At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Cyber Security Operations team to protect our digital assets and ensure a secure environment.
- Company: Join Acorn, a national leader in insurance with a commitment to growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days' holiday, mental health support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career development opportunities and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing SOC operations and strong knowledge of cyber security frameworks required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Liverpool City Centre on a Hybrid working basis
Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum Depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Acorn are looking to recruit a brand-new role as a Cyber Security Operations Manager. The Cyber Security Operations Manager will lead the operational security function responsible for protecting the organisation's information assets, technology services, and users. This role oversees all security operation functions, incident response, threat detection, vulnerability management, and continuous improvement of the organisation's security posture. Working closely with Infrastructure, Cloud, Architecture, Governance, Compliance and Risk teams, the manager ensures that security operations are proactive, resilient, and aligned with business needs.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the daily operations of the internal Security Operations team and primary relationship with any outsourced SOC solution ensuring 24/7 monitoring and response coverage.
- Oversee cyber defence capabilities including SIEM, SOAR, EDR/XDR, threat intelligence, and identity protection.
- Develop and maintain operational procedures, playbooks, and response frameworks.
- Direct the full incident response lifecycle: detection, triage, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident review.
- Coordinate major incident management with IT Infrastructure, Cloud, and Business teams.
- Ensure lessons learned are captured and drive meaningful improvement.
- Oversee the vulnerability management programme, ensuring timely identification, prioritisation, and remediation of risks.
- Partner with asset owners to ensure patches, configuration hardening, and remediation actions are completed.
- Support risk assessment processes and provide input to security governance and compliance teams.
- Ensure the design, tuning, and optimisation of detection rules, alerts, and correlation logic across security platforms.
- Drive automation initiatives using SOAR to improve response speed and reduce operational workload.
- Maintain robust coverage across cloud, on premise, network, and endpoint environments.
- Build capability through training, certifications, and knowledge-sharing programmes.
- Work with technology, business, and leadership teams to communicate risks, incidents, and security posture.
- Support audits, regulatory assessments, and customer assurance activities.
About you:
Requirements:
- Experience managing a SOC or security operations function within a complex enterprise environment.
- Strong understanding of SIEM, SOAR, EDR, IDS/IPS, firewalls, and cloud-native security tooling.
- Knowledge of cyber security frameworks such as NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK, ISO 27001, or CIS Controls.
- Demonstrated expertise in incident response and threat management.
- Experience working in hybrid cloud environments (Azure, AWS, or GCP).
Benefits:
- 35 days' holiday (including bank holidays) with additional buy/sell options
- 24/7 mental health support & free counselling available
- Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
- Hybrid working options to support work-life balance and individual needs
- Recognition awards, social events & more
Before applying, please know: If your application is successful, we will run relevant employment checks prior to your employment with us. These will include a standard criminal record check and an insolvency register check.
Visa Requirements: We can only consider applicants who have at least one year remaining on their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we're not able to offer visa sponsorship.
We're Here to Support You: We're committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process-or once you're part of the team-we'll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.
Please click the APPLY button to submit your CV for this role.
Cyber Security Operations Manager employer: Acorn Insurance
At Acorn, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Liverpool that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With generous benefits such as up to 35 days' holiday, flexible working options, and comprehensive mental health support, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry while enjoying a supportive environment that champions career progression and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Operations Manager
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Acorn Insurance, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Acorn Insurance
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Acorn Insurance. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Acorn Insurance insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Acorn Insurance that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Insurance
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Acorn Insurance to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Acorn Insurance.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
