At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in the Security Operations Centre, ensuring safety and security at Parliament.
- Company: Join the House of Commons, a key institution in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by safeguarding one of the UK's most iconic institutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing security incidents and overseeing security systems is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36379 - 40775 £ per year.
The House of Commons is seeking an experienced Security Operations Centre (SOC) Controller to lead operations at the heart of the UK Parliament. In this pivotal role within the Parliamentary Security Department, you will oversee the smooth running of the SOC, protecting Parliament’s people, buildings and estate.
Leading a team of SOC Operators, you will ensure security systems – including CCTV, access control, alarms and incident reporting platforms – are used effectively and in line with legislation, policy and governance standards. You will supervise shifts, monitor performance, conduct quality assurance checks and provide coaching to embed a culture of professionalism, vigilance and inclusivity. Acting as the initial lead on live incidents, you will make safety‑critical decisions under pressure, ensuring accurate logging, escalation and follow‑up. Working closely with senior leaders and emergency partners, this is a unique opportunity to safeguard one of the UK’s most iconic and high‑profile institutions.
Why Join us?
- Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.
- Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.
What we’re looking for:
- Demonstrable experience of managing critical security incidents within a Security Operations Centre environment.
- Strong situational awareness and the ability to analyse information from multiple security systems to assess risk.
- Experience of overseeing the effective operation and use of a range of security systems within a Security Operations Centre.
- Ability to adapt communication style and method to the audience and situation.
- Effective people management skills, including setting clear expectations, providing guidance and development support.
Next Steps and Additional Information
If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1 – 5 in the Job Description. As part of the selection process, you may be required to complete a test or present a presentation. Further information will be provided to shortlisted candidates. More information on the application process can be found here: Application process – UK Parliament.
Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances. We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
Security Operations Centre Controller employer: HOUSE OF COMMONS
Contact Detail:
HOUSE OF COMMONS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Operations Centre Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the security field, especially those who work in SOCs. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about job openings before they hit the mainstream.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising situational questions. Think about how you’d handle critical incidents and be ready to share your experiences. We want to see your decision-making skills under pressure, so have some examples up your sleeve!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your past roles, highlight how you’ve managed teams and improved operations. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and guide others, so let that shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at the heart of Parliament, which is a big plus in our books!
We think you need these skills to ace Security Operations Centre Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in managing security incidents and using security systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role of SOC Controller, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your effective people management skills. Share examples of how you've set clear expectations and provided guidance in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured answers that directly address the criteria outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at HOUSE OF COMMONS
✨Know Your Security Systems
Familiarise yourself with the specific security systems mentioned in the job description, like CCTV and access control. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively used these systems in past roles, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of the SOC environment.
✨Demonstrate Situational Awareness
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to assess risk and make critical decisions under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to act quickly during a security incident and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Showcase People Management Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to discuss your approach to managing people. Share specific instances where you set clear expectations, provided guidance, or coached team members to improve performance and foster a culture of professionalism.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Practice adapting your communication style to different audiences. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely, especially when discussing security protocols or incident reports, as this is crucial for effective collaboration with senior leaders and emergency partners.