At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a small SOC team and enhance security operations.
- Company: Join a social housing organisation focused on improving community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility with occasional office visits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a SOC Manager or Lead, especially with Microsoft Defender & Sentinel.
- Other info: Contract role for 3-6 months, starting in July.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Interim SOC Manager - Outside IR35
Remote-first (Occasional travel to office)
3-6 Months Initial Contract
Start: July | Interviews from 1st July
iO are supporting a social housing organisation seeking an experienced Interim SOC Manager to drive tactical improvements across their security operations and incident response.
You'll lead a small SOC team (1 senior, 2 analysts), work alongside a third-party MSSP, and help the organisation progress toward NIST CSF 3.5 maturity.
Key Responsibilities- Lead daily SOC operations; ensure effective monitoring and alerting
- Deliver and embed cyber incident response processes and playbooks
- Work closely with third-party MSSP and internal security functions
- Leverage Microsoft Defender + Sentinel stack
- Bridge data feeds (e.g., SQL) into Sentinel
- Align SOC operations with GRC, Architecture, and Security Engineering
- Drive outcomes across BAU and transformation activities
- Strong background as a SOC Manager or Lead in mid-large organisations
- Hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender & Sentinel
- Proven track record delivering cyber incident response plans and playbooks
- Experience working with or managing third-party security providers
- Comfortable in tactical, operational delivery roles (not just strategic)
- Excellent communication skills, stakeholder engagement, and emotional intelligence
- Able to work autonomously and embed change in fast-paced environments
- Experience with security audits, compliance, and risk a bonus
- Public sector or housing exposure is helpful but not essential
- Outside IR35
- 3-6 months
- Remote-first with flexible attendance if needed
- Working closely with the IT Director and other IT functions
Please note: This role requires specific experience in a SOC Manager or Security Operations leadership position, with a skill set aligned to the requirements listed above. We will be contacting candidates who closely match the criteria. If you do not hear from us by Monday, 30th June, please assume your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest!
SOC Manager employer: iO Associates
Contact Detail:
iO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SOC Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and its application in SOC operations. Being able to discuss how you can help the organisation progress towards NIST CSF 3.5 maturity will show your understanding of their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender and Sentinel during discussions. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've leveraged these tools in previous roles to enhance security operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with third-party MSSPs. Share instances where you've successfully managed external security providers, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to embedding change in fast-paced environments. Provide examples of how you've led teams through operational improvements and incident response processes, showcasing your tactical delivery skills.
We think you need these skills to ace SOC Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a SOC Manager or Lead, particularly in mid-large organisations. Emphasise your hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender and Sentinel, as well as your track record in delivering cyber incident response plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Discuss how your skills align with leading daily SOC operations and working with third-party MSSPs. Use examples to demonstrate your communication skills and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you managed SOC teams or were involved in tactical operational delivery. Highlight any experience with security audits, compliance, and risk management, even if it's not essential for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that all information is clear and concise, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at iO Associates
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a SOC Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in security operations.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Defender and Sentinel, as these are key tools for the role. Be ready to explain how you've used these technologies in previous positions and how they can enhance incident response processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past incidents you've managed and how you approached them, including the outcomes and lessons learned.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role, especially when engaging with stakeholders and third-party providers. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated complex security concepts to non-technical audiences.