Innovation Lead - Cyber, London

• Lead projects focused on cyber security and AI‑enabled technologies.
• Scope research questions, select appropriate methodologies, analyse findings, and produce high‑impact reports and presentations.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert on cyber security and AI, providing clients with clear, evidence‑based insights.
• Monitor emerging cyber and AI trends, threat vectors, market dynamics and regulatory developments to shape Plexal’s innovation strategy.
• Assess technology robustness, interrogate vendor claims, and evaluate risks, trade‑offs and opportunities.
• Support clients to engage effectively with the cyber innovation ecosystem, including startups, academia and industry.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders across public and private sectors.
• Contribute to horizon‑scanning activities to identify future cyber and AI developments.
• Mentor and upskill team members through knowledge sharing, playbooks and practical demonstrations.
• Manage project budgets and ensure spend is aligned with delivery requirements.

• Strong research and analytical skills, including methodological thinking and the ability to frame ambiguous problems.
• Demonstrable expertise in cyber security concepts, threat landscapes, system architectures and security principles.
• Clear interest in how AI is enabling, accelerating or hindering cyber security.
• Ability to interrogate vendor claims and assess the robustness of cyber and AI‑enabled technologies.
• Exceptional ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear insights for senior leaders and non‑technical audiences.
• High‑quality written communication suitable for advisory work and strategic recommendations.
• Commercial awareness and ability to build and nurture strategic relationships.
• Strong influencing, facilitation and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Ability to work proactively and independently within a matrix environment. 

• Background in cyber security, research, academia, innovation or emerging technology.
• Experience conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research and producing high‑quality analytical outputs.
• Evidence of building trust‑based relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Experience contributing to collaborative delivery teams. 
• Ability to provide an outside‑in perspective on emerging cyber and AI trends, market needs and technologies.

• Higher Education degree, or equivalent knowledge gained via work experience.
• Energised by solving complex problems and exploring emerging technologies.
• Passion for cyber security and curiosity about AI’s role in shaping the future threat landscape.
• Flexible, resilient and comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment. 
• Team player and motivated self‑starter.
• This role may require some national travel for delivery of projects and travel to all Plexal sites. 
• Candidates must be eligible to undergo security clearance or hold current security clearance. (See more on clearance eligibility.)

As a start-up, we thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment dedicated to empowering innovators. We embrace individuals who leverage technology and creativity to tackle our greatest challenges head-on. We strongly advocate for maintaining a harmonious work-life balance, our goal is to ensure every member of our team can authentically be themselves and live their best lives. We firmly believe that innovation and creativity flourish when we cultivate a diverse workforce, comprising highly skilled individuals with a wide range of perspectives to contribute.
 
In return we will offer you:

• Salary: £65,000 - £80,000 depending on skills and experience
• Annual bonus scheme
• A generous pension scheme (with a company contribution of up to 10%)
• Private healthcare, life assurance and critical illness cover
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Volunteering day