At a Glance
- Tasks: Create impactful insights on cybersecurity trends and advise senior leaders.
- Company: Join ISTARI, a leading strategic cybersecurity advisory firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cybersecurity while working with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Master's degree or PhD in relevant fields and 5+ years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About Us
ISTARI is a strategic cybersecurity advisory company with a bold vision: to curate the defining cybersecurity ecosystem of our time - uniting enterprise, academia, government, and innovators to build collective resilience.
At the heart of this mission, ISTARI helps clients achieve lasting organisational cyber resilience by convening and applying world-class talent, expertise, and innovation through a uniquely powerful network - with ISTARI as the central orchestrator.
Role Purpose
The Insights Officer will develop and execute thought leadership that positions ISTARI as a trusted strategic advisor to senior business leaders and government stakeholders.
You will synthesise complex cyber risk trends, geopolitical developments, and organisational resilience challenges into compelling, actionable narratives that inform client strategy and drive advisory outcomes.
In this role, you'll create insights-driven content that demonstrates how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.
You'll work at pace to distill what is truly important from vast amounts of information, translating it into narratives that matter to C-suite executives and board-level decision makers.
Key Responsibilities
- Research & Trend Analysis
- Monitor and analyse emerging cyber threats, geopolitical developments, regulatory changes, and organisational trends to identify patterns that affect client resilience
- Synthesise information from diverse sources (research, news, policy, market data, client conversations) to spot emerging strategic issues ahead of the curve
- Maintain awareness of macro trends affecting cyber risk (e. g., state-aligned threats, AI advancement, supply chain disruption, regulatory evolution, political instability)
- Insight Development & Translation
- Distill complex research and data into clear, concise strategic narratives tailored for different audiences (C-suite, board, government, investors)
- Translate technical and geopolitical complexity into business-relevant insights that inform decision-making
- Identify and articulate the implications of global trends for organizational cyber resilience and business strategy
- Thought Leadership & Publishing
- Author and contribute to research reports, white papers, opinion pieces, and strategic commentary
- Develop original insights and perspectives that demonstrate Istari's expertise and position the firm at the forefront of cyber resilience thinking
- Work with communications and marketing teams to amplify thought leadership across digital channels, conferences, and industry forums
- Maintain a regular cadence of published output (articles, research, analysis, commentary)
- Translate research and insights into a range of engaging formats beyond written publications, including webinars, podcasts, social media content, and other digital formats, working with Marketing to maximise reach and impact
- Client & Advisory Support
- Partner with advisory teams to ensure research insights are embedded in client engagements and drive advisory outcomes
- Contribute to strategic positioning and framing for high-value client relationships
- Provide briefings to senior leaders on emerging trends and strategic implications
- Support the development of client presentations and strategic recommendations with rigorous research and insight
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with the Chief Strategy & Insights Officer to execute the insights agenda and research priorities
- Collaborate with advisory leads to understand client challenges and translate them into research questions
- Partner with educators to ensure thought leadership aligns with and informs ISTARI's executive programs
- Engage with the ISTARI Collective ecosystem to leverage partner expertise and insights
- Work with government relations and public affairs teams on policy-relevant research
- Strategic Communication
- Communicate insights clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders, from C-suite clients to policy makers
- Develop narrative frameworks that make sense of complex, fast-moving issues
- Build credibility as a trusted voice on cyber resilience and strategic risk
- Required Qualifications
- Master's degree or Ph D in one or more of: business strategy, political science/international relations, cybersecurity, public policy, economics, or related field
- 5+ years of professional experience in research, strategy, consulting, policy analysis, or related analytical/advisory role
- Demonstrated experience developing and publishing thought leadership (research reports, articles, opinion pieces, white papers)
- Strong background in analysing trends, synthesising complex information, and communicating strategic insights to senior audiences
- Proven ability to work at pace, prioritise effectively, and deliver high-quality output in fast-moving environments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write clearly and persuasively for executive and board-level audiences
- Desired Qualifications
- Background or direct experience in cybersecurity, cyber policy, or cyber risk management
- Familiarity with geopolitical analysis or strategic foresight methodologies
- Track record of publishing in reputable outlets (peer-reviewed journals, policy institutes, major media, industry publications)
- Experience working in or with C-suite advisory, management consulting, or strategic advisory firms
- Experience advising governments, regulators, or multilateral organisations on strategic or policy issues
- Familiarity with the cyber threat landscape, regulatory environment, or organisational resilience challenges
- Network or visibility in policy, academic, or thought leadership circles
- Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Ability to identify patterns and connections across complex, disparate information
- Capacity to think systemically about how trends interact and affect organizations
- Understanding of geopolitical, economic, regulatory, and technological forces shaping the threat landscape
- Research & Analysis
- Rigorous, evidence-based approach to research and insight development
- Comfort working with data, statistics, and complex information sources
- Ability to distinguish signal from noise and surface what truly matters
- Written Communication
- Exceptional writing ability; clear, compelling, and persuasive
- Ability to tailor messaging for different audiences (C-suite, technical, policy, media)
- Experience developing structured arguments and narratives
- Judgment & Prioritisation
- Strong judgment about what is important and what deserves escalation
- Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects without day-to-day supervision
- Comfort working in ambiguity and shifting priorities
- Collaboration & Influence
- Ability to work effectively across teams and functions
- Comfort engaging with senior leaders and external stakeholders
- Influence without authority; ability to shape thinking through ideas and insight
- Adaptability & Pace
- Thrives in a fast-moving environment
- Comfort with ambiguity and iterative development
- Proactive mindset; seeks to drive the agenda rather than wait for direction
ISTARI Global is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Insights Manager employer: ISTARI
ISTARI is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission to enhance cybersecurity resilience. Employees benefit from a wealth of growth opportunities, including access to thought leadership initiatives and cross-functional collaboration with industry experts, all while working in a vibrant location that encourages creativity and strategic thinking. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diverse perspectives and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Insights Manager
✨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 ISTARI, 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 ISTARI
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at ISTARI. 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 Insights Manager
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 ISTARI 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 ISTARI that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISTARI
✨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 ISTARI 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 ISTARI.
✨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.
