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- Tasks: Lead cyber incident response and enhance security strategies for the UK Home Office.
- Company: Join the UK Home Office, a key player in safeguarding national digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, and tailored training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber operations and SOC leadership is essential.
- Other info: This role requires Security Clearance; candidates must have 5 years’ UK residency.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
Join to apply for the Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response role at UK Home Office
Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
Join to apply for the Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response role at UK Home Office
Direct message the job poster from UK Home Office
Lead Technical Recruiter (Cyber Security, Data & IT Operations) @ UK Home Office | HR, Recruiting, Hiring
Salary: ÂŁ77,900 plus up to ÂŁ21,700 capability and skills allowance
Location: Croydon (hybrid with 60% office attendance)
Close Date: Thursday 7th August at 11:55pm
Please note that this role requires Security Clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. Candidates must also hold or be prepared to undergo NPPV3 clearance.
Cyber Security Detect and Response at the Home Office plays a vital role in protecting one of the UK’s largest government departments and its nationally critical digital infrastructure.
This Head of Detect and Response position demands strong leadership, technical acumen, and clear communication to manage and enhance cyber incident response procedures. The role involves leading a high-performing security function, shaping strategy and policy, and managing incidents in collaboration with senior stakeholders across government.
Working within a team of cyber professionals, the post holder will contribute to safeguarding complex systems, supported by a culture of continuous development. Responsibilities include identifying, containing, and remediating incidents, driving process improvements, and ensuring the organisation remains prepared for evolving threats through regular exercises and robust governance.
As the Head of Detect and Response your main day-to-day responsibilities will include;
- Developing a detect and response strategy aligned with business objectives, risk appetite, and continuity planning.
- Creating, reviewing and updating response policies, standards and processes in line with regulatory and industry requirements; oversee implementation.
- Conducting technical assessments to identify vulnerabilities and threats; using findings to inform strategy and incident response planning.
- Managing the full incident response lifecycle, ensuring effective communication with cross-government stakeholders; leading post-incident reviews and implementing exercising strategies to maintain organisational resilience.
- Determining and managing resources, including budget, personnel and technology; driving continuous improvement to address emerging threats and best practice.
- Developing and reviewing strategic, operational and technical KPIs and KRIs to inform decision-making.
- Leading the detect and response team, supporting professional development, and ensuring service readiness.
Essential skills
You’ll have a demonstrable passion for working in cyber security operations with the following skills or experience in:
- Responding to and mitigating targeted cyber-attacks, with proven experience in monitoring, analysis, and recovery procedures across large-scale organisations.
- Proven SOC Leadership Experience: Demonstrated success in leading Security Operations Centres, with hands-on experience managing 24/7 operations, incident response, and threat detection across complex environments.
- Developing and enhancing cyber security operations policies and processes, ensuring alignment with organisational needs, industry standards, and best practices.
- Communicating effectively with a wide range of technical and senior stakeholders, influencing decisions based on cyber risk assessments and strategic priorities.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Experience developing and delivering SOC strategies aligned with organisational goals, including roadmap planning, capability development, and maturity assessments.
- Leading, managing, and developing diverse teams of cyber security analysts, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting professional growth
- A highly competitive pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days annual leave on appointment rising 1 day per year up to 30 days, plus 8 days public holidays and 1 day for the King’s Birthday.
- Flexible working options to enable you to achieve the work life balance that is right for you including; Full time, part-time, flexi time, compressed hours and job sharing.
- A hybrid working model of a minimum 60% of your contracted hours in the workplace and 40% remote.
- Training and development opportunities tailored to your role, including access to technical and professional accreditations.
- Access to funded qualifications (subject to approval)
- A capability allowance reviewed annually.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- Enhanced parental leave schemes.
- Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards.
Please click on apply now to redirected to the full advert and our application portal.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Information Technology
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Industries
Government Administration
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Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response employer: UK Home Office
Contact Detail:
UK Home Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the cyber security field, especially those who have experience in government roles. Attend industry events or webinars where you can connect with current employees at the UK Home Office to gain insights into their work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in cyber security, particularly in the context of government operations. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential technical assessments by brushing up on your incident response skills and understanding of SOC operations. Being able to discuss specific scenarios and how you would handle them can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership experience by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to foster a high-performance culture will resonate well with the hiring team at the UK Home Office.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cyber security operations, particularly in leadership roles. Emphasise your achievements in managing Security Operations Centres and incident response strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for cyber security and outlines how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Head of Detect and Response role. Mention specific examples of your past successes in similar positions.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly list essential skills such as strategic planning, SOC leadership, and effective communication with stakeholders. Use bullet points for clarity and impact.
Prepare for Security Clearance: Since this role requires Security Clearance, be prepared to discuss your residency history and any previous clearances. Mention your understanding of the NPPV3 clearance process if applicable.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Home Office
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the role requires strong leadership, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams and leading security operations. Share specific examples of how you've successfully guided teams through incidents or developed strategies that improved operational efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Technical Acumen
Highlight your technical expertise in cyber security, particularly in incident response and threat detection. Be ready to discuss the tools and methodologies you’ve used in previous roles, and how they can be applied to enhance the Home Office's cyber security posture.
✨Communicate Effectively
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to explain complex technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, as this will demonstrate your ability to influence decisions based on cyber risk assessments.
✨Align with Organisational Goals
Understand the Home Office's objectives and how the Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response role fits into their broader strategy. Be ready to discuss how you would develop a detect and response strategy that aligns with their business objectives and risk appetite.
