Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst

Smart DCC; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Annual performance bonus

Generous pension scheme

Private healthcare

Annual leave entitlement plus bank hol

Flexible benefits package

Professional development and training

Employee wellbeing support

Job summary

Smart DCC is seeking a Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst to lead investigation and response to cyber threats across critical national infrastructure. You will mentor SOC analysts, drive improvements in detection and incident response, and partner with security teams to strengthen threat monitoring and resilience.

You’ll work with cutting-edge security technologies, influence strategy, and shape the future of cyber defence across the organisation while protecting services that touch millions

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a SOC or cyber defence environment.
• Strong incident response and digital investigation experience.
• In-depth understanding of cyber threats, attack techniques and threat actor behaviours.
• Experience with SIEM, EDR, threat intelligence and security monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of cloud security technologies, particularly Microsoft and Azure environments.
• Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK framework.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigation and response to cyber security incidents and major security events.
• Act as a senior escalation point for complex security analysis and threat hunting activities.
• Drive improvements to monitoring, detection content, automation and incident response processes.
• Support and mentor SOC analysts to develop technical capability across the team.
• Lead security exercises, simulations and lessons learned activities.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen overall security posture.
• Producing high-quality reporting and communicating security risks to a variety of audiences.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across the SOC and wider cyber security function.
• Supporting strategic cyber security initiatives and projects.

Skills

SOC experience

Incident response

Threat hunting

Threat intelligence

Security monitoring tools

Cloud security (Azure)

MITRE ATT&CK

Communication

Tools

SIEM

EDR

Threat intel tools

Monitoring tools

Job description

Lead the response to cyber threats protecting critical national infrastructure

At Smart DCC, we're powering Britain's smarter, greener future. As our Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst, you'll play a pivotal role in protecting one of the UK's most critical national infrastructures, leading the investigation of cyber security incidents, enhancing detection capabilities, and driving continuous improvement across our Security Operations Centre (SOC).

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced cyber security professional looking to combine hands‑on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities in a collaborative and fast‑evolving environment.

About the role

As a Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst, you will act as a senior technical authority within the SOC, supporting the day‑to‑day management of security operations whilst helping shape the future direction of cyber defence within DCC.

Working closely with the SOC Manager and wider security teams, you'll lead complex investigations, mentor analysts, improve detection engineering capabilities, and ensure cyber threats are identified and responded to effectively.

This role offers the chance to influence strategy, develop people, and work with advanced security technologies while protecting services that support millions of homes and businesses across Great Britain.

What you'll be doing

• Leading the investigation and response to cyber security incidents and major security events
• Acting as a senior escalation point for complex security analysis and threat hunting activities
• Driving improvements to monitoring, detection content, automation and incident response processes
• Supporting and mentoring SOC analysts to develop technical capability across the team
• Leading security exercises, simulations and lessons learned activities
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen overall security posture
• Producing high-quality reporting and communicating security risks to a variety of audiences
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement across the SOC and wider cyber security function
• Supporting strategic cyber security initiatives and projects

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience working within a Security Operations Centre or cyber defence environment
• Strong incident response and digital investigation experience
• In‑depth understanding of cyber threats, attack techniques and threat actor behaviours
• Experience with SIEM, endpoint detection and response, threat intelligence and security monitoring tools
• Knowledge of cloud security technologies, particularly Microsoft and Azure environments
• Familiarity with security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Experience coaching, mentoring or providing technical leadership to other analystsAbility to work collaboratively across technical and non‑technical teams

Why join Smart DCC?

At DCC, you'll be part of a mission that's helping transform the energy sector while contributing to the UK's Net Zero ambitions. We invest heavily in our people and provide opportunities to develop your career through exposure to cutting‑edge technologies, industry‑leading expertise and meaningful work.

You’ll join a supportive team where innovation, collaboration and continuous learning are encouraged, giving you the opportunity to make a real impact every day.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a competitive rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, development and financial security, including:

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Hybrid working
• Generous pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Flexible benefits package
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee wellbeing support

Bring your expertise. Shape the future.

Smart DCC is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.