Deputy Director for Government Cyber Operations

Cabinet Office; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in the UK is seeking a senior operational cyber security professional to lead cyber operations and drive the Government Cyber Coordination Centre (GC3). The role involves strategic decision-making, collaborating with various partners, and engaging with senior stakeholders across sectors. The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive salary of £81,000 and additional benefits including pension contributions and annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension contribution

Flexible working patterns

Paid maternity and paternity leave

Child-care benefits

Interest-free loans for travel

Occupational sick pay

Qualifications

• Significant experience building and leading cyber security operations functions.
• Proven experience leading the response to major cyber incidents.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GC3, providing strategic direction.
• Collaborate with partner organisations to implement GC3 operations.
• Engage senior stakeholders across various sectors.

Skills

Effective Decision Making

Delivering at Pace

Changing and Improving

Communicating and Influencing

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced senior operational cyber security professional to lead government cyber operations, digital resilience and the Government Cyber Coordination Centre (GC3). The role is based in the Cabinet Office and will eventually move to the Government Digital Service (GDS) in 2025. You will report to the Director for the Government Cyber Unit, drive the design, implementation and continual improvement of GC3, and shape cyber security policy across central Government.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the GC3, providing strategic direction, decision making and management across transformation, cyber operations, business operations and communications functions.
• Collaborate with partner organisations to design and implement the GC3 operating model, strategy and roadmap.
• Work with GDS and other partners to scale GC3 operational capabilities and iterate the operating model as required.
• Engage senior stakeholders across partner organisations, central Government functions, departments and the wider public sector.
• Lead the cross‑government response to critical security vulnerabilities, threats and incidents, coordinating with NCSC and national security processes such as COBR.
• Brief senior stakeholders on cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, incidents and mitigations, leading ministerial briefings and parliamentary business.
• Represent GC3 and the wider cyber security community in influencing national policy and initiatives.
• Contribute to the evolution of the Government Cyber Security Strategy objectives, ensuring they remain fit for purpose.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of the threat landscape and cyber security best practices.
• Act as an escalation point and line manage GC3 function leads, providing coaching and mentoring.
• Champion the network defender community across Government and support the Cyber Directorate senior leadership team.
• Advocate for excellence in all aspects of leadership and people management.
• Deputise for the Director for Government Cyber Security when required.

Success Profile

• Effective Decision Making: Consistently makes well‑considered decisions with limited information.
• Delivering at Pace: Shows a high level of personal resilience, composure under pressure and ability to deliver on time.
• Changing and Improving: Drives transformation to improve delivery, impact and performance.
• Communicating and Influencing: Can explain complex technical details to non‑technical audiences and build relationships with senior stakeholders.

Qualifications & Experience

• Significant experience building and leading cyber security operations functions in large organisations.
• Proven experience leading the response to major cyber incidents at an organisational or national level.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching and mentoring skills for diverse, high‑performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, mitigations and best practices.
• Experience in large‑scale transformation projects, delivering on complex, cross‑organisational initiatives.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
• Proven resilience and comfort working in ambiguous environments.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple organisations with conflicting priorities.
• Experience in national security or related environments (desirable).

Commitment

Assignment duration: 3 years. This period is expected to enable delivery of agreed key business outcomes and support career development.

Security Requirements

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements, including developed vetting clearance and baseline personnel security checks.

Application Process

• Submit CV and Statement of Suitability (≤1000 words) online; failure to submit both incurs limited consideration.
• Shortlisted candidates may take part in psychometric tests, assessments and panel interviews, including potential presentations.
• Interview panel will assess against experience and behaviours.
• Successful applicants will be offered a 3‑year assignment with associated benefits.

Benefits

• Salaried at £81,000 with a supplementary pension contribution of £23,465.
• 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus 8 public holidays and one privilege day.
• Competitive contributory pension scheme with significant employer contribution.
• Flexible working patterns, part‑time and term‑time options.
• Generous paid maternity and paternity leave, exceeding statutory minimums.
• Child‑care benefits, including Tax‑Free Childcare scheme and potential vouchers.
• Interest‑free loans for travel or bicycle purchase.
• Onsite facilities such as fitness centres and staff canteens where available.
• Occupational sick pay and supportive leave arrangements.