At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security monitoring and respond to incidents in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join DVSA, a key player in government digital and data security.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by protecting vital services from cyber threats.
- Qualifications: Experience with SIEM tools and a passion for cyber security are essential.
- Lead Cyber
- Security
- Monitoring
Location: Bristol, Swansea, Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham (Chadderton), Birmingham(Garretts Green) or Uxbridge.
Salary: £44,241 per annum (Plus an additional Government Digital and Data Profession allowance (non-pensionable) up to £14,756.)
- Vacancy
- Type: Permanent, Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
- Closing
Date: 31st August 2026 This role sits within the Security Operations Centre and responds to events found as part of the protective monitoring processes led directly by DVSA or its service provider.
It also responds to incidents of a technical nature in line with DVSA Incident Management procedures.
It restores normal service operation as quickly as possible and minimises any adverse effect on business operations.
This ensures that the best possible levels of service quality and availability are maintained, whilst containing any security breach to allow for forensic analysis to establish cause.
It establishes action plans in collaboration with other managers in the team and wider DVSA.
It effectively manages, investigates and reports on potential/actual failures to comply with security requirements, and identifies process improvements Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays a privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance. Job description Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
- Leading the rapid detection, investigation, and response to cyber security incidents, ensuring threats are contained, impact is minimised, and incidents are handled in line with DVSA policies, legal requirements, and best‑practice security standards, including performing or arranging digital forensics to support evidence gathering and preservation.
- Driving proactive cyber defence through threat hunting and vulnerability management, using threat intelligence to identify emerging risks, suspicious activity, and weaknesses in DVSA’s security posture.
- Manage post-incident review, including root cause analysis, to feedback information and so improve monitoring and evidencing need for policy change as necessary.
- Managing and improving SOC processes and protective monitoring capabilities, ensuring DVSA and its suppliers meet contractual and policy obligations for incident reporting and security operations.
- Planning, leading, and evaluating incident response exercises, including red‑team activity, to strengthen organisational readiness and validate response procedures.
- Providing expert advice to senior leaders and technical teams, helping them understand risks, make informed decisions, and embed strong security practices.
- Building strong relationships across DVSA and with external partners, including government departments, regulators, and third‑party suppliers.
- Producing clear, high‑quality reporting and communication, including incident summaries, performance statistics, lessons learned, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Demonstrating leadership by guiding, mentoring, and supporting SOC analysts and colleagues, acting as a role model for professional standards, technical excellence, and Civil Service values.
Person specification You may hold or be willing to work towards the following qualifications: CSSP, CISSP, Degree in IT or Cyber Security, or a Professional Qualification relating to the same Required experience:
- Demonstratable experience working with a SIEM tool (Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, etc), and vulnerability scanners.
- Ability to explain technical and complex concepts simply to a variety of audiences acting as a bridge between the technical and the non-technical, providing updates and recommendations in a clear and comprehensive manner.
- Experience in interpreting threat intelligence and building in rulesets into IDS/IPS toolsets to the threat risks.
- Good working knowledge of security concepts (Physical, Personal, IT and Cyber Security), including security controls, security risk management and security incident management.
- Experience leading small monitoring teams in the design, development and enablement of automated monitoring processes, recommending and implementing the latest SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and network analysis tools, techniques and procedures to: detect malicious activity and ensure continuous improvement through dashboard monitoring or retrospective assessment.
- Additional Information
- Working hours, office attendance and travel requirements
- Full time roles consist of 37 hours per week.
- Whilst we welcome applications from those looking to work with us on a part time basis, there is a business requirement for the successful candidate to be able to work at least 30 hours per week.
- Occasional travel to other offices will be required, which may involve overnight stays.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for DVSA, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application
Lead Cyber Security Monitoring in Swansea employer: DVSA.GOV
The DVSA.GOV is an excellent employer for aspiring data engineers, offering a unique apprenticeship that blends practical experience with academic achievement. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave and flexible working options, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a dynamic environment. Located in vibrant cities like Bristol and Nottingham, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to important data management initiatives while advancing your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cyber Security Monitoring in Swansea
✨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 DVSA.GOV, 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 DVSA.GOV
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at DVSA.GOV. 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 Lead Cyber Security Monitoring in Swansea
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 DVSA.GOV 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 DVSA.GOV that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at DVSA.GOV
✨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 DVSA.GOV 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 DVSA.GOV.
✨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.