delivery programmes.Write sharp user stories, acceptance criteria, and process maps that engineering, design, and data teams can actually work from.Own and continuously refine product backlogs, supporting prioritisation with product owners based on mission value and delivery constraints.Run stakeholder workshops and governance forums, turning competing views into shared understanding and clear decisions.Sit at the centre of Agile ceremonies, sprint planning, refinement, reviews, retros and drive continuous improvement in how teams work. Bridge the gap between business intent and technical delivery, managing dependencies, assumptions, and requirements changes throughout. Essential skills/experience Experience working in UK Security & Intelligence, defence, or classified government environments.Business analysis, product management, and Agile delivery across multidisciplinary teams.Hands-on Scrum or Kanban delivery, sprint ceremonies, backlog refinement, reviews and retrospectives.Ability to engage, challenge, and facilitate across technical and non-technical stakeholders.Comfortable working alongside software engineering, data, DevOps, and UX teams.Workflow analysis, business rules capture, and requirements traceability through change control. 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
July 7, 2026
Recruitment Delivery Consultant
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
Are you a recruiter looking to specialise in one of the most in-demand and resilient markets in the UK?Recruitment Delivery Consultant - Defence & National Security Location - Manchester with hybrid workingSalary - Competitive + uncapped OTEWe're looking for a Recruitment Delivery Consultant to join our team, focusing on sourcing and placing candidates within the Defence and National Security sectors.This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with existing candidate sourcing experience who wants to build genuine expertise in the security cleared space - a market that's fast-paced, high-value, and offers real long-term career stability.The Role Proactively source and engage candidates across SC and DV cleared roles within Defence, National Security, and related government markets.Build and manage a pipeline of cleared and clearable candidates across engineering, cyber, intelligence, and technical disciplines.Work closely with senior consultants to understand client requirements and deliver against live vacancies.Conduct thorough candidate screening, ensuring clearance status, eligibility, and suitability are clearly understood and documented.Develop your market knowledge of the defence supply chain, key clients, and the clearance process.Build long-term relationships with candidates, many of whom will only be active in the market periodically due to the nature of cleared work. What We're Looking For Experience in candidate sourcing, ideally with some exposure to Defence, National Security, Government, or cleared markets.A genuine interest in building a long-term career within the security cleared recruitment space.Strong communication skills and the confidence to engage with candidates who may be cautious about discussing their work.Resilience and patience, this market moves differently to commercial recruitment, and success is built over months, not days. What We Offer Structured training and mentorship from experienced consultants who specialise in this market.A clear progression pathway, this role is designed as a stepping stone toward a full 360 consultant position.Ongoing support to build your understanding of clearance levels, vetting processes, and the unique dynamics of the defence talent pool.The chance to work in a niche, high-demand market with strong earning potential and long-term job security.A collaborative team environment where knowledge-sharing is genuinely part of the culture. If you're an ambitious recruiter ready to specialise and grow within a market that rewards expertise and long-term relationship building, we'd love to hear from youAs 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
Market related
July 7, 2026
AI Security Researcher
Hampshire, England
Our client is looking and Antifiacl Intellience Security Researcher to join thier well eastabilished team and focus on thier Defence & National Security cleints AI Security ResearcherSalary- £65,000-£85,000 + bonus + excellent benefitsLocation - Hamshire or Surrey - hybridSecurity Clearance - Candidates must hold an active SC clearance. Existing DV clearance is strongly advantageous.About the roleWork at the cutting edge of AI and cyber security, researching and prototyping innovative solutions that protect critical national systems against sophisticated threats. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on hard technical problems, enjoys experimentation, and wants to make a tangible impact in high-stakes environments.You'll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team tackling mission-critical national security challenges - helping customers understand, assess, and defend against emerging AI-enabled risks.What you'll be doing Conduct in-depth research into emerging AI security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniquesDesign and develop novel tools and prototypes that protect systems and inform customer decisionsPerform vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security assessments across a range of platformsCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams to transition research into real-world capabilitiesContribute to technical reports, white papers, and customer deliverablesPresent complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiencesStay ahead of the latest AI security developments and share insights with the wider team What you'll bringWe'd love to hear from you if you have experience in one or more of: Exploit developmentMalware analysisSecure software developmentVulnerability researchML model developmentVulnerability research tools and frameworksOS/networks/system architectureReverse engineering Nice to have Experience researching AI, ML, or LLM security risksTrack record turning research into working prototypes or customer-facing demosAbility to communicate complex findings to specialist and non-specialist audiences Security clearanceCandidates must hold an active SC clearance. Existing DV clearance is strongly advantageous.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
£65k - 85k per year + excellent benefits
June 19, 2026
Business Development Manager
London Arena, Greater London, England
Are you a driven sales professional with a passion for digital transformation in government? We're looking for an ambitious Business Development Manager to help shape the future of public services. Business Development Manager - UK Central GovernmentSalary - £75,000 - £100,000 + bonusLocation - home based with travel to London areaSecurity Clearance - You must already hold or be willing to go through SC level security clearance. About the OpportunityThis is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal moment, leading our expansion across UK Central Government and helping major public sector organisations modernise legacy services, adopt innovative technology, and accelerate their digital transformation.You won't just be selling - you'll be shaping strategy, forging partnerships, and making a genuine impact on some of the UK's most critical public services. Role duties- Drive new business development across existing and new central government clients- Build and execute strategic sales and pursuit plans to exceed revenue targets- Grow and manage a strong sales pipeline through networking, outreach, and industry events- Conduct market research to stay ahead of trends, client needs, and competitor activity- Identify and develop strategic partnerships to broaden our footprint in the sector- Work closely with marketing to develop compelling campaigns and sales collateral Required skills- Proven track record selling digital services and solutions into UK Central Government- Strong understanding of how the public sector operates - commercially and at programme level- Excellent communication and presentation skills, including translating technical concepts for senior stakeholders- A relationship-builder who drives loyalty and long-term client partnerships- Self-starter mindset with a results-driven approach- Familiarity with government digital standards and delivery approaches Desirable experience- Direct experience selling to the Home Office, FCDO, Ministry of Justice, DEFRA or connected bodies- Practical knowledge of cloud services and AI delivery in a government context Security ClearanceCandidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC level). We can currently only consider applicants with the right to work in the UK without sponsorship who have lived continuously in the UK for the last 5+ years. Ready to take an exciting business to the next level? Apply now or reach out 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
£75k - 100k per year + bonus
June 11, 2026
Senior Project Manager
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
We are working with a leading consultancy who are looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager 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. Senior Project Manager -  National Security & Defence Location: Cheltenham, Gloucester (Hybrid Working)Clearance Required: eDV clearanceSalary - £75,000 -£90,000 + excellent benefitsThe RoleAs a Senior Project Manager, 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 - 90k per year + excellent benefits
April 22, 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
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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