Senior Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Kemble; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading intelligence and security agency as a Senior Cyber Security Analyst. You'll defend against cyber threats, lead operational improvements, and mentor junior analysts while enjoying flexible working options and a supportive environment.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site gym facilities

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst.
• Solid understanding of Windows and Linux OS.

Responsibilities

• Investigating alerts and analyzing logs and network traffic.
• Monitoring security alarms and responding to breaches.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Tools

Splunk

Job description

Job Title: Senior Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £44,044 (including £2,658 non-concessionary payment)

Work Flexibility: Flexible working options available, including full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. Up to 40% home working may be available depending on business needs.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe. We utilize advanced technology, ingenuity, and partnerships to identify, analyze, and disrupt threats. Collaborating with MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. Join us for varied, fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment emphasizing teamwork.

The Role

As a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, you will be crucial in defending our organization against cyber threats such as malware, insider threats, DoS attacks, and phishing. Your daily tasks may include investigating alerts, analyzing logs and network traffic with tools like Splunk, monitoring security alarms, creating detection content, and responding to breaches. You will lead efforts to improve operational processes, mentor junior analysts, and support digital forensics and incident response activities. Staying updated on cybersecurity tools and techniques and reviewing past alerts will also be part of your responsibilities.

About You

You should have a background in cyber security analysis and a passion for IT. Experience with host intrusion detection is preferred, but training will be provided. A solid understanding of Windows and Linux OS is required. You need at least 6 months of experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst. As a leader, you should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Training and Development

We support your growth through internal and external training, opportunities across various cybersecurity specializations, and industry-recognized qualifications like SANS and CISSP. Travel, conference attendance, and staying current with cybersecurity innovations are encouraged but not mandatory.

Rewards and Benefits

• Starting salary of £44,044
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public holidays
• Recognition schemes, interest-free season ticket loan, pension scheme, cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant, coffee bars (at some locations)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled individuals, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Learn more at our website.

Disability Confidence

GCHQ is a Leader in the DWP’s Disability Confident scheme, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled applicants. To secure an interview, applicants must meet minimum criteria, including 6 months’ experience in a relevant role and experience in malware analysis, intrusion detection, or incident response. Support and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the process.

Application Process

Our fair, merit-based process includes application review, virtual interviews, and conditional offers. The process may take 6-9 months, so applicants are advised to maintain current employment until final offers are made.

Eligibility and Security Clearance

Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals and able to obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Considerations include residency, drug policies, and application procedures, with specific advice on email setup and location considerations.

Note

We reserve the right to close the application earlier if sufficient applications are received. Early submission is encouraged.