Graduate Security Analyst - Preston - 2027

OCU Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

OCU Group in Preston is looking for a Graduate Security Analyst to join our Security and IT teams. You’ll protect our people, information and infrastructure from cyber threats and gain hands-on experience across monitoring, incident response and risk management.

You’ll participate in our two-year Graduate Programme, working with security professionals and business stakeholders to deliver security initiatives and develop best practices for a resilient operation.

Qualifications

• Degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science (2:2 or better).
• Driving licence required for travel across site locations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and incidents as part of the security team.
• Assist with vulnerability management, risk assessment and compliance activities.
• Support audits and security awareness initiatives across the organisation.
• Contribute to security controls and best practices throughout the security lifecycle.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to strengthen the security posture.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Info security awareness

Education

Degree in Cybersecurity or Computer Science (2:2)

Job description

Graduate Security Analyst - Preston - 2027

Department: Group Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Preston

Reporting To: Raegan Moss

Description

You’ll play a key role in helping protect OCU's people, information, systems and critical infrastructure from evolving cyber security threats. Based in Preston, you'll work as part of our Security and IT teams, supporting the delivery of security initiatives that help safeguard business operations across our diverse sectors and services.

You’ll gain exposure to a broad range of cyber security activities, including security monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, risk assessment, compliance and security awareness. Working alongside experienced security professionals, IT teams and business stakeholders, you'll help identify and mitigate security risks, investigate potential threats, support the implementation of security controls and contribute to maintaining a strong security culture across the organisation.

As part of the role, you’ll assist with monitoring security alerts, analysing threats, supporting audits and compliance activities, reviewing vulnerabilities and helping to develop security processes and best practices. You’ll also have opportunities to work with a variety of technologies, security tools and frameworks, gaining practical experience across the full security lifecycle. As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on increasing responsibility and become an important contributor to protecting OCU's digital assets and operational resilience.

Perfect for

Graduates who are passionate about cyber security and technology and want to play an active role in protecting critical business systems and infrastructure. You’ll be naturally curious, analytical and eager to learn, with strong problem-solving skills and an interest in information security, risk management and emerging technologies.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys investigating issues, identifying patterns and working collaboratively to solve complex challenges. You’ll be keen to develop your technical expertise, communication skills and understanding of cyber security best practices while working closely with security specialists, IT professionals and business stakeholders. You’ll help strengthen OCU's security posture and contribute to creating a secure and resilient environment for our people, customers and operations.

Entry Requirements

You’ll need (or be on track to achieve) a degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science or related subject with a minimum 2:2 classification.

Due to travel and support across various site locations driving licence is essential before starting the role.

Training Programme

Our 2 year Graduate Programme combines structured training with hands-on experience, giving you real responsibility from day one. You’ll learn directly alongside industry experts in a collaborative, supportive environment. We invest in your continuous professional development, giving you the tools, confidence and clear progression path to build a long term career within OCU.