At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cybersecurity operations and enhance security across hybrid environments.
- Company: Join a government client focused on modern security solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a complex environment with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Strong background in cybersecurity and experience with incident response.
£650 - £750 per day (Inside IR35)
Hybrid - 2-3 days on-site
6-month initial contract (likely extension)
Location: Birmingham (You must be able to travel to Birmingham for on-site work 2-3 days)
We're working with a government client seeking an experienced Cybersecurity Manager to lead and mature their operational security capability across a modern hybrid estate. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll combine technical depth with stakeholder engagement, driving security operations, incident response, and continuous improvement across infrastructure, cloud, and workplace environments.
The Role
You'll take ownership of cybersecurity operations, leading a small engineering team and working closely with an outsourced SOC/MSSP to ensure robust monitoring, response, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Leading technical incident response (containment, eradication, recovery) and post-incident analysis
- Owning and improving security controls across endpoints, identity, networks, and cloud platforms
- Driving vulnerability management, patching, and remediation to agreed SLAs
- Managing SOC performance, alert triage, escalation, and threat intelligence integration
- Enforcing Identity & Access Management (IAM) policies, including conditional access and privileged access controls
- Leading disaster recovery planning and cyber incident readiness exercises
- Overseeing penetration testing and ensuring timely remediation of findings
- Providing audit and compliance evidence (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI DSS, CE+)
Essential experience:
- Strong background in cybersecurity operations within complex environments
- Proven experience leading incident response and remediation activity
- Expertise in Microsoft 365 / Azure security and hybrid cloud environments
- Experience operating security tooling (EDR, SIEM, firewalls, identity platforms) at scale
- Solid understanding of frameworks such as ISO 27001, NCSC guidance, NIST CSF, MITRE ATT&CK
- Experience managing suppliers, SOC providers, and technical teams
Desirable:
- Relevant certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISM, AZ-500, SC-200)
- Experience working in Agile / DevOps environments
- Previous exposure to regulated or public sector environments
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Cyber Security Manager in Birmingham employer: Hays
As a Cyber Security Manager with our government client in Birmingham, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing operational security across a modern hybrid estate. We offer a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and professional growth, alongside competitive daily rates and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in cybersecurity while enjoying the unique advantages of working within the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity field, attend industry events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Cyber Security Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your past incident response successes and security improvements. This hands-on evidence can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around technical scenarios and leadership experiences. Confidence is key when discussing your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in cybersecurity operations and leadership. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the Cyber Security Manager role.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of how you've led incident response or improved security controls in previous roles. This will help us see your hands-on experience.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your achievements are easy to understand. This makes it easier for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Cybersecurity Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around incident response and security controls. Be ready to discuss your experience with Microsoft 365, Azure security, and any relevant frameworks like ISO 27001 or NIST CSF.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a small engineering team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in driving security operations and working with outsourced SOC providers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about past incidents you've handled and how you approached containment, eradication, and recovery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires strong stakeholder engagement, so be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated with various teams. Share examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and managed supplier relationships in previous roles.
