Cyber Security Analyst

LRQA; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global assurance provider is looking for a Cyber Security Analyst to join their internal Security Operations team. This role focuses on AI-assisted defense and optimizing security tools. Responsibilities include operating Microsoft's Defender stack, analyzing attack techniques, and refining SOC processes. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in security operations and a passion for optimizing existing security. This position allows for a hybrid working model combining home and office collaboration.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in the Microsoft Defender security stack.
• Background in penetration testing or security operations.
• Strong documentation skills for procedures and processes.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure during incidents.
• Passion for optimizing security tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize Microsoft's AI-enhanced security tools.
• Analyze attacker TTPs to improve detection capabilities.
• Refine SOC processes using automation.
• Act as a contact during security incidents.
• Experiment with new technologies.

Skills

Microsoft Defender security stack

Penetration testing

Security operations

Documentation discipline

Growth mindset

Curiosity about AI/automation

Understanding of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)

Independent and collaborative work

Tools

Microsoft Sentinel

Zscaler

Job description

Overview

Cyber Security Analyst – We're looking for a Cyber Security Analyst who is excited about the future of AI-assisted defence and wants to be part of an internal Security Operations team. You’ll join a progressive Information Security function, reporting directly to the Information Security Manager, and take a hands-on role in monitoring and responding to threats across our networks, servers, endpoints, and cloud environments.

At LRQA, our philosophy is built around an offensive security mindset — understanding attacker behaviour, anticipating their moves, and using automation and AI-powered insights to stay ahead. As part of our growing team, you’ll dive into real technical challenges, work with teammates who share a passion for security innovation, and help us push our capabilities forward.

NOTE: This role supports LRQA's internal security team and is not part of the LRQA Nettitude Managed Services function.

What You'll Do

• Operate and optimise LRQA's AI-enhanced Microsoft Defender security tooling, using machine-learning insights and automated threat detection to identify, investigate, and respond to incidents.
• Apply offensive-security thinking to analyse attacker TTPs and strengthen LRQA's detection engineering.
• Continually refine SOC processes, using automation to reduce noise and amplify analyst impact.
• Act as a key point of contact during security incidents, helping shape remediation strategies.
• Experiment with new technologies, leverage AI-driven capabilities, and contribute to a culture of continual learning and innovation.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Hands-on experience with the Microsoft Defender security stack — alert triage, incident investigation, vulnerability analysis, and tuning detections for maximum signal-to-noise reduction.
• Background in penetration testing or security operations, with strong knowledge of attack paths against Windows AD/AAD environments.
• Strong documentation discipline, especially around procedures and technical processes.
• Calm, structured approach under pressure—particularly during live security incidents.
• A growth mindset, curiosity about AI/automation, and willingness to learn unfamiliar tools.
• Passion for optimising existing security tooling rather than relying on unnecessary products.
• Good understanding of attacker Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) and the ability to interpret threat intelligence.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a high-trust, high-autonomy team.
• Creativity and commitment to reducing security risk—using both human intuition and automated intelligence.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Zscaler, or other AI-enabled cloud security technologies.
• Additional Microsoft certifications: Microsoft SC-200, SC-300, SC-400, SC-900.
• Offensive security certifications such as OSCP, eCPPT, or hands-on experience via HackTheBox, TryHackMe, etc.
• Familiarity with modern tooling such as EDR, CSPM, PAM, NGFW, vulnerability management, and email security platforms.

Location

Hybrid role based in the UK, combining home working with office-based collaboration, workshops, and team sessions. Applicants must be UK residents.

Working Pattern

Shift-based work across early, mid, and late patterns (7.5 hours per day) to provide extended working day coverage.

Pre-Employment Checks

If you are successful in securing a role with us, we will carry out pre-employment checks in accordance with what is allowed under local law. These checks will include, (as permitted): right to work, identification, verification of employment history, education, and criminal records. We may involve a third-party supplier to run the background checks as needed and your data will be retained for a period as needed for the purpose of employing you. Your data will be stored in accordance with all relevant privacy legislation. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Diversity and Inclusion

LRQA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are on a mission to be the place where we all want to work and embrace different perspectives because we understand the value this brings to our business, our clients and each other. We are about creating a safer and more sustainable future and our inclusive culture is at the heart of our business. Together our employees make our communities better and we want you to be part of our diverse team!

LRQA is a leading global assurance provider. The integrity and expertise we bring to our partnership with clients support their journey to a safer, more secure and more sustainable future. (Group entities).

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