At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a new Microsoft-focused security practice and deliver hands-on managed security services.
- Company: Dynamic Managed Service Provider prioritising Microsoft Security for mid-market organisations.
- Benefits: Flexible location, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a strategic team where security is a core focus, not an afterthought.
- Why this job: Shape a new security practice and influence service design from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in managed security services with strong Microsoft Security expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Flexible location with London office attendance a few times a month.
This opportunity sits with a Microsoft focused Managed Service Provider serving mid market organisations across professional services, public sector and regulated industries. Security sits at the centre of how the business differentiates in the market, and Microsoft Security is the backbone of the technical stack. This is a newly created role built specifically to evolve and mature that capability.
You will step into a newly formed security practice as the first dedicated hire. To begin with this is a player/leader role without a team beneath you, but the direction of travel is clear. The stronger the practice performs, the faster it grows, and the person in this seat will be the natural choice to build and lead that team.
The role spans three connected areas: shaping the managed security service portfolio built around the Microsoft Security stack, delivering those services to clients hands on, and supporting sales with pre sales expertise on security led opportunities.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Genuine ownership of a Microsoft led managed security practice as it takes shape, not inheriting someone else's structure.
- Real influence over service design, GTM positioning and how Sentinel, Defender, Entra and Purview are packaged and sold.
- Player/leader remit today with a clear route into practice leadership as the function grows.
- Broad scope covering portfolio development, delivery, pre sales and technical authority rather than being boxed into a single lane.
- Working within a Microsoft aligned MSP where security is a strategic priority, not a bolt on.
- Direct exposure to Microsoft co sell activity and to the commercials of the practice, including margin, attach rates and recurring revenue.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and evolve the managed security services portfolio across MDR, SIEM, Identity, Compliance and AI SOC, anchored around Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, Entra and Purview.
- Productise services with clear scope, SLAs and pricing, and align them to the wider service catalogue.
- Develop the security attach strategy so that Microsoft Security is embedded across Modern Work and Cloud propositions.
- Lead hands on delivery of managed security services, including Sentinel deployment and tuning, Defender for Endpoint, Identity, Office 365 and Cloud, and Entra based identity protection.
- Build out standardised delivery processes for Microsoft Security engagements, reducing reliance on bespoke approaches.
- Work within the automated remediation stack, integrating Sentinel and Defender with Tenable, NinjaOne and HaloPSA, and identify opportunities to extend automation further.
- Support the sales team on security led opportunities, leading technical discovery, scoping and solution design across the Microsoft Security portfolio.
- Produce proposals, Microsoft Security assessments and bid responses, and present at board level where required.
- Develop sales enablement content, including service overviews, battle cards and objection handling material focused on the Microsoft Security stack.
- Act as the senior technical voice on security across delivery, sales and client engagements, and represent the business in Microsoft co sell activity and vendor relationships.
Ideal Experience
- Strong background designing and delivering managed security services within an MSP or MSSP environment, with Microsoft Security at the core.
- Deep hands on expertise across Microsoft Sentinel, the Defender suite (Endpoint, Identity, Office 365, Cloud) and Entra.
- Working knowledge of Purview and Microsoft compliance capabilities.
- Experience with vulnerability management tooling such as Tenable, and a good grasp of remediation workflows.
- A track record of building and standardising service delivery, not just configuring tooling.
- Commercially aware, comfortable thinking in terms of margin, attach rates and recurring revenue.
- Confident communicator, able to lead technical pre sales conversations and present credibly to senior stakeholders.
- Microsoft Security certifications such as SC 200, SC 300 or SC 400.
- Experience with HaloPSA or similar PSA platforms and workflow automation.
- Automation scripting and integration of security tooling via API or workflow platforms.
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks including ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, NIST or DORA.
- Background working with mid market UK organisations or regulated sectors such as Legal, Finance or Public Sector.
If you have built a career in Microsoft Security and want the chance to help shape a managed security practice as it takes form rather than slot into someone else's, this is a strong one to look at.
Cyber Security Practice Lead in London employer: Cloud People
Cloud People is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies like Splunk, all while ensuring a supportive environment that values compliance and security in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Practice Lead in London
✨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 Cloud People, 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 Cloud People
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Cloud People. 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 Practice Lead in London
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 Cloud People 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 Cloud People that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cloud People
✨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 Cloud People 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 Cloud People.
✨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.