Cyber Security Specialist

Base pay range:
Up to £70,000 DOE + Shift Premium, bonus and benefits.

A key player in the UK defence sector is expanding its Cybersecurity Operations function and is seeking an experienced SOC Shift Leader to help steer 24/7 threat detection and operational resilience across critical defence infrastructure. This SOC Shift Leader role offers the chance to influence both current and next‑generation security platforms central to national defence, while developing your expertise within a highly technical, collaborative environment.

As a SOC Shift Leader, you’ll be at the centre of assuring network integrity and cyber resilience, overseeing both initial and ongoing threat monitoring of complex defence systems. Working closely with analysts, incident response and intelligence teams, you’ll ensure security operations meet all applicable standards from detection through response, guiding the safe sustainment of vital defence assets.

• Leading shift operations, QA and handovers across Tier 1/2 analysts in a 24×7 SOC environment.
• Providing real‑time triage oversight, threat detection, escalations and tooling operation (SIEM, packet capture).
• Mentoring analysts, identifying training gaps and enforcing procedural standards diplomatically.
• Liaising with SOC management, CTI and IR for aligned responses and continuous improvement.
• Capturing metrics on alert efficiency, response times and playbook updates from frontline observations.
• Ensuring seamless continuity across rotating shifts including days, nights and weekends.

• Experience working on defence or critical infrastructure SOCs with strong understanding of network security and protocols (DNS, HTTP/S, SMTP).
• Hands‑on expertise with SIEM tools (e.g. Splunk, ELK) and network packet capture (e.g. Wireshark), plus alert triage/threat hunting.
• Prior mentoring or quality assurance in shift‑based SOC operations, with diplomatic leadership style.
• Demonstrable knowledge of OSI model and infrastructure security; OS/applications a plus.
• Excellent communication for documentation, escalations and team coordination.
• British Citizen (or dual UK national with British citizenship) eligible for SC (DV preferred).

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 + shift premium (total comp £85k+).
• Company bonus up to 21%, pension up to 14% total contribution.
• Enhanced parental leave, subsidised facilities and free parking.
• Opportunities for career development within a leading defence organisation.

Want to hear more about this SOC Shift Leader opportunity? Let us know and let’s talk!

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Information Technology and Engineering