Job Specifications
About the role
Tesco Technology’s Security Engineering
function is responsible for proactively identifying and mitigating risks across
our technology estate. As Head of Security Engineering – Application Security
& Testing, you will lead a multi-disciplinary function that spans
vulnerability management, application security engineering, and adversarial
testing. You will be accountable for delivering full-stack security
assurance—from code to infrastructure—through a blend of engineering innovation
and operational excellence.
Why This Role Matters
This is a pivotal leadership role within
Tesco Technology, shaping how we secure our platforms and products. You’ll be
at the forefront of driving innovation in security engineering, ensuring Tesco
remains resilient against evolving threats while enabling safe and secure
technology delivery.
You will be responsible for
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management
Lead three Security Engineering Managers
and their teams (approx. 20+ engineers), plus a Principal Security
Engineer/Architect.
Foster collaboration across teams focused on:
External attack surface management
and bug bounty operations.
Application security engineering
(SAST, SCA, GenAI solutions, ASPM, threat modelling).
Penetration testing and adversarial
simulation (red/purple team strategy).
Develop talent, coach leaders, and build succession plans for long-term
capability growth.
Security Engineering & Testing
Oversee the design, deployment, and
operation of tools and solutions that identify vulnerabilities across the full
stack—code, applications, infrastructure, packages, and external assets.
Ensure robust security testing capabilities are in place to support business
projects and strategic initiatives.
Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies, coverage, and
automation.
Strategic Execution
Translate strategic goals into actionable
plans under Tesco’s Tech Excellence programme.
Monitor delivery progress, operational metrics, and team performance.
Ensure alignment with broader security and technology objectives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with peers including the
Heads of Security Partnerships, Cyber Defence, and Platform Security
Architecture.
Partner with Product and Programme teams to embed security into delivery
pipelines.
Act as a key point of contact for senior stakeholders across Tesco
Technology.
You will need
Proven experience leading large-scale
security engineering functions.
Deep technical expertise in vulnerability management, application security,
and adversarial testing.
Strong understanding of secure development practices and modern engineering
tooling.
Experience with ASPM platforms, threat modelling, and GenAI-driven security
solutions.
Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Familiarity with operational metrics and performance tracking.
Whats in it for you?
We’re all about the little helps. That’s why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you – both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!
Annual bonus scheme of up to 45% of base salary
Car allowance of £7,320 per annum
Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
Private medical insurance
Retirement savings plan - save between 6% - 10% and Tesco will contribute 1.5 times this amount
26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years’ service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave
About Us
Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is ‘Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day’. Serving means more than a transactional relationship with our customers. It means acting as a responsible and sustainable business for all stakeholders, for the communities we are part of and for the planet.
We are proud to have an inclusive culture at Tesco where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. At Tesco, we not only celebrate diversity, but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We're committed to creating a workplace where differences are valued, and make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. We’re proud to have been accredited Disability Confident Leader and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support we can offer, please click here.
We’re a big business and we can offer a range of diverse full-time & part-time working patterns across our many business areas, which means that we can find something that works for you. We work in a more blended pattern - combining office and remote working. Our offices will continue to be where we connect, collaborate and innovate. If you are applying internally, please spe
About the Company
One of the world’s largest retailers of consumer goods from food to fashion. Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day in our stores and online is at the heart of everything we do.
Founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen using the £30 he received on leaving the Royal Flying Corp, we’ve come a long way from his small market stall in East London. Today over 400,000 colleagues work across our stores, office, distribution and customer engagement centres in the UK, Europe and Asia.
Share our passion for th...
Know more