Cyber IT Operations Lead

North Tower Consulting Ltd; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity consultancy in Cheltenham seeks a Cyber IT Operations Manager to oversee IT operations with an emphasis on cybersecurity. Responsibilities include developing security policies, managing risks, and mentoring cybersecurity apprentices. The ideal candidate has a strong background in cybersecurity governance, risk management, and incident response. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity talent while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in cybersecurity operations and risk management.
• Ability to mentor and develop cybersecurity apprentices.
• Strong understanding of security frameworks like NIST, CIS, ISO27001.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain IT operations with a focus on cybersecurity.
• Develop and implement security policies and procedures.
• Lead the mentorship program for cybersecurity apprentices.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and accreditation.

Skills

Cybersecurity governance

Risk management

Incident response

Team leadership

Mentoring

Job description

Role Summary

The Cyber IT Operations Manager will be pivotal in managing and maintaining NTC's IT operations with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. This role is focused on safeguarding the company's infrastructure, implementing best practices for security policies, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, you will take the lead in mentoring and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by guiding our apprentice program. Your strategic input will help align the business’s technology initiatives with risk management and security standards, ensuring NTC's systems are resilient, secure, and cost-effective.

Key Responsibilities

• Cybersecurity Governance & Risk Management
• Cybersecurity Policy Development: Define, author, and maintain robust IT Operations policies with a primary focus on security to safeguard against cyber threats, ensuring activities are repeatable, secure, and minimising risks to NTC’s assets and data.
• Risk & Security Management: Proactively identify, communicate, and address risks and opportunities associated with evolving cybersecurity threats, minimising impacts on business operations and maintaining compliance with security frameworks (e.g., NIST, CIS, ISO27001).
• Incident Response & Mitigation: Provide expert-level support in managing and mitigating security incidents, coordinating with teams to reduce the impact and ensure swift resolution while maintaining operational continuity.
• Cybersecurity Leadership & Strategic Direction
• Security Strategy Influence: Guide the strategic direction of NTC’s IT operations to ensure it aligns with business objectives while maintaining a strong security posture, ensuring the implementation of cybersecurity best practices and secure configurations.
• Accountability for Security in Bids/Tenders: Act as the point of accountability for cybersecurity-related technical requirements in bids and tenders, ensuring that NTC’s solutions adhere to the highest security standards.
• Technical Expert Support: Provide expert-level technical support to internal teams and clients on cybersecurity-related challenges, ensuring secure systems and networks are in place to meet operational needs.
• Cyber Team Leadership & Apprenticeship Mentorship
• Mentoring Cyber Apprentices: Lead and mentor cybersecurity apprentices, designing tailored training programs and implementing a structured apprenticeship scheme. Support apprentices in developing hands‑on experience, with guidance on real‑world cyber challenges and security practices.
• Developing Cybersecurity Talent: Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the technical team, encouraging apprentices and junior staff to pursue cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker) and career growth.
• Team Development & Skill Expansion: Identify skills gaps within the team, particularly in cybersecurity areas, and implement training programs or learning paths to ensure a highly skilled and up‑to‑date technical team.
• Security Project Management & Financial Oversight
• Project Budget Management: Take responsibility for the financial aspects of cybersecurity‑related technical projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Customer & Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, ensuring their cybersecurity needs are met while also helping to educate them on best practices and emerging threats.
• Collaboration with Partners: Identify opportunities to collaborate with external security partners, vendors, and industry groups to ensure the business is leveraging the latest cybersecurity solutions and technologies.
• Cybersecurity Compliance & Accreditation
• Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus: Lead the business in achieving and maintaining Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification, ensuring compliance with these vital security standards.
• ISO27001 Accreditation: Work closely with internal departments to achieve and maintain ISO27001 certification, ensuring NTC’s operations align with global security standards and best practices.
• Security Audits & Re‑certifications: Oversee security audits, ensuring that the business is prepared for all re‑certification processes, including those related to Cyber Essentials Plus and other relevant security certifications.

Additional Terms

• Cybersecurity Awareness: Support the promotion of NTC’s cybersecurity services on the company website and through social media channels, contributing to our public presence as a leader in the cyber space.
• Networking & Cybersecurity Development: Attend cybersecurity seminars, conferences, and networking events as agreed with your Line Manager to foster your personal development and expand NTC’s visibility in the cybersecurity community.
• Apprenticeship Support: Actively contribute to NTC’s ongoing commitment to apprenticeship schemes, ensuring apprenticeships are a central part of our cybersecurity talent pipeline.
• Security Clearance: Hold SC (Security Check) clearance or be willing to undergo the SC process (employment in this role is contingent upon obtaining this clearance).
• Any other reasonable requests