Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead

We are looking for a seasoned security professional with a strong intelligence, investigations or operational security background to strengthen and future proof IELTS worldwide in the role as Security Standards, Assurance & Best Practice Lead.

You will sit at the same level as the Technical Test Security Lead, Intelligence Lead, and Investigations & Malpractice Lead, forming a key part of the Central Security Team IELTS (CSTI).

You will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of robust security standards and best practices across the IELTS global ecosystem, working in close partnership with the Technical Test Security Lead, Intelligence Lead, and Investigations & Malpractice Lead to ensure intelligence, investigations, technical controls, and assurance activities are fully aligned and mutually reinforcing.

We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.

About the role 

This role delivers strategic leadership, embedding consistent, risk based security governance across the global IELTS ecosystem, supporting the development and implementation of security strategies that protect test fairness, maintain candidate trust and ensure regulatory compliance across the global and digital IELTS environment.

You will lead continuous improvement in security performance, delivering clear, evidence‑based assurance to senior leadership, regulators, and key stakeholders, overseeing the governance of risk‑based security assurance activities, driving the adoption of best practice and monitoring global implementation

Additional responsibilities and accountabilities include: 

• Design and lead a mature, risk-based security assurance programme that draws on intelligence insights, investigation findings, and technical security expertise.
• Translate complex threat intelligence and post-incident learnings into clear, actionable standards and best practices.
• Conduct deep-dive reviews focused on high-impact risks (AI-enabled cheating, proxy testing, organised fraud rings, question leaks, impersonation, and document fraud).
• Provide evidence-based assurance reporting to senior leadership, regulators, and partners.
• Drive the adoption of consistent security standards
• Work hand-in-hand with the other operational security leads to embed a cohesive, intelligence-led approach to test security.
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement by capturing lessons from investigations and incidents and ensuring they result in measurable uplift in our overall security posture.
• Support the integration of controls into operational processes and partner requirements.

This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40-60% of their time collaborating and connecting face-to-face at their dedicated location. Aside from our hybrid principles, other flexible working requests will be considered from the first day of employment, including other work arrangements should you require adjustments due to a disability or long-term health condition.

About you

• Direct experience turning intelligence and investigation findings into improved standards, controls, and operating procedures.
• Ability to design and run effective risk-based assurance programmes in complex, multi-partner environments.
• Experience in security standards, policy development, assurance, or risk management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, especially with senior leaders and external partners.
• Knowledge of current examination malpractice methods, including proxy testing, question leaks, AI cheating and organised fraud
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, stakeholder engagement, and delivering guidance

If you meet the above minimum requirements, we encourage you to apply. Your application will be even stronger if you can also demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Previous experience in intelligence analysis, fraud, or security investigations.
• Experience working in law enforcement, the military, or regulatory environments
• Background in regulated or high-integrity environments.

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