Senior Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Coates; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intelligence and security agency is seeking a Senior Cyber Security Analyst in Cheltenham. The role involves protecting the organization from cyber threats, mentoring junior staff, and contributing to security initiatives. Flexible working options are available, and the position offers a competitive salary along with numerous benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Employee recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Facilities like gyms

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst.
• Experience with host intrusion detection analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

• Investigate high-priority alerts and analyze logs.
• Lead efforts to streamline processes and mentor junior analysts.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

Cyber Security Analysis

Tools

Splunk

Job description

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Job Description

Senior Cyber Security Analyst

Cheltenham

£44,044 (includes £2,658 non-concessionary payment)

Flexible working: We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. While hybrid working can be more restricted, due to the nature of the work, around 40% home working may be available depending on business needs.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The Role

As a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, you’ll be key to protecting our organisation against a range of cyber threats. From malware outbreaks and insider activity to denial-of-service attacks and phishing, your role will be vital in detecting, responding to, and mitigating risks. Daily tasks include investigating high-priority alerts, analysing logs, network traffic, and endpoint activity using tools like Splunk. You will monitor security alarms, create detection content, use threat intelligence, and respond to breaches. Each day begins with a team meeting to review investigations and plan.

You will lead efforts to streamline processes, mentor junior analysts, and provide expert guidance. Opportunities include diving into Digital Forensics and supporting security incidents. You'll contribute to the team’s future direction by offering insights into new initiatives and staying updated with the latest cyber security tools and techniques. Reviewing past alerts and prioritising incidents based on severity will also be part of your role.

About You

You should have a background in cyber security analysis and a passion for IT. Experience with host intrusion detection analysis is preferred but training will be provided. You should understand both Windows and Linux Operating Systems. A minimum of 6 months experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst is required. You should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, working closely with IT teams and network administrators. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.

Training and Development

We support your growth through internal and external training, offering opportunities across various cyber security specialisms. We encourage pursuit of industry qualifications like SANS and CISSP, and support attending conferences and staying current with cyber security innovations. Travel opportunities are infrequent and optional.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary of £44,044 plus benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 public holidays
• Employee recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities like gyms, restaurants, coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

GCHQ values diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled persons, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. More info on our diversity initiatives is available on our website.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Leader, committed to fair recruitment practices. To be shortlisted, candidates must meet minimum criteria including 6 months’ experience as a Cyber Security/SOC Analyst, and experience in malware analysis, intrusion detection, or incident response. Support is available throughout the process, including reasonable adjustments.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent, comprising application review, virtual interviews, and conditional offers. The process may take 6-9 months including vetting. We advise continuing current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals, and pass Developed Vetting (DV). More info on eligibility and vetting is available online. We recommend setting up a separate email for application correspondence, and considering practicalities like living within commuting distance to Cheltenham, as relocation costs are not covered. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted until visiting the UK.

Right to Withdraw

We may close the application window early if sufficient applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.