Cyber Security Officer

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Cyber Security Officer to support the Federation’s cyber security operations, governance, and risk activities. Working closely with experienced cyber professionals, you will gain hands‑on exposure to security monitoring, incident response, risk management, and cyber awareness, while developing your skills across both technical and GRC domains. Creativity and resourcefulness are important characteristics that are required for this role. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long‑term career in cyber security within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor security alerts and events from Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Sentinel, and related tooling.
• Perform initial triage of alerts, identifying false positives and escalating genuine issues.
• Assist with investigation of suspected phishing, malware, or account compromise incidents.
• Support evidence gathering, impact assessment, and post‑incident reviews.
• Maintain accurate incident records and investigation notes.
• Support the maintenance of security policies, procedures, and control documentation.
• Assist with supplier due diligence and third‑party cyber risk assessments.
• Help collect and organise audit evidence for internal and external audits.
• Support gap analysis activities against frameworks such as CIS 18 and Microsoft security benchmarks.
• Update risk registers, action trackers, and compliance documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience studying cyber security (degree, apprenticeship, bootcamp, certification or self‑study).
• Strong interest in cyber security and a desire to develop a career in the field.
• Clear written and spoken communication skills.
• Ability to explain basic technical concepts clearly and accurately.
• Analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and take feedback constructively.
• Basic understanding of cyber threats such as phishing, malware and account compromise.
• Comfortable using Microsoft tools (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Professional, calm approach when dealing with security issues.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

Benefits

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus.
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution.
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts.
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice.
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme.
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts.
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees.
• Interest‑free ICT and season ticket loans.

For most non‑teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.