OT Security Consultant

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients.  We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications.  We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

About the role:

As the OT Security Consultant, you will be at the centre of how OT security is delivered across operational and industrial environments.

You will work directly with organisations to help them understand, manage and improve the security of their OT and industrial control systems, applying practical, experience-led approaches that reflect how these environments are designed and operated. The role involves close collaboration with engineering, operational and asset teams, ensuring security considerations are aligned with day-to-day operations.

You will contribute to site-based assessments and reviews, support the development of standards-aligned improvement plans, and advise on approaches that reflect regulatory expectations and industry good practice. The work is varied and hands-on, offering exposure to different environments, technologies and operational contexts.

This role is suited to someone who values technical rigour, collaborative working and the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of effective, practical OT security practices.

Working within our IACS community

Our Industrial Automation & Control Systems (IACS) capability sits at the heart of how we support clients operating complex, safety-critical OT and ICS environments.

As part of this capability, you’ll join a community of OT and cyber security practitioners who work closely together across a variety of operational contexts. Consultants are trusted to operate autonomously on their engagements, while remaining connected to a wider network of experienced peers.

Knowledge and experience from live environments are shared openly, helping the community grow and evolve over time. This includes regular collaboration with other OT specialists, access to senior technical support, and opportunities to contribute to the development of standards, methodologies and ways of working across the practice.

As an OT Security Consultant, you will:

• Lead OT / ICS security engagements across energy and wider critical infrastructure environments
• Plan and conduct site surveys to identify OT assets, architectures and vulnerabilities
• Assess OT security posture against recognised standards and best practice
• Develop pragmatic improvement roadmaps that balance security, safety and operational continuity
• Support clients with OT security governance, policy, standards and procedures
• Lead risk assessments, gap analyses, audits and remediation planning
• Work with vendors and third parties to assess and manage supply chain risk
• Present findings and recommendations to both technical teams and senior stakeholders
• Act as a trusted advisor throughout delivery, from initial assessment to implementation
• Support and mentor other OT consultants and engineers within the team

Requirements

We are looking for depth in OT security and industrial environments, gained through consultancy or internal OT roles.

You’ll bring:

• Extensive experience in OT / ICS cyber security
• Strong understanding of industrial environments and operational constraints
• Proven experience across one or more OT security domains, such as:
  • Network architecture and segmentation
  • Asset and inventory discovery
  • Endpoint protection in OT environments
  • Governance, standards and policy
  • Education and awareness for operational teams
• Experience delivering assessments, reports and actionable improvement plans
• Confidence engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership

Qualifications & certifications

• Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience)
• GICSP certification (preferred)
• Knowledge of recognised standards and frameworks, including:
  • IEC 62443
  • NERC CIP
  • NESA
  • OG86
• Additional cyber security certifications (e.g. CISSP, GCIA, GCIH, CEH, GCFE) are beneficial

Benefits

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.

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