Senior Cyber Security Analyst

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

Job summary

Join a leading intelligence agency as a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, where you'll defend against cyber threats, mentor junior staff, and enhance operational processes. Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development in a vital role.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years

Interest-free season ticket loan

Excellent pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parental and adoption 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.
• Leading efforts to improve operational processes and mentoring junior analysts.

Skills

Cyber Security Analysis

Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

Job Description

Senior Cyber Security Analyst

Location: Cheltenham

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

Flexible working: We value work-life balance and offer full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. Hybrid working is possible, with around 40% home working depending on business needs.

About Us

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

The Role

As a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, you will be crucial in defending our organization from cyber threats such as malware, insider threats, DDoS attacks, and phishing. Your daily tasks may include investigating alerts, analyzing logs and network traffic, monitoring security alarms, creating detection content, using threat intelligence, and responding to breaches. Each day begins with a team meeting to review investigations and plan.

You will lead efforts to improve operational processes, mentor junior analysts, and provide expert guidance. Opportunities to explore Digital Forensics and support security incidents are also available. Staying updated with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques and reviewing past alerts to prioritize incidents will 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 necessary. You need at least 6 months of experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst. 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, enabling you to refine skills and expand expertise. You will have opportunities to work across various cyber security specialisms and pursue industry-recognized qualifications like SANS and CISSP. Opportunities for travel, conferences, and staying current with cyber security innovations are available but not mandatory.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary: £44,044, plus benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after 5 years, plus 10.5 public holidays
• Recognition through our employee performance scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Excellent pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Facilities such as gyms, restaurants, and coffee bars at some locations
• Paid parental and adoption leave

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled people, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. More information is available on our website: Diversity and Inclusion.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader, committed to fair recruitment and development of disabled applicants. The minimum criteria for interview consideration include at least 6 months of relevant experience, and evidence of work in malware analysis, intrusion detection, or incident response. Support and reasonable adjustments are available throughout the process.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is merit-based and transparent:

1. Application review
2. Virtual technical and competency interview
3. Conditional job offer if successful

Application processing time is approximately 6-9 months, including vetting. We advise maintaining current employment until final offer.

Before You Apply

Applicants must be UK citizens or hold dual British nationality and pass Developed Vetting security clearance. Read full eligibility and vetting details on our website. Consider practicalities such as residence within a commutable distance to Cheltenham, as relocation costs are not covered. Only UK-based applications are accepted, and applications should be submitted from within the UK. Discuss your application only with close family or partners.

Right to Withdraw

We reserve the right to close the application process early if sufficient applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.