Associate SOC Analyst

NCC Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity firm is seeking an Associate SOC Analyst to join their Manchester office on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves monitoring and analyzing security events, triaging incidents, and collaborating with the SOC team to enhance cybersecurity posture. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and relevant certifications. This position offers comprehensive benefits including wellness programs and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension

Life Assurance

Learning & Development

Qualifications

• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+.
• Hands-on experience with SIEM platforms like Splunk or ELK Stack.
• Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or PowerShell.

Responsibilities

• Monitor health and security alerts and events from various sources.
• Conduct initial triage of security incidents for assessment.
• Document incident details including findings and actions taken.

Skills

Basic understanding of networking protocols

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

SIEM systems

IDS/IPS

Security tools

Job description

Associate SOC Analyst - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

24/7 Shift Pattern

The R1 Analyst plays a vital role in the Security Operations Centre (SOC), contributing to the organisation's overall cybersecurity posture by actively participating in the monitoring, analysis, and response to security incidents and events. With a focus on continuous learning and collaboration, the R1 Analyst supports the SOC team in identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential security threats and vulnerabilities. Through the application of foundational technical skills and a strong dedication to detail-oriented analysis, the R1 Analyst assists in safeguarding the organisation's critical systems, data, and assets from cyber risks. By working closely with senior analysts and leveraging emerging technologies, the R1 Analyst helps maintain a vigilant and proactive defence against evolving cyber threats, enabling the organisation to operate securely and with confidence.

Summary

• Monitor health and security alerts and events from various sources including security information and event management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and other monitoring tools.
• Conduct initial triage of security incidents to assess their severity and potential impact on the organization.
• Document and maintain incident details, including initial findings, actions taken, and any relevant evidence.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Initiate escalation procedure to counteract potential threats, vulnerabilities and threat actors both internally and externally.
• Collaborate with other SOC team members, IT staff, and relevant stakeholders to effectively respond to security incidents.
• Provide customer service that exceeds our customers’ expectations at all times.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of security documentation, including incident response playbooks, standard operating procedures, and knowledge base articles.
• Document and conform to processes related to security monitoring procedures.
• Compilation and review of service focused reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What we are looking for in you

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Security+.
• Basic understanding of networking protocols, operating systems, and security technologies.
• Familiarity with security tools such as SIEM, IDS/IPS, antivirus, and vulnerability scanning tools.
• Ability to interpret and analyse security logs and events generated by various systems.
• Flexibility to quickly learn and adapt to new security tools, technologies, and processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA CySA+, GCIH, CSA, CEH.
• Hands-on experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms (e.g., Splunk, ELK Stack, IBM QRadar) and their use in aggregating and analysing security event data.
• Proficiency with security tools such as intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), and vulnerability scanning tools.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, PowerShell) for automation and analysis tasks.

Ways of working

Focusing on Clients and Customers.

Working as One NCC.

Being Inclusive and Respectful.

Delivering Brilliantly.

Our company

At NCC Group, our mission is to create a more secure digital future. That mission underpins everything we do, from our work with our incredible clients to groundbreaking research shaping our industry. Our teams' partner with clients across a multitude of industries, delving into, securing new products, and emerging technologies, as well as solving complex security problems. As global leaders in cyber and escrow, NCC Group is a people-powered business seeking the next group of brilliant minds to join our ranks.

Our colleagues are our greatest asset, and NCC Group is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, authenticity, and accountability. We want colleagues to put down roots at NCC Group, and we offer a comprehensive benefits package, as well as opportunities for learning and development and career growth. We believe our people are at their brilliant best when they feel bolstered in all aspects of their well-being, and we offer wellness programs and flexible working arrangements to provide that vital support.

What do we offer in return?

We have a high-performance culture which is balanced evenly with world-class well-being initiatives and benefits:

Pension

Life Assurance

Share Save Scheme

Maternity & Paternity leave

Community & Volunteering Programmes

Learning & Development

So, what’s next?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, then we would love to hear from you! Click on apply to this job to send us your CV and cover letter and the relevant member of our global talent team will be in touch with you. Alternatively send your details to [e-mail] .

About your application

We review every application received and will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we’re looking for. If you don’t hear back from us within 10 days, please don’t be too disappointed – we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies and we would encourage you to keep an eye on our career opportunities as there may be other suitable roles.

If you do not want us to retain your details, please email [e-mail] . All personal data is held in accordance with the NCC Group Privacy Policy ( candidate-privacy-notice-261023.pdf (nccgroupplc.com) ). We are committed to diversity and flexibility in the workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, please tell us at any stage.

Please note that this role involves mandatory pre-employment background checks due to the nature of the work NCC Group does. To apply, you must be willing and able to undergo the vetting process. This role being advertised will be subject to BS7858 screening as a mandatory requirement.

About Us

The NCC Group family has over 2,200 members located all around the world, providing a trusted advisory service to 15,000 customers. Born in the UK, we have now have offices in North America, Canada, Europe, Asia- Pacific and United Arab Emirates.

We are passionate about helping our customers to protect their brand, value and reputation against the ever-evolving threat landscape. We fuel that passion with investment in our people and our business.

Our values and code of ethics are at the heart of how we operate – we work together, we are brilliantly creative and we embrace difference. We treat everyone and everything with equal respect.

We want to create an environment where all colleagues feel psychologically, emotionally and physically safe to be authentic, sharing their personal experiences to represent the diversity of the world they live in, and have equal opportunity to achieve their best.