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Senior Cyber Security Analyst
Location: Cheltenham
Salary: £44,044 (includes £2,658 non-concessionary payment)
Flexible working: We recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer full-time, part-time, and compressed hours. While hybrid working can be more restricted, due to the nature of the work, around 40% home working may be available depending on business needs.
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
As a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, you’ll be key to protecting our organisation against a range of cyber threats. Your responsibilities include detecting, responding to, and mitigating risks from malware outbreaks, insider activity, denial-of-service attacks, and phishing. Daily tasks may involve investigating high-priority alerts, analysing logs, or network traffic using tools like Splunk. You will monitor security alarms, create detection content, use threat intelligence, and respond to breaches. Each day begins with a team meeting to review investigations and plan.
Continuous improvement is central to our work. You’ll lead efforts to streamline processes, mentor junior analysts, and provide expert guidance. Opportunities to explore Digital Forensics and support security incidents are also available. You will contribute to shaping the team’s future, stay updated with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques, and review past alerts to prioritize incidents based on severity and impact.
You should have a background in cyber security analysis and a passion for IT. Experience with host intrusion detection analysis is preferred but training will be provided. A solid understanding of Windows and Linux OS is required. You need at least 6 months experience as a Cyber Security or SOC Analyst. As a leader, you should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, working closely with IT teams and network administrators. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
We support your growth from day one through internal and external training. You’ll have opportunities to work across various cybersecurity specialisms, pursue industry-recognized qualifications like SANS and CISSP, and attend conferences. Travel opportunities are infrequent and not mandatory.
You’ll receive a starting salary of £44,044 plus benefits including:
We value diversity and inclusion, reflecting society in our workforce. We welcome applications from under-represented groups including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent individuals. Learn more about our culture and diversity initiatives on our website: Diversity & Inclusion
GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader. We ensure fair consideration for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria, with support available throughout the process. Details on reasonable adjustments are available on our website.
Our recruitment process is fair and merit-based. It involves:
The process may take 6-9 months, including vetting. We advise continuing current employment until final offers are made.
Applicants must be UK citizens or hold dual British nationality. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. Visit our site for eligibility details. Consider setting up a separate email for applications, avoiding personal identifiers. The role is based in Cheltenham; applicants should live within a commutable distance and note that relocation costs are not covered. Applications from outside the UK are not accepted. Discuss application confidentiality with close family or partners.
We may close the role early if enough applications are received. Submit your application promptly to avoid missing out.
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