Location: Leeds (Hybrid)

Salary: £25 - £28K (DOE)

Due to our continued expansion, we are excited to announce this opportunity to grow our GRC team by bringing in ambitious graduates who are eager to learn and develop their skills in cybersecurity and compliance. This role is the perfect first step for someone looking to build a career in this dynamic and fast-paced industry.

Cognisys is a leading cybersecurity company specialising in Penetration Testing, GRC Consulting, and Managed Security services. We pride ourselves on our customer service, forward-thinking approach, and commitment to excellence. Our small but mighty team works with some of the best-known companies in the world, covering over 30 countries worldwide!

About the Role

We’re looking for Security Compliance Graduates who are passionate about problem-solving and excited to learn about cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

No prior experience is required. What matters most is your attitude, curiosity, and willingness to grow. You will work alongside experienced consultants to gain hands-on experience with a variety of compliance frameworks, such as ISO27001, SOC2, GDPR, PCI-DSS, and others, supporting clients from innovative start-ups to global enterprises.

Through a structured Graduate Development Program, you’ll build the knowledge and skills needed to progress into a Consultant role, with clear opportunities for career growth as our company continues to expand.

Key Responsibilities

• Support senior consultants on client engagements, including readiness assessments, internal audits, and advisory projects.
• Assist with preparing client documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Learn to interpret and apply standards and regulatory frameworks, starting with ISO27001 and SOC2, before expanding to others such as PCI-DSS and GDPR.
• Participate in client meetings and workshops, observing and gradually developing your client-facing skills.
• Conduct research and analysis to support senior team members in solving complex compliance challenges.
• Build knowledge through training, mentoring, and practical experience, working toward recognised professional certifications.

Graduate Development Program

We are committed to helping you grow into a skilled cybersecurity consultant through a structured two-year development plan:

First 3 Months

• Introduction to our company, methodologies, and clients.
• Basic training in cybersecurity and compliance concepts.
• Shadow senior consultants on client engagements.
• Begin working towards foundational qualifications such as ISO27001 Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor.

Months 4–12

• Take ownership of defined tasks within projects.
• Deepen knowledge of frameworks like GDPR, ISO27001, ISO42001, and NIST CSF.
• Gain hands-on experience with clients and start contributing to workshops and presentations.
• Achieve at least one industry-recognised certification.

Year 2

• Lead smaller workstreams with guidance from senior team members.
• Expand into niche or bespoke frameworks based on client needs.
• Begin mentoring new graduates joining the team.
• By the end of the programme, you will be ready to progress to a Consultant-level role and start building a specialist area or leadership path.

Requirements

We’re looking for graduates who have the potential to thrive in a fast-paced, problem-solving environment. You don’t need prior cybersecurity knowledge, just a passion for learning, a curious mind, and a professional approach.

Essential Attributes:

• Recent graduate (or equivalent experience), all degree disciplines considered.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A curious, proactive, and motivated mindset, with a genuine interest in technology and business.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organised, with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
• A professional and confident approach when interacting with clients.

Desirable (Nice-to-Have):

• Awareness of cybersecurity or data protection concepts.
• Any exposure to standards such as ISO27001, SOC2, or GDPR.
• Interest in gaining industry-recognised certifications.

If you think you can deliver but don't match the criteria above, please don't be put off. We are very open-minded and focus on ability and attitude above skills.

What We Offer

• Annual Leave: 25 days per year, plus UK bank holidays.

• Additional Leave: 1 day of paid leave on your Birthday!

• Heath & Wellbeing: Access to Westfield Health Care Cash Plan and our Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing platform.

• Professional Development: £2,000 annual training budget to support your continued learning and career growth.

• Share Scheme: Eligibility to participate in our EMI share scheme after 18 months of continuous service (subject to company discretion).

• A dynamic and supportive work environment where customer care and innovation drive everything we do.

• Frequent team social events and celebrations.

• Refer a friend bonus scheme, up to £2,000!

Why Join Us?

At Cognisys, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative team that values your input and shares support. You'll have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that make a real impact on our clients. We'd love to hear from you if you want to challenge, lead and innovate!

We're not just about the work; we're about the people. Join a team where innovation is celebrated and your contributions are valued. We foster a collaborative environment where fresh ideas thrive and professional growth is encouraged.

Applications

Please feel free to reach out to Dom, our Head of Talent Acquisition, if you would like any further information, to discuss accessibility requirements, or if you require this information provided in an alternative format – hiring@cognisys.co.uk

We welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and can make various reasonable adjustments to accommodate individual needs.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES, PLEASE