Head of User-Centred Design – Defence Sector

Location: Remote with occasional travel to Corsham
Clearance: SC
Contract Type: Contract, 4 months
Rate: Circa £700 per day, Inside IR35.

We are seeking an experienced Head of User-Centred Design (UCD) to lead the strategy, capability, and delivery of user-centred design across a high-impact defence programme. This is a senior leadership role, shaping how digital and data-enabled services are designed, tested, and delivered to meet the unique needs of users operating in secure and mission-critical environments.

Role Overview:

You’ll lead a multidisciplinary design function – spanning User Research, Service Design, Interaction Design, and Content Design – ensuring that every product and service is intuitive, inclusive, and effective. Working alongside engineering, product, and delivery teams, you’ll champion evidence-based design and embed user needs at the heart of every decision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set the vision, strategy, and standards for user-centred design across defence digital programmes.

• Build and lead a high-performing UCD team, nurturing skills in research, design, and accessibility.

• Oversee the delivery of design outcomes across multiple workstreams, ensuring alignment with service and operational goals.

• Advocate for the user – ensuring solutions are practical, secure, and effective in complex environments.

• Shape and embed design governance, ensuring compliance with Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and MOD policies.

• Drive a culture of collaboration between designers, engineers, product managers, and service delivery leads.

• Present research findings and design recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance boards.

• Mentor and upskill teams on human-centred design principles, accessibility, and inclusive design.

Skills & Experience:

• Extensive experience leading User-Centred Design in large-scale, complex, or secure environments.

• Proven track record building and managing multidisciplinary design teams.

• Strong knowledge of GDS service standards and the digital delivery lifecycle within government or defence.

• Experience integrating UCD with Agile and DevOps delivery models.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills – able to influence senior decision-makers and bridge design with strategy.

• SC clearance essential.

Desirable:

• Background in Defence or Government Digital Services.

• Experience applying UCD principles in operational or mission systems.

• Formal qualifications in UX, Service Design, or Human Factors.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

DevOps Engineer – AWS & Azure – SC Cleared – £650/day Inside IR-35

Contract Overview:

• Position: DevOps Engineer
• Location: Hybrid – on-site in Corsham or Salisbury one day every fortnight
• Start Date: January 2026
• Duration: Initial 6-month contract
• Rate: £650 per day (likely inside IR35)
• Clearance: Active SC clearance required

Essential Skills:

• Strong hands-on experience with AWS (preferred) and Azure
• Infrastructure as Code using Terraform and Ansible
• CI/CD pipeline development with GitLab CI, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions
• Containerisation and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes
• Scripting in Python, Bash, or PowerShell
• Monitoring and logging with Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack
• Secure DevOps practices aligned with UK Government and MoD standards
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments

Desirable Experience:

• Previous work with UK Government or Defence clients
• Familiarity with tools such as Nexus, SonarQube, and Azure DevOps

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Role: Network Engineer
Duration: 6 months
Location: Newport OR Stevenage (onsite full time)
Rate: £500 – £600 pd Inside IR35
Clearance: Must have SC and must be sole British National

Essential Skills

• CCNA accreditation
• Good level of knowledge and experience using Cisco technologies – to include but not exclusively.
• Routing/Switching skills Both IOS/NX-OS.
• Firewall skills – Cisco ASA.
• Data and Voice Cable Installation, Patching/Jumpering and Fault Finding
• Strong experience in infrastructure tooling such as OTDR and Cat5/6 cable test equipment.

Desirable Skills

• Prior experience in Defence, Aerospace, or Government projects
• Experience in network tooling such as Cisco Prime, Ops View (or similar).
• Working knowledge in support of Cisco Wireless networking applications and devices.
• Exposure to Zero Trust principles and secure enclave architectures

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Location: Remote with adhoc travel to Corsham
Contract: 4 months initially
Day Rate: £500, Inside IR35
Clearance: SC

We’re seeking an experienced Scrum Master to support agile delivery across a high-profile defence programme. You’ll guide cross-functional teams through agile ceremonies, foster collaboration, and help ensure the consistent delivery of secure, high-quality services within a complex and regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.

• Coach and mentor delivery teams on Agile and Scrum principles.

• Remove blockers and manage dependencies across multiple work streams.

• Collaborate with Product Owners and Service Delivery Managers to prioritise and deliver value.

• Ensure teams operate within security, compliance, and governance frameworks.

• Drive continuous improvement in delivery processes and team performance.

• Maintain transparency of progress through metrics and reporting tools.

• Support transition from project delivery to service operation where required.

Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Scrum Master or Agile Delivery Lead in a secure or complex environment.

• Strong background in service delivery or operational support within IT or defence programmes.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across technical and non-technical teams.

• Solid understanding of Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and DevOps principles.

• Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and Agile reporting metrics.

• SC clearance required

Desirable:

• Experience working with Defence or other government departments.

• Knowledge of ITIL or service management best practices.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Stevenage or Newport

£500-£600/day Inside IR-35

Active SC required

6 month contract – January start

Sanderson Government and Defence are supporting a long standing consultancy client of ours in their search for a Senior Infrastructure Engineer with an on-prem windows bias to start in the new year.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in engineering on-premises infrastructure within secure enterprise environments
• In-depth knowledge of Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022), Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
• Hands-on experience with virtualisation technologies such as Hyper-V and VMware
• Proficient in PowerShell scripting and infrastructure automation practices
• Solid understanding of Defence or government-level security standards and compliance frameworks
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities and well-developed documentation skills

Desirable Skills

• Previous involvement in Defence, Aerospace, or Government sector projects
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions (e.g., Veeam, DPM)
• Familiarity with Zero Trust security models and secure enclave architectures

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Newport or Stevenage

£500-£600/day Inside IR-35

Active SC required

6 month contract – January start

Sanderson Government and Defence are supporting a long standing consultancy client of ours in their search for a Senior Infrastructure Engineer with an on-prem windows bias to start in the new year.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in engineering on-premises infrastructure within secure enterprise environments
• In-depth knowledge of Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022), Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies such as Hyper-V and VMware
• Proficient in PowerShell scripting and infrastructure automation practices
• Solid understanding of Defence or government-level security standards and compliance frameworks
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities and well-developed documentation skills

Desirable Skills

• Previous involvement in Defence, Aerospace, or Government sector projects
• Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, CompTIA Security+, or equivalent
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions (e.g., Veeam, DPM)
• Familiarity with Zero Trust security models and secure enclave architectures

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Role: Interim IT Procurement Consultant

Day Rate: £600 – £700 a day pay to umbrella

Location: 1 day per week in Bristol

Start: Must be able to start in late November / Early December

Our client, a well-known major financial services organisation, are looking to hire a Procurement Consultant during a period of transition. You will oversee IT Procurement projects across a data migration and security transformation.

What We’re Looking for:

• Experience in IT / Tech Procurement – Software, Hardware
• Highly experienced in hands-on and strategic planning of procurement for a complex organisation
• Ideally, experience in a regulated industry / financial services
• Ability to thrive in a business during a period of change and transformation

If this role is of interest, please apply below or send your CV to [email protected]

GRC Consultant – MOD DV

• Location: Farnborough or Cambridgeshire
• Type: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
• IR Status: Inside
• Rate: £500 – £600
• Lenghth: Initial 6 months, scope for extension

Must have Active MOD DV Clearance

In this role, you’ll be:

• Providing the Secure by Design risk and security assurance function within MOD as part of a managed service.
• Have an excellent understanding of risk management and assessment principles and frameworks, such as ISO27005 and the NIST Cyber Security Framework.
• Produce informative and succinct reporting that clearly articulates any identified vulnerabilities, associated risks, controls and risk treatment activity.
• Facilitate security and risk workshops with the various Authority departments, to align with wider customer transformational Security and risk management outcomes.
• Provide accurate and pragmatic remediation/risk management guidance/advice in balance with Business objectives and risk appetites.
• Have an understanding of risk assessment in an agile delivery environment.
• Exceptional team working ethic and interpersonal skills.
• Have a good understanding of modern IT technologies and services, such as Cloud Computing, AI (ISO42001), Mobile Computing, IT Security, Infrastructure technologies, Zero Trust, Data at Rest/In Transit Cryptography, Cross Domain Solutions and demonstrate an understanding of security architecture both physical and cloud (be able to read and understand HLDs/LLDs).

• Strong working knowledge of:

• Security Assurance Coordinator or Delivery Team Security Lead roles
• JSP440, JSP604/453 & JSP490
• MOD/GDS Secure by Design Principles
• Supplier Chain Assurance and Risks.
• Security related legislation (e.g. GDPR, PCI DSS, ICO requirements).
• Security Control Frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF and CIS Controls v8.
• HMG, NPSA and NCSC security policies, standards and guidance.
• Have experience building and implementing secure by design principals within the software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Threat Modelling – Kill Chain – Attack tree analysis.

• Working understanding of:

• Cloud security including Azure, Amazon Web Service, Key Management Systems, Containerisation, Network Security Groups, Host based firewalls, Web Application Firewalls
• Physical Network Infrastructure, Anti-Patterns, Network Firewalls, IDS/IPS, DMZs
• AI use cases, secure configuration (ISO42001 knowledge preferable),
• ITHC scoping and remediation action plans.

If you’re interested in learning more – please apply or reach out to [email protected]

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

Purview DLP Administrator

Rate – £500 – £525 Inside IR35

Duration – 3 months initial

Location – Remote – potential on site in Bristol / Somerset

We’re seeking a Purview Configuration Engineer with hands-on experience in Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Purview to play a key role in delivering secure, compliant and efficient technology services. If you’re passionate about automation, innovation and continuous improvement, this is an opportunity to make a real impact within a forward-thinking technology environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Identifying opportunities for automation and improvement
• Delivering product vision and strategy, ensuring users maximise functionality across compliance and identity solutions
• Contribute to continuous improvement to enhance service quality
• Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including change requests, user guides, and configuration records
• Progressing project work and tracking tasks in Jira
• Troubleshooting technical failures and responding to security incidents
• Providing occasional out-of-hours support for updates and incident management
• Monitor and manage ServiceNow queues

About You

• Proven experience with Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Purview (especially DLP)
• Strong communication skills with a customer-first mindset
• Excellent at planning, prioritising and managing your own workload
• Adaptable and open to working with a variety of technologies
• Microsoft certifications (or equivalent) are desirable
• Knowledge of ITIL v4 processes is a plus
• SSO

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

SDET

6 Month contract

£425 – £475 per day Outside IR35

London/Hybrid – 2x days a week in London

• Design and develop automated testing frameworks and strategies with Selenium and Playwright using Javascript/Typescript.
• Create and maintain test scripts utilising WebDriver, Selenium, Gherkin, and Cucumber
• Performance testing using JMeter
• Write clear and concise test cases and scenarios using JSON data structures to validate application features.
• Conduct thorough testing of user interfaces, ensuring compliance with HTML and CSS standards.
• Collaborate with developers and product teams to define testing requirements and assist with continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) practices.
• Utilise Fetch API to automate interactions with web services and validate data flows.
• Perform exploratory testing and contribute to the overall improvement in quality assurance processes.
• Identify and document defects and work closely with engineering teams to drive resolution.
• Mentor junior team members and provide expertise in test automation best practices.

Reasonable Adjustments:

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients.

If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.