Cyber Security Analyst

JR United Kingdom; Yockleton; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading intelligence and security agency is seeking a Cyber Security Analyst to join their team in Cheltenham. The role involves defending against cyber threats and requires a passion for IT and cybersecurity. Candidates should possess a foundational cybersecurity certification and experience with scripting. The agency offers professional growth opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a variety of benefits, including a competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Performance recognition schemes

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars)

Paid parental and adoption leave

Qualifications

• At least 6 months of relevant experience in cybersecurity.
• Foundational cybersecurity certification required.

Responsibilities

• Detecting, responding to, and mitigating security incidents.
• Analyzing alerts, logs, network traffic, and endpoint data.

Skills

Scripting

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

CompTIA Security+

Tools

Splunk

AWS

Azure

Windows

Linux

Python

Job description

Job Title: Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

Salary: £36,408 (including £2,658 non-concessionary payment)

Working Arrangements: Flexible working options available, including full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. Up to 20% home working may be possible depending on business needs.

About Us

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber, and security agency committed to keeping the UK safe. We employ advanced technology and collaborate with partners such as MI5 and MI6 to counter threats including terrorism, cyber-attacks, and espionage. Join us for varied, impactful work in a supportive and inclusive environment emphasizing teamwork.

The Role

As a Cyber Security Analyst, you will work within a close-knit team to defend against cyber threats such as malware, insider threats, DoS attacks, and phishing. Your responsibilities include detecting, responding to, and mitigating security incidents, analyzing alerts, logs, network traffic, and endpoint data using tools like Splunk, and developing detection strategies. You will also have opportunities to engage in Digital Forensics and enhance your skills in operational security strategies.

About You

You should have a passion for IT and cybersecurity, experience with scripting, and knowledge of Windows and Linux OS, with familiarity in Python. Interest in AWS and Azure is desirable. Candidates must hold a foundational cybersecurity certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+) or have at least 6 months of relevant experience. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential.

Training and Development

We support your professional growth through in-house training, external certifications (e.g., SANS, OFFSEC), mentorship, and opportunities to attend conferences. You will gain hands-on experience in threat detection, incident response, and security strategies, with potential travel opportunities that are optional.

Rewards and Benefits

• Salary: £36,408 plus benefits
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years, plus public holidays
• Performance recognition schemes
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities (gym, restaurant, coffee bars)
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities & Disability Confidence

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups including women, ethnic minorities, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. We are a Disability Confident Leader, committed to supporting disabled applicants throughout the process.

Application Process

1. Application review based on motivation and skills
2. Virtual competency and technical interview
3. Conditional job offer upon success

Processing time is approximately 6-9 months, including vetting. We recommend continuing current employment until final offer.

Eligibility & Application Tips

Applicants must be UK citizens or dual nationals, eligible for Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. Consider setting up a separate email for application correspondence and ensure you are within a reasonable commuting distance to Cheltenham, as relocation costs are not covered. Applications from outside the UK are discouraged.