Cyber Security Analyst L2 in Gateshead

About Aspire

At Aspire Technology Solutions, we look for dynamic individuals who want to work for one of the fastest growing IT and Cyber Security providers in the UK. It is an exciting time to join us on our journey as we grow and expand! Our mission: To deliver technology like no other!

About the role

We are looking for a Cyber Security Analyst L2 to join our growing SOC team based at our Head Office on the Gateshead Quayside. As a Cyber Security Analyst L2, you will play a pivotal role in monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats. You will lead investigations into security incidents, actively manage responses, and drive ongoing improvements to strengthen the security posture for both Aspire and its customers. Efficiency is also important to succeed, as you will be managing a diverse workload. Customer service is key to success in the role – living our values are woven through everything we do to guarantee that our service delivery is second to none.

What you will be doing

• Conduct thorough investigations in line with QC/QA policies.
• Stay updated on threat intelligence and integrate new insights into operations.
• Proactively manage and follow up on tickets while identifying candidates for tuning.
• Perform initial reviews of escalated tickets.
• Respond to customer enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Triage and investigate P5-P4 security incidents.
• Support on higher-severity incidents.
• Update the SOC wiki with accurate use cases, playbooks, and guides.
• Stay current with cybersecurity trends and best practices.
• Work closely with team members, sharing knowledge and insights.
• Identify and implement process enhancements to improve SOC efficiency.

You will suit the role if you have

• A willingness to learn and good attention to detail.
• Prior IT infrastructure or cloud experience (Azure or AWS).
• Experience with incident response tools and platforms.
• Experience with managing and operating EDR platforms i.e. Crowdstrike, SentinelOne, or Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
• Experience developing and using a SIEM platform e.g. QRadar or Azure Sentinel.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, tools, and techniques.
• Ability to work well under pressure in high-stress situations.
• Strong attention to detail and organisation skills.
• Experience with customer service and communications.
• Previous experience of working within a 24x7 SOC.
• Relevant certifications (advantageous but not essential): AZ-500, SC-200, SC-100, MD-102, BTL1, HTB CDSA, CompTIA Network+, CCNA.

Our values

We understand that you might not have all of the qualifications and experiences that we think are key to succeeding in this role therefore we provide continuous learning and development at Aspire which is at the heart of everything we do. As long as you are passionate, eager to learn and driven to be the best at what you do and live our values this role may be a fit for you.

Salary

£34,000 - £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Benefits

Here at Aspire we offer a great benefits package and a competitive salary. Being a people-centric organisation is what sets us apart – we strive to look after our people in the best way we can!

• Travel benefits including free parking, subsidised travel passes and much more!
• Health Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Network Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement (increasing with length of service)
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Parental Schemes
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Tech Purchase Scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Employee referral scheme
• New business referral scheme
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover

Location and Working Arrangements

You will be based at Aspire’s Gateshead Head Office with travel as required.

Hours of Work

Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday however, some flexibility may be required on occasion for shift cover.

Equality, Inclusion and Diversity at Aspire

Aspire is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, that promotes dignity, equality and diversity that encourages individuals to develop their true potential.

Interview Process

We generally conduct interviews in three stages, lasting approximately 2-3 weeks depending on everyone’s calendars. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a pre-screening call via teams to discuss your experience and what you’re looking for in your next role. Successful candidates will be invited to an interview with the Hiring Manager. If successful in interview, candidates will be invited to an informal interview with key stakeholders at Aspire to meet the wider team(s).