Job Description

Pentest People is a UK-based security consultancy specialising in delivering Penetration Testing as a Service to clients across all sectors. We are currently seeking an Academy Lead to help grow and develop our award-winning graduate training academy, based in Leeds.


As Academy Lead, you will play a vital role in shaping the journeys of our early-career cybersecurity professionals. You will provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and support to trainees in our Academy, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed.


This role is perfect for someone who enjoys working with people, has a passion for helping others grow, and wants to create a positive, inclusive environment for learning and development.

Key Responsibilities:

Act as the main point of contact and pastoral support for all academy participants. Build strong relationships with trainees, providing encouragement, guidance, and personal development support. Build relationships with key stakeholders in the business and wider group to understand opportunities for the academy and career pathways. Coordinate with the wider team to ensure individuals are progressing and feel supported in their learning. Monitor wellbeing and engagement, helping to address any challenges that may impact learning or morale. To liaise with external organisations and individuals that could add to the depth and breadth of training provided. To contribute to the promotion of the Training Academy. Foster a sense of community and belonging within the Academy. Organise check-ins, feedback sessions, and development plans for each trainee. Celebrate milestones, successes, and growth, big or small.

About you:

A people-first mindset and a genuine passion for mentoring and development. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience designing and delivering training content for varying audiences. Experience in a mentoring, coaching, or learning and development role (ideally with young professionals or early-career individuals). Awareness of the challenges of working in a technical learning environment, you don't need to be an expert, just someone who understands the journey. Patience, empathy, and a proactive approach to supporting others.

Desirable skills:

Knowledge of penetration testing workflows and processes. practical experience in a cyber consultancy or hands-on offensive security role. Exposure to curriculum development or instructional design in a technical domain. Familiarity with platforms and tools used in cyber labs, capture-the-flag (CTF) exercises, and simulation environments. Experience supporting or delivering formal qualifications. Knowledge of emerging technologies and the evolving threat landscape within UK-based organisations.

Benefits include:

Opportunities for advancement 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays Company-paid lunches and events Complimentary gym membership

This is a full-time position based in Leeds city centre, with the potential to transition into a hybrid role as the Academy evolves. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We understand that job descriptions offer only a glimpse of the role. For more details, please feel free to reach out or apply, and we will be happy to provide additional information. Pentest People is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.