Offensive Security
Red Team Lead / Penetration Testing Lead Recruiting
Leads offensive security: penetration tests, red team exercises and adversary emulation against your own environment.
About the role
A Red Team Lead runs the internal offensive security function. Their team tests the organization the way a real attacker would, through penetration tests, red team and purple team exercises and adversary emulation, and then works with defenders to close the gaps they find.
Offensive talent is highly specialized. We assess hands-on skill, judgment about scope and safety, and the ability to turn findings into fixes that defenders and engineers will act on.
Typical responsibilities
- Plan and lead penetration tests, red team and purple team exercises
- Emulate realistic threat actors using frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
- Report findings clearly to technical teams and leadership
- Work with the SOC and detection engineering to improve defenses
- Manage rules of engagement, scope and safety
What we assess in candidates
- Proven offensive skill across networks, Active Directory, cloud and applications
- Judgment on scope, safety and rules of engagement
- Quality of written reports and executive briefings
- Experience working with blue teams in purple team exercises
How we search for a Red Team Lead
We reach offensive specialists through technical communities and referrals, and we screen for both skill and professionalism. Candidates discuss engagements they led and the findings that changed their client's or employer's defenses.
Frequently asked questions
Should we build an internal red team or use a vendor?
Many organizations do both: an internal team for continuous testing and specialized vendors for independent assessments. We can help you decide which roles to hire first.
How do you verify offensive skills?
Through structured technical conversations about real engagements, certifications that require hands-on exams, and references from people who have seen their work.
Related functions
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Looking for a Red Team Lead?
Tell us about the role and the team. We will reply within one business day.