At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost the UK's cyber resilience across various sectors.
- Company: Join GCHQ, a leading intelligence and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team in a supportive environment with great career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting the UK from cyber threats while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security or organisational resilience is essential.
The predicted salary is between 55758 - 55758 £ per year.
You’ll receive a starting salary of £55,758 (which includes a concessionary payment of £2,758). For roles based in London, you’ll receive an additional £6,250 London Allowance.
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.
This role falls within the NCSC’s National Resilience Directorate, responsible for enhancing cyber resilience throughout the UK. More specifically, within the Economy and Society Resilience Team.
As an Economy and Society (E&S) Resilience Lead, you will collaborate across multiple NCSC teams and external stakeholders to deliver initiatives that enhance the cyber resilience of the UK's economy and society. This covers everything from a micro business to a FTSE100 company, academic institutions, charities and individual citizens.
Your work will support one or more of the E&S team's outcomes, which aim to ensure that organisations are making better cyber decisions and, ultimately, the number of attacks that reach potential victims is reduced. These outcomes are underpinned by objectives, key results and more specific workstreams.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Increasing the cyber resilience of UK organisations through collaboration with business representative organisations.
- Building partnerships with industry, law enforcement and other stakeholders to collaborate on the delivery of cyber resilience and security initiatives.
- Working with other government departments to inform their policy development on cyber resilience interventions.
- Working with NCSC colleagues to develop capabilities that protect the UK’s economy and society from cyber-attacks.
- Continued development of personal knowledge and skills to deliver against an ever-changing threat landscape, whilst supporting the upskilling of others within E&S.
The successful applicant will need to have:
- Experience in cyber security or organisational resilience.
- Experience of delivering successful outcomes in technically challenging environments.
- Skills at developing and managing productive relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to represent NCSC externally, acting as a confident and credible ambassador for the organisation.
At Level 3, we’ll be looking at how you demonstrate the following:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Collaboratively
- Making Effective Decisions
At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment which is designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.
Other benefits include:
- 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, and an additional 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays.
- Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Facilities such as a gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars (at some locations).
At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. This includes diversity in every sense of the word: those with different backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ways of thinking and those with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from everyone, including those from groups that are under-represented in our workforce such as women, those from an ethnic minority background, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds.
To secure an interview for this role, the minimum criteria, which will be assessed at the CV sift stage:
- You’ll be required to reach the minimum pass mark for the online Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
- Demonstrate experience in relationship development and management.
- Demonstrate experience in cyber security or operational resilience.
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:
- Initial online application.
- Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
- Online Interview.
Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 - 9 months to process including vetting, so we advise you to continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.
The role is based in London, Cheltenham or Manchester, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application, as we do not offer relocation costs.
We offer reasonable reimbursement of travel costs for candidates attending in-person appointments during the recruitment and vetting process. Full details will be provided with your interview or assessment invitation.
Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application.
The closing date for this role is: 18th August 2026 at 23:55.
NCSC Economy and Society Cyber Resilience Lead in Manchester employer: GCHQ Careers
GCHQ offers a unique opportunity for language enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, the 11-week Language Talent Programme not only provides hands-on experience in translation and interpretation but also fosters growth through dedicated training and mentorship. Located in a vibrant setting, GCHQ promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in language services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NCSC Economy and Society Cyber Resilience Lead in Manchester
✨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 GCHQ Careers, 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 GCHQ Careers
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at GCHQ Careers. 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 NCSC Economy and Society Cyber Resilience Lead in Manchester
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 GCHQ Careers 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 GCHQ Careers that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at GCHQ Careers
✨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 GCHQ Careers 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 GCHQ Careers.
✨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.