Principal Network Defence Analyst

AB Agri Ltd; Peterborough; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company seeks a Principal Network Defence Analyst to lead network security efforts within their Cyber Security team. This hybrid role combines technical expertise in networking with a strategic approach to cyber defence, ensuring the security and scalability of the infrastructure. You'll work collaboratively with internal teams and external vendors, enhancing the security product landscape and mentoring junior analysts. Join a forward-thinking organization that values collaboration and continuous improvement, and make a significant impact on global operations while enjoying a supportive work environment.

Benefits

10% Pension Match

Up to 10% Bonus

Buy Up to 5 Days Holiday

Discounts on ABF Products

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Free Onsite Parking

Free Lunch Option

Free Drink Facilities

Qualifications

• Proficient in WAN, LAN, and cloud networking.
• Experience with network security tools and vulnerability remediation.

Responsibilities

• Lead network security initiatives and manage vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance security operations.

Skills

Networking Fundamentals

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Vendor Management

Cyber Security Knowledge

Collaboration Skills

Education

Relevant Industry Certifications (CCNA, CISSP, etc.)

Tools

Palo Alto

Check Point

Network Detection and Response (NDR)

Packet Capture Analysis Tools

Job description

The Role & Key Responsibilities

Job Title: Principal Network Defence Analyst

Location: Peterborough (Hybrid)

Contract and shift details: Permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week), with participation in an on-call rota approximately once every six weeks—covering out-of-hours support, including evenings and weekends.

Are you an experienced network professional with a keen interest in cyber defence and skilled at solving complex infrastructure challenges? Do you thrive in a critical role where connectivity and security converge to protect global operations?

Our Cyber Security team is looking for a Principal Network Defence Analyst to join our DevSecOps function—playing a critical role in shaping, maintaining, and innovating our network security landscape. This is a hybrid role combining deep technical knowledge of connectivity with a strategic approach to cyber defence. You'll work closely with internal teams and external vendors to ensure our infrastructure remains secure, scalable, and aligned with our wider security goals.

What you'll be doing:

• Act as the subject matter expert for network security, providing technical leadership across Cyber Security and BTS teams.
• Coordinate the triage and remediation of vulnerabilities across network infrastructure—ensuring timely patching of switches, firewalls, and related assets.
• Manage vendor and third-party relationships to ensure secure, compliant, and resilient network service delivery.
• Enhance innovation within the security product landscape, particularly in network detection and response, intrusion prevention, and packet analysis tooling.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, documentation, and best practices for secure network design and operation.
• Support the upskilling of team members by sharing network knowledge and mentoring junior analysts.
• Collaborate closely with SOC and DevSecOps teams to systematically identify, assess, and mitigate emerging threats.
• Contribute to the design and continuous improvement of security operations processes, ensuring they align with wider BTS and business goals.

What you'll bring:

• Proficient knowledge in networking fundamentals and infrastructure, including WAN (SD-WAN, Fabric), LAN (Cisco/Extreme), and cloud networking (Azure or other providers).
• Practical experience with network security tools and appliances such as Palo Alto, Check Point, Network Detection and Response (NDR), and packet capture analysis.
• A solid understanding of information security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, and general security architecture principles.
• Experience managing infrastructure patching processes and vulnerability remediation within complex environments.
• Skilled in analytical and problem-solving efforts, with the ability to make informed decisions.
• An ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse array of stakeholders, including vendors, security teams, and platform teams.
• Relevant industry certifications or willingness to pursue them—such as CCNA, CCSA, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent.
• A motivated mindset, solid sense of ownership, and enthusiasm for mentoring others and driving continuous improvement.

Location

Hybrid, a mix of office and homeworking. This role will be based at our Peterborough offices on the Lynchwood Business Park. The office has recently been renovated and along with a modern work environment has great public transport links, free onsite parking, free drink facilities, free lunch option each day and a great team culture. Please note, this role may require occasional travel to ABF sites in the UK.

About The Company

Associated British Foods Business Technology Services are continually reviewing our benefits to ensure our staff feel rewarded…

Associated British Foods is a global giant in food processing and retail. Our ingredients division is the second-largest producer of sugar and baker’s yeast worldwide, and our grocery brands are leading across the globe, with nine out of ten UK households using our brands.

Founded in 2008, ABF Business Technology Services (BTS) delivers centralized IT infrastructure and services to ABF businesses. Operating across over 185 locations in 23 countries with nearly 200 team members, we prioritize our customers and seek individuals eager to support and advance this vision.

Our benefits include:

• AB Foods BTS match up to 10% pension (contributory)
• Up to 10% Bonus
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 days holiday per year
• Discounts on ABF products such as Twinings, Silverspoon, Pataks, and Ryvita
• 24/7 free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme

We value individuals who embrace our core values. If you thrive in a collaborative, trusting, and pioneering environment, ABF could be the right fit for you.

All recruitment activities for ABF BTS are supported by our AB Agri business.

Making your application

Ready to apply? Register your details and upload your CV via our careers website. Please apply promptly as high response may lead to early closure. For support during the recruitment process, contact us at [e-mail].

We also request that you inform us of any adjustments needed during the recruitment process by email. We do not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and have a PSL in place.