Security Operations Manager

Group Head Office; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in the UK seeks a Security Operations Manager to protect its information systems. This role involves managing security operations, incident response, and developing security capabilities. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in cyber security leadership and effective communication skills, as well as hands-on knowledge of relevant security technologies. This position offers a competitive reward package and contributes to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Cycle to Work Schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Cyber Security Manager or similar role.
• Experience building and maturing security operations capabilities.
• Hands-on knowledge of security technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day security operations and incident response.
• Drive efficiency improvements through automation.
• Conduct proactive threat hunting.

Skills

Cyber security leadership

Vulnerability management

Stakeholder management

Incident response

Communication skills

Education

CISSP or similar cyber security qualification

Tools

SIEM

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Intune

Microsoft Entra ID

Job description

The role

As Security Operations Manager, you will play a key role in protecting Outcomes First Group’s information systems, data, staff, and service users. You will lead and develop security operations capability across the organisation, ensuring robust detection, response, and resilience against cyber threats.

You will manage day-to-day security operations, oversee incident response, and work closely with third-party partners to maintain 24/7 operational security coverage. Using threat intelligence, proactive monitoring, and automation, you will continuously enhance OFG’s cyber security posture in line with the Cyber Security Strategy.

What you’ll do:

• Ensure OFG has effective capabilities in place to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents.
• Liaise with a third-party managed service provider.
• Own and develop the incident response framework and playbooks, including regular testing and executive-level tabletop exercises.
• Lead and mature OFG’s threat intelligence capability, delivering actionable insights to operational teams and key stakeholders.
• Own the end-to-end vulnerability management programme, including penetration testing, remediation tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Manage and develop a team of security analysts, acting as an escalation point for operational security issues.
• Drive efficiency improvements through automation and the use of AI within security operations processes.
• Deliver regular management information and reporting on OFG’s security posture, identifying risks and recommending improvements.
• Conduct proactive threat hunting and monitoring across the technology estate to identify weaknesses and emerging threats.
• Identify key cyber risks to the organisation and collaborate with stakeholders to implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Support the delivery of cyber security projects aligned to OFG’s Cyber Security Strategy.
• Identify future security operations needs and develop capability to support organisational growth.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in a Cyber Security Manager, SOC Lead, or similar security operations leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience building, developing, or maturing security operations capabilities and playbooks.
• Strong experience implementing and managing vulnerability management programmes across large IT estates.
• Hands-on knowledge of security technologies such as SIEM, endpoint protection, email and web gateways.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate complex security issues clearly.
• Experience of security investigations and incident response best practice; knowledge of Microsoft Purview and digital forensics is advantageous.
• Ideally, hands-on experience with Microsoft security technologies such as Defender, Intune, and Entra ID.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong attention to detail and ownership mindset.
• CISSP or similar industry-recognised cyber security qualifications are desirable.

Why join Outcomes First Group?

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.

Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.

Our Vision

Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission

We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise

We Listen.

We never assume.

We work together.

To make the remarkable happen.

We are accountable.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process.

All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.