CTO, CNO — Lead Cutting‑Edge Cyber Ops & Strategy

MI5; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 Days Annual Leave

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities

Job summary

GCHQ is seeking a Chief Technology Officer to lead the Computer Network Operations (CNO) capability and set the vision for future delivery.

You will chair a cross-location team across Cheltenham and Manchester, manage an investment portfolio for CNO work, and shape workforce skills and recruitment to meet national security needs.

The role requires high-level technical authority in hostile environments and the ability to innovate in dynamic, security-sensitive settings.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead technical teams and set long-term strategy.
• Extensive cybersecurity and CNO experience in high-security environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and decision-making at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Define vision for future CNO work and capability development.
• Lead specialist delivery teams and talent development.
• Oversee investment portfolio for CNO work and workforce health.

Skills

Technical leadership

Strategic thinking

Cybersecurity expertise

People management

Experience in hostile environments

Tools

Threat intelligence platforms

Security best practices

Job description

GCHQ is seeking a Chief Technology Officer to lead the Computer Network Operations (CNO) capability and set the vision for future delivery.

You will chair a cross-location team across Cheltenham and Manchester, manage an investment portfolio for CNO work, and shape workforce skills and recruitment to meet national security needs.

The role requires high-level technical authority in hostile environments and the ability to innovate in dynamic, security-sensitive settings.