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RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS

RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS.

At FR Executive, we don’t just find talent, we connect you with visionary leaders to transform your business.

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About Us

TRUSTED PARTNERS IN EXECUTIVE SEARCH.

About

At FR Executive, we’re trusted advisors committed to understanding your business inside and out to provide bespoke solutions. With industry-specific expertise, a vast network and a rigorous search process, we will help you attract inspirational talent, who can lead with impact and drive growth. Our team knows the UK market and the industries we serve, bringing you a refined, data-backed approach to finding leaders who don’t just fit, but truly transform.

The Team.

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William Mansell
William Mansell
Recruitment Consultant - Creative & Design
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Dan Middlebrook
Dan Middlebrook
Senior Business Manager
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READY TO FIND YOUR NEXT GREAT LEADER?

Latest Jobs.

Security Controller
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
We are recruiting a Security Controller on behalf of a leading UK software consultancy with a growing portfolio of work across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and national security agencies. The organisation is establishing a secure facility to support classified client programmes and requires a dedicated security professional to lead this critical function. Security Controller Salary - £60,000-£85,000 + bonus Location - Cheltenham Clearance - eDV Clearance Required  As Security Controller you will be the primary authority on all physical and personnel security matters, acting as the bridge between the business, the MOD, and other secure government contracting authorities. The Role Appointed Security Controller responsible to the Board for all physical and personnel security matters. Manage classified assets, access control, and IVCO-compliant visitor protocols. Prepare for and lead MOD DE&S audits; maintain Security Risk Management and Company Security Instructions. Oversee the full UKSV clearance lifecycle, conduct security briefings, and manage insider risk. Primary liaison with government security authorities; lead breach investigation and reporting to ISAC. Advise senior leadership on security implications of new contracts and structural changes. Align physical security with IT security (ISO 27001 / Cyber Essentials Plus) and support bid teams. Essential Requirements Proven Security Controller or Deputy experience in a UK Defence / National Security List X environment. Strong knowledge of the Security Policy Framework (SPF) and List X requirements (FSA/iv). Active eDV clearance. Meticulous record-keeping across musters, visitor logs, and classified document registers. Desirable DSIA / SyI membership or equivalent IVCO liaison experience for overseas visits and classified exchanges. Experience standing up a new List X facility from scratch. 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 - 85k per year
May 19, 2026
DevOps Engineer (National Security)
United Kingdom
We’re supporting a number of highly regarded SME and engineering-led consultancies operating across the UK National Security ecosystem, helping them grow their DevOps and platform engineering capability. DevOps Engineer (National Security) Location: Opportunities available across all compass pointsHybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programmeSalary: £60,000 – £90,000 depending on experience and SFIA gradingClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred The Opportunity These organisations sit in an interesting space between the large primes and smaller niche operators. They combine modern engineering practices, collaborative culture and broad technical exposure with the opportunity to work on genuinely complex secure programmes. Many of the engineers we place into these environments are coming from larger organisations where delivery has become overly process-heavy or where technical ownership is limited. In contrast, the teams we support tend to offer flatter structures, closer collaboration with engineering leadership and far greater visibility across the full delivery lifecycle. The work typically spans cloud transformation, secure platform engineering and modern software delivery across a range of National Security and secure Government programmes. For engineers looking for broader project exposure, stronger progression opportunities and the chance to have more influence over how platforms are built and evolved, these environments can offer a very different experience to more traditional consultancy structures. The Role As a DevOps Engineer you will help design, build and evolve secure cloud platforms and delivery environments supporting complex engineering programmes. You will work closely with software engineers, architects and stakeholders to improve automation, scalability, reliability and secure delivery practices across a variety of systems and environments. Typical responsibilities include: • Designing and maintaining CI/CD pipelines using GitLab, Jenkins or similar tooling• Automating infrastructure provisioning using Terraform and Infrastructure as Code approaches• Deploying and managing containerised workloads using Docker and Kubernetes• Supporting secure cloud platform delivery across AWS-based environments• Developing automation and operational tooling using Python or Bash scripting• Applying monitoring and observability practices using tools such as Prometheus and Grafana• Supporting secure software delivery practices across cloud transformation and platform modernisation programmes• Collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams to improve reliability, scalability and operational performance The exact environment varies across programmes, but the common thread is modern engineering culture and exposure to a broad range of technologies and delivery challenges. These roles are particularly well suited to engineers who enjoy operating across cloud infrastructure, automation and software delivery, rather than specialising in a single narrow platform or technology area. The organisations we support place far more emphasis on adaptability, engineering mindset and collaborative behaviours than on matching every technology exactly. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, active DV / eDV clearance is preferred. Candidates should typically be sole UK nationals and eligible to work within secure National Security 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
£60k - 90k per year + + DV Bonus + Package
May 18, 2026
Data Engineer (National Security)
Gloucestershire, England
You will be joining a long-established technology business with deep roots in geospatial and data capability, now rapidly expanding its National Security footprint across cloud, analytics and modern data platforms. Data Engineer (National Security) Location: Hybrid working across West and Manchester National Security hubsHybrid: Secure-site working required (hybrid pattern)Salary: £70,000 – £120,000 plus bonus and benefits, depending on experience and SFIA gradingClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred   The Opportunity Over the last few years the organisation has grown significantly through investment, programme wins and increasing demand across secure Government and National Security environments. Their National Security capability is now scaling quickly, with major long-term programmes already secured and further growth planned across both the West and Manchester regions. What makes the environment particularly interesting is the combination of heritage and modernisation. The business has decades of expertise in geospatial and operational data, but is now evolving heavily into cloud-native data engineering, analytics and AI-enabled capability. This creates an environment where engineers can work across a broad range of modern data challenges while still operating inside a specialist engineering culture rather than a large, process-heavy prime. For engineers currently looking for stronger technical exposure, greater influence or the opportunity to help shape a growing capability, this is an opportunity to join at a genuinely exciting stage of growth. The Role As a Data Engineer you will help design, build and evolve secure data platforms and pipelines supporting complex National Security programmes. You will work across cloud-native environments, helping customers modernise how they ingest, process and exploit operational data at scale. Typical responsibilities include: • Designing and developing scalable data pipelines and ETL frameworks using Python-based processing• Building cloud-native data platforms using AWS services and modern distributed architectures• Supporting streaming and real-time data environments using technologies such as Kafka and modern event-driven systems• Working across structured and unstructured datasets to support analytics and operational decision-making• Designing and maintaining data models, schemas and storage architectures across relational and NoSQL environments• Supporting integration and transformation of geospatial, operational and analytics data sources• Collaborating with engineers, architects and stakeholders to shape secure data platform evolution• Contributing to modern engineering practices across automation, testing and platform reliability The environment combines elements of cloud engineering, analytics, geospatial capability and AI-enabled systems, giving engineers broad exposure across multiple disciplines rather than confining them to a narrow platform or product area. The organisation values engineers who are adaptable, collaborative and comfortable engaging with both technical teams and stakeholders. Strong engineering fundamentals and curiosity are considered more important than matching every technology exactly. This role is particularly well suited to engineers who want to combine modern cloud and data engineering practices with meaningful real-world application inside secure environments. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, active DV / eDV clearance is preferred. Candidates should typically be sole UK nationals and eligible to work within secure National Security 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
£70k - 120k per year + + DV Bonus + Package
May 18, 2026
Data Engineers & Architects
Gloucestershire, England
Data Engineers & Architects (DV / eDV Cleared) Location: Opportunities available across all compass pointsHybrid: Secure-site working patterns vary by programmeSalary: Competitive depending on experience, clearance and SFIA gradingClearance: Active DV / eDV clearance preferred The Opportunity We work with a carefully selected group of engineering-led organisations operating across the UK National Security ecosystem, ranging from specialist SMEs through to R&D-focused technology businesses delivering complex cloud, AI and data capability into secure environments. The common thread across all of them is strong engineering culture, modern technology environments and a focus on building teams where people are trusted to do meaningful work. Many of the engineers we speak to are not actively applying for jobs, but are curious about what else exists outside of the more traditional prime or consultancy environments... This open application is designed for Data Engineers and Data Architects who want a discreet conversation about the market, the types of organisations currently hiring and the environments where engineering quality is genuinely prioritised. The work across our network typically spans areas such as: • Cloud-native data platforms• Distributed and streaming data systems• AI / ML-enabled capability• Geospatial and operational data platforms• Secure analytics environments• High-assurance systems and modern digital transformation programmes The organisations we support range from long-standing National Security engineering businesses through to fast-growing specialist SMEs with strong reputations across the ecosystem. Many offer environments that feel very different to the larger consultancies or primes, with flatter structures, closer-knit engineering teams and greater technical ownership. Typical Technology Environments The exact stack varies across clients and programmes, but we regularly work with teams using technologies such as: • Python and modern data processing frameworks• Apache Spark, Kafka and streaming architectures• AWS cloud and cloud-native data services• Kubernetes and containerised platforms• ETL and orchestration tooling such as NiFi• Relational and NoSQL database technologies• AI / ML engineering tooling and modern analytics platforms• Geospatial and operational data systems Some opportunities are heavily engineering-focused, others lean more towards architecture, technical leadership or customer-facing design work. What matters most across the market is usually not a perfect stack match, but strong engineering fundamentals, adaptability and the ability to work effectively with both technical teams and stakeholders. Who This Is For We’re interested in speaking with: • Data Engineers working across pipelines, platforms or analytics systems• Data Architects designing scalable cloud and data platforms• Engineers working within AI / ML, geospatial or operational data environments• People operating in secure environments who want visibility into broader market opportunities• Engineers and architects who value strong culture, technical autonomy and modern engineering practices You do not need to be actively looking to have a conversation. In many cases, the most valuable discussions simply help engineers benchmark their current environment, understand where the market is moving and gain access to opportunities that are rarely advertised publicly. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the environments we support, most opportunities require active DV or eDV clearance, or eligibility to progress through higher levels of UK vetting. 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
May 18, 2026
Cyber Security Research Engineer
Hampshire, England
We are looking for a talented and inquisitive Security Research Engineer to join our clients growing team in Hampshire.  Cyber Security Research EngineerSalary - £45,000 - £85,000 + bonusClearance - eDV cleared or eligible to achieve this clearance levelLocation - Hampshire - Hybrid working  This is a hands-on technical role for someone who thrives on solving hard problems, enjoys experimentation, and wants to see their research translate into real-world impact.You'll work across the full research lifecycle, from threat intelligence and vulnerability analysis through to prototyping and delivery, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams on challenges that matter. Role duties Research emerging cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques in depthDesign and develop novel security tools, solutions, and prototypesConduct vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, and security assessments across a range of platformsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to transition research outputs into real-world capabilitiesContribute to technical reports, whitepapers, and customer-facing deliverablesStay ahead of the latest security developments and share insights across the wider team  Skills/Experience Essential Strong background in cyber security, computer science, or a related technical disciplineHands-on experience in one or more of: reverse engineering, exploit development, malware analysis, or secure software developmentProficiency in at least one systems or scripting language (e.g. C/C++, Python, or similar)Solid understanding of operating systems internals, networking, and system architectureSharp analytical mindset with a methodical approach to problem-solving Nice to Have Experience with embedded systems, mobile platforms, or cloud securityKnowledge of cryptography or secure communications protocolsFamiliarity with vulnerability research tooling and frameworksPrevious experience working in a research, R&D, or innovation environment  If you're passionate about cyber security research and want to work on problems at the frontier of the field, we'd love to hear from you. 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 - 85k per year
May 14, 2026
Infrastructure Engineer
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
 An established on-site infrastructure engineering team in Gloucester is looking for an experienced Infrastructure Engineer to provide hands-on support across mission critical, highly secure government environments. Infrastructure Engineer Gloucester - Hybrid Salary - £55,000 - £70,000 + DV bonus Clearance - DV / eDV Clearance Required Role Details You'll manage complex on-premises platforms - resolving incidents, implementing changes, and driving continuous improvement to ensure availability, resilience and compliance at the highest classification levels. This is a rare opportunity to work on genuinely impactful national security programmes in a cleared, fast-paced operational environment, embedded directly with an end customer team. Responsibilities - Own incident resolution, change implementation and scheduled maintenance across secure, mission critical environments - Implement approved technical changes on behalf of end customers, following strict change management and compliance processes - Identify and deliver platform improvements, including automation to reduce manual effort and human error - Proactively monitor the environment to detect and address issues before they impact service - Support the Technical Lead with escalation management, risk tracking and active oversight of the environment - Contribute to stakeholder management, service reporting and review meetings with the service delivery function and customer teams - Produce clear, accurate documentation to ITIL4 standards - Collaborate with DevOps and software engineering teams to support containerised and service-oriented workloads   Technical Skills You will ideally come skills in some or all the below; - VMware Suite: ESXi, vCenter, NSX / VCF - Windows System Administration: AD, DNS, DHCP, PKI - Linux System Administration - Backup & Recovery: Veeam or similar - Containers: Docker and/or Kubernetes - Monitoring: Nagios or equivalent - Networking: TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls - Cyber Security awareness and principles   Experience & Attributes - Proven experience in IT infrastructure operations in complex, regulated environments, ideally national security, defence or intelligence - Comfortable with strict change control, audit and compliance in a high-assurance, classified setting - Familiarity with ITIL4 and how to apply it in agile/DevOps environments - Able to support software development teams across microservices, containerisation and CI/CD - Strong communication skills, able to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels - Self-motivated with a proactive mindset 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 + DV Bonus
May 13, 2026
National Security Open Day
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
We’re partnering with one of the UK’s most respected National Security engineering organisations to host a small, invite-only open day at their Manchester site. DevOps Engineers (National Security Open Day) Location: Manchester (on-site event)Clearance: Active SC clearance or higher required Format: Invitation-only open dayTiming: Late May The Opportunity This is not a standard interview process. It’s an opportunity to step inside an environment where DevOps sits at the centre of complex engineering programmes, supporting everything from cloud platforms through to embedded systems, AI workloads and edge compute. The organisation brings together engineers, scientists and specialists to solve problems that don’t have established playbooks. Teams are trusted to experiment, collaborate across disciplines and move between projects to stay technically fresh. This open day is scheduled for late May, with a limited number of spaces available. The Role (Context for the Day) As a DevOps Engineer in this environment, you would typically be working across the full software delivery lifecycle, supporting complex systems that span cloud, on-premise and edge environments. Typical responsibilities and technologies include: • Building and evolving CI/CD pipelines using GitLab or similar tooling• Automating infrastructure using Terraform, AWS CDK or Infrastructure as Code patterns• Deploying and managing containerised workloads using Docker and Kubernetes• Supporting environments that include virtualisation platforms and edge systems• Applying SRE principles using Prometheus, Grafana and monitoring tooling• Embedding security practices across delivery including vulnerability scanning and software supply chain controls• Supporting engineers across software, ML and hardware domains to onboard onto shared DevOps platforms The environment is intentionally broad. Engineers are expected to work across cloud, infrastructure and software delivery rather than specialising in a single narrow toolset. The Format We’re selecting a small group of high-quality engineers to attend a single session towards the end of May. On the day you’ll get: • A walkthrough of the Manchester site and how engineering teams operate• Exposure to real DevOps challenges across cloud, edge and high-assurance systems• Conversations with engineers working across different domains• Insight into how projects are structured and how engineers move between them• A low-pressure environment to explore fit without committing to a formal process 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
May 1, 2026
National Security Open Day - Data/ML
Manchester, Greater Manchester, England
We’re partnering with a leading National Security engineering organisation to host a small, invite-only open day at their Manchester site, focused on data and analytics engineering capability. Data Engineers (National Security Open Day) Location: Manchester (on-site event)Clearance: Active SC clearance required (or eligibility)Format: Invitation-only open dayTiming: Late May The Opportunity This is an opportunity to explore an environment where data engineering sits at the heart of mission-critical systems, supporting everything from real-time data pipelines through to AI, analytics and large-scale distributed processing. Teams bring together engineers, data specialists and domain experts to solve complex data problems across multiple environments. Engineers are encouraged to move between projects, work across disciplines and contribute to systems that have real-world impact. The session will take place towards the end of May, with a limited number of spaces available. The Role (Context for the Day) As a Data Engineer in this environment, you would typically be responsible for building and maintaining the data platforms that underpin complex operational systems. Typical responsibilities and technologies include: • Designing and building data pipelines and ingestion frameworks using Python-based ETL processing• Working with distributed data technologies such as Apache Spark, Kafka and NiFi• Developing data services across batch, streaming and real-time environments• Designing and managing data models across relational and NoSQL databases• Supporting cloud-based data platforms using AWS services• Ensuring data quality, integration and security across complex systems• Collaborating with stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable data solutions The Format We’re selecting a small group of engineers to attend a single open day session in late May. On the day you’ll get: • A walkthrough of the Manchester site and engineering environment• Exposure to real-world data challenges across secure systems• Conversations with engineers working across data, AI and platform teams• Insight into how data capability is delivered across projects• A low-pressure setting to explore fit without committing to a formal process 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 - 100k per year
May 1, 2026
DevOps Engineer (eDV - SFIA 3-5)
Gloucestershire, England
You will be joining a long-standing but fast-growing engineering consultancy with a strong reputation across the National Security space, particularly in the West. Cloud Engineer (National Security) Location: CheltenhamHybrid: Secure-site working required (hybrid pattern)Salary: £60,000 – £95,000 depending on experience and SFIA levelClearance: Must hold active eDV clearance The Opportunity The organisation has built its name by delivering high-quality cloud and engineering capability into secure environments, while maintaining a culture that feels very different to the typical consultancies in this space. The structure is intentionally flat, the teams are close-knit, and there is a genuine focus on creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and able to do their best work. It’s often described internally as a “people-first” business, and that shows in how they operate day to day. As they continue to grow, there is a clear focus on maintaining that culture while expanding their footprint across new programmes and customers. There is also a longer-term ambition to move towards an employee-owned trust, reinforcing their commitment to ownership, stability and rewarding the people who contribute to the business. For engineers currently operating in more rigid or process-heavy environments, this offers a chance to work somewhere that combines strong engineering standards with a genuinely supportive culture. The Role As a Cloud Engineer you will support the design, implementation and evolution of cloud platforms across secure programmes, working closely with engineers and stakeholders to deliver scalable and cost-effective solutions. You will play a key role in shaping how cloud is used across projects, contributing to both delivery and ongoing platform strategy. Typical responsibilities include: • Designing, implementing and maintaining cloud infrastructure using AWS services and cloud-native tooling• Supporting and advising teams on cloud architecture decisions and best practice approaches• Contributing to infrastructure automation using Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform or similar frameworks• Working with containerised environments and modern deployment approaches where appropriate• Engaging with engineers and stakeholders to shape cloud strategy and platform direction• Ensuring solutions are scalable, secure and cost-effective across the lifecycle The environment is cloud-focused but intentionally flexible. The organisation places far more value on engineering mindset, collaboration and the ability to learn than on matching a rigid list of tools. This role suits engineers who enjoy contributing across both delivery and strategy, rather than operating in a narrowly defined technical position. You may currently be working as a Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer or Platform Engineer within a secure environment and looking for a role where you can have more influence and work within a team that prioritises people as much as technology. Security Requirements Due to the nature of the work, candidates must hold active clearance to work in the National Security space. 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 - 90k per year + bonus + benefits
May 1, 2026
Infrastructure Engineer
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
We're seeking an Infrastructure Engineer to join an ambitious technology function supporting secure, mission‑critical environments for well‑known clients! Infrastructure Engineer Salary: £50,000 - £65,000 plus a strong benefits packageSecurity Clearance: SC clearance required (with eligibility for DV)Location - Cheltenham - hybrid Role Overview  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 environments Administer cloud and hybrid platforms using AWS, Azure, and/or GCP Support and troubleshoot enterprise networking technologies including firewalls, VPNs, routing, switching, and load balancing Manage identity, access control, and authentication services in line with security standards Create and maintain scripts and automation to streamline infrastructure operations Implement and support monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions to enhance system reliability Maintain backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities Investigate and resolve infrastructure incidents, performing root cause analysis where required Work 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 role Strong administration skills across Windows and/or Linux environments Practical experience with virtualisation technologies such as VMware, Hyper‑V, or KVM Solid understanding of networking fundamentals including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and VLANs Scripting ability using tools like PowerShell, Bash, or Python Hands‑on experience with cloud services, particularly AWS and/or Azure Exposure to monitoring and observability platforms such as Splunk, Datadog, or Nagios Good understanding of infrastructure security concepts and best practices Experience 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
£50k - 65k per year
April 30, 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
Senior Product Manager
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 + package Location: London, Cheltenham or Manchester - Hybrid    Clearance: DV / eDV Clearance required The Opportunity The 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 Do As 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 You You'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
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Agile Project Manager - Delivery Lead - Central Government & Defence Projects Location - Cheltenham - Hybrid Salary - £75,000 -£100,000 + excellent benefits  Clearance - eDV clearance required We 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 Role As 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 proposals Manage project governance, reporting, and risk management activities, ensuring robust decision-making and timely issue resolution Managing 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 projects Excellent 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 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
£0 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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