Duty Manager

Certes; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 129,150 - 147,600; Full time

Job summary

Certes is seeking an experienced SOC Duty Manager to join a high-profile operational command function in Milton Keynes, onsite. The role centers on acting as the on-shift commander, maintaining the single operational picture, and leading incident response with real-time decision making.

You will coordinate multiple teams across security domains, ensure timely decisions, and drive post-incident reviews. DV clearance and 24/7 leadership required for a 12-month contract.

Qualifications

• DV Level Security Clearance essential.
• Proven experience leading operational teams in 24/7 environments.
• Strong incident command and crisis management experience.
• Coordination of multiple teams and stakeholders during complex events.
• Experience in high-pressure, real-time environments.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Structured decision-making and risk assessment abilities.
• Desirable: experience in SOC/NOC/defense or CNI environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary operational decision-maker during live incidents and service-impacting events.
• Lead integrated incident response activities across multiple teams.
• Maintain command and control of incidents from identification to resolution.
• Ensure a single, accurate operational picture is maintained.
• Coordinate escalations to senior stakeholders and leadership teams.
• Oversee handovers, documentation, and post-incident reviews.
• Promote best practices and adherence to procedures.

Skills

Operational leadership

Incident command

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Decision making

Job description

SOC DutyManager - DV Cleared

Location: Milton Keynes (full time onsite)

Duration: 12 Months +

Rate: £700 - £800 per day (Inside IR35)

Start: ASAP

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced SOC Duty Manager to join a high-profile operational command function supporting a critical security environment.

As the SOC Duty Manager you will act as the on-shift operational commander, responsible for maintaining the single operational picture across multiple technology and security domains, leading integrated incident response activities, and making critical real-time operational decisions.

The successful candidate will possess exceptional situational awareness, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to coordinate multiple teams during high-pressure operational events.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary operational decision-maker during live incidents and service-impacting events.
• Lead integrated incident response activities across multiple operational teams.
• Maintain overall command and control of incidents from identification through to resolution.
• Ensure a single, accurate operational picture is maintained at all times.

Incident Management & Escalation

• Assess operational events and determine appropriate response actions.
• Declare and manage Major Incidents where required.
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational teams during live incidents.
• Coordinate escalations to senior stakeholders and leadership teams as appropriate.

Coordinate activities across Security Operations, Network Operations, Infrastructure, Physical Security, and supporting operational teams.

• Ensure effective communication and collaboration between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Drive timely decision-making and resource allocation during critical events.

Oversee operational handovers and shift continuity.

• Ensure high-quality documentation, reporting, and event timelines are maintained.
• Support post-incident reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote operational best practices and adherence to established procedures.

Skills & Experience:

Essential

DV Level Security Clearance *essential*

• Proven experience leading operational teams within a 24/7 mission-critical environment.
• Strong incident command and crisis management experience.
• Ability to coordinate multiple teams and stakeholders during complex operational events.
• Experience operating within high-pressure, real-time environments.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Strong situational awareness and structured decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to rapidly assess operational risks and make informed decisions.

Desirable

• Experience within Security Operations Centres (SOC), Network Operations Centres (NOC), Command Centres, Defence, Government, or Critical National Infrastructure environments.
• Experience managing Major Incidents and operational escalations.
• Knowledge of cyber security, infrastructure, network operations, and physical security disciplines.
• ITIL, Incident Management, Operational Leadership, or related certifications.