Cyber Security Engineering Manager

The Automobile Association; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading motoring organization in Basingstoke is seeking an experienced Cyber Security Engineering Manager to lead a talented team and drive security initiatives. The role involves transforming cyber controls, mentoring engineers, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering background and leadership capability, with hands-on expertise in key security technologies. This position offers competitive benefits, including a comprehensive leave scheme, pension contributions, and discounts on various services.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution

Free AA breakdown membership

Discounts on AA products

Employee discount scheme

Company funded life assurance

Diverse learning and development opportunities

24/7 remote GP service

Qualifications

• Proven experience transforming cyber controls with a strong engineering background.
• Demonstrable leadership capability, including coaching and mentoring.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with effective communication.
• Hands-on expertise across key security technologies.
• Ability to take ownership and drive complex initiatives autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Cyber Security Engineers.
• Design and implement key cyber-security controls.
• Drive hands-on engineering delivery across environments.
• Collaborate with various teams for effective security embedding.
• Support incident response activities and proactive risk mitigation.
• Champion continuous improvement and automation.

Skills

Transforming cyber controls

Leadership capability

Stakeholder management

Hands-on expertise in security technologies

Ownership in complex initiatives

Education

Relevant industry certifications (CISSP, CISM, etc.)

Tools

Microsoft Security

CNAPP/CSPM

EDR/AV

Infrastructure security tools

Job description

For over a century, we've been evolving and adapting. Today, as the nation's leading motoring organisation, we offer a wide range of products and services to millions of customers. From roadside assistance to home and motor insurance, and the latest driving technologies, we have it all. As we continue to expand, diversify, and modernise, joining us as a Cyber Security Engineering Manager means you'll play a crucial role in our success and be part of this exciting motoring journey. Our Chief Operating Office (COO) are the backbone of The AA, providing both stability and structure to support growth and innovation. We are the drivers of change. This is the job Are you an experienced cyber security leader with a passion for transforming controls, uplifting engineering capability, and building high-performing teams? As our Cyber Security Engineering Manager, you'll have a major influence on the AA's security posture, leading talented engineers, driving hands‑on technical excellence, and implementing modern, resilient cyber controls that protect our systems, data, and customers. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on autonomy and ownership, combining strategic thinking with practical engineering expertise. You'll collaborate extensively across IT, Operations, and key platforms, strengthen incident response, and champion continuous improvement across our cyber‑defence landscape, playing a pivotal part in shaping the future of cyber engineering at the AA. What will I be doing?

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Cyber Security Engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, autonomy and continuous improvement.
• Design, implement and optimise key cyber‑security controls – including micro‑segmentation, firewalls, EDR, SIEM, IAM and cloud security solutions – to strengthen the AA's overall security posture.
• Drive hands‑on engineering delivery, providing expert guidance on the configuration, integration and enhancement of security tooling across cloud and on‑prem environments.
• Collaborate with IT, Operations, key platforms and third‑party suppliers to ensure security is embedded effectively and consistently across systems and projects.
• Lead and support incident response activities, contributing to threat analysis, vulnerability management and proactive risk mitigation.
• Champion continuous improvement by developing SOPs, improving security metrics, implementing automation and evolving cyber‑engineering capabilities in line with strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Proven experience transforming cyber controls (e.g. breach management, micro‑segmentation, firewalls) with a strong engineering background, ideally in Microsoft Security and cloud technologies.
• Demonstrable leadership capability, including coaching, mentoring and direct line management of technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and communicate effectively across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Hands‑on expertise across key security technologies such as CNAPP/CSPM, Microsoft Defender, SIEM, IAM, EDR/AV and infrastructure security tools.
• Ability to take ownership and drive complex initiatives autonomously while remaining actively involved in technical delivery and problem‑solving.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, Microsoft Security), supported by extensive experience within transformative, fast‑paced environments.

Equal Opportunities

We're an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
• Plus, so much more!