At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investigations and enhance security across Microsoft environments.
- Company: Join a dynamic cyber security team at a leading tech firm.
- Benefits: £45k salary, remote work, flexible hours, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and a focus on security improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on security while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Cyber Security with strong Microsoft experience.
Join a growing cyber security team focused on strengthening and securing modern Microsoft environments across a diverse client base. This is a hands-on role suited to a well-rounded Cyber Security Analyst who thrives across threat detection, identity security, and vulnerability management rather than purely operating in a traditional SOC. You’ll play a key role in designing, improving, and operating security capabilities across Microsoft Defender and Sentinel, working closely with engineering and infrastructure teams to proactively reduce risk and enhance security maturity. This role would suit someone operating in a Cyber Security Analyst role or L2 in a SOC who wants to move away from monitoring.
The Role
- Lead investigations across Microsoft Defender XDR and Sentinel, owning incidents through to resolution
- Develop and optimise detections, analytics rules, and automation within Sentinel
- Proactively identify security gaps, misconfigurations, and emerging threats across Microsoft environments
- Strengthen identity security (Azure AD / Entra ID, MFA, RBAC) and support secure access controls
- Own and evolve vulnerability management processes, prioritising and driving remediation
- Contribute to incident response, digital forensics, and root cause analysis
- Work closely with engineering teams to improve security tooling, integrations, and overall posture
- Support compliance initiatives (e.g. Cyber Essentials / Plus, internal security standards)
- Mentor junior analysts and contribute to best practices and process improvements
What We’re Looking For
- 3 years+ experience in a Cyber Security position
- Proven experience in a Cyber Security Analyst / Security Engineering / Blue Team role
- Strong hands-on expertise with Microsoft Defender (MDE / M365 Defender) and Microsoft Sentinel
- Ability to build and tune detections using KQL
- Experience across incident response, threat investigation, and security improvement initiatives
- Solid understanding of identity & access management (Azure AD / Entra ID, MFA, RBAC)
- Experience with vulnerability management tools and remediation processes
- Ability to work across both operational security and longer-term improvements
- Confident communicator who can engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Based within commuting distance of Manchester and eligible to work in the UK
Nice to Have
- Microsoft certifications (SC-200, SC-300, SC-900 etc.)
- Experience with Defender suite integrations (Endpoint, Identity, Cloud Apps, Office 365)
- Exposure to automation or scripting (PowerShell, Python)
- Background in digital forensics or incident response frameworks
- Experience supporting compliance frameworks or audits
Benefits
- £45,000 salary
- Predominantly remote with monthly travel to Manchester
- Flexible working hours
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Fully funded Microsoft/security certifications
- Clear progression into senior analyst or security engineering pathways
- Collaborative, non-SOC culture with a focus on real security improvement
Cyber Security Analyst in Manchester employer: Langham Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative cyber security team that prioritises real security improvement over traditional monitoring roles. With a competitive salary of £45,000, predominantly remote work, and flexible hours, this position offers excellent work-life balance and the chance to grow your career through fully funded Microsoft certifications and clear pathways into senior analyst or security engineering roles. Embrace a collaborative culture in Manchester that values proactive engagement and mentorship, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of cyber security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Analyst in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the cyber security field. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to Microsoft Defender and Sentinel. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do beyond just your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common cyber security scenarios. Think about how you'd handle incidents or improve security measures. Practising these responses will help you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented Cyber Security Analysts. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Analyst in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Microsoft security tools like Defender and Sentinel. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about cyber security and how you can contribute to our team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a proactive mindset.
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects or initiatives, mention them! Whether it's vulnerability management or incident response, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Langham Recruitment
✨Know Your Microsoft Security Stack
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Defender and Sentinel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles, especially in threat detection and incident response. Highlight any specific experiences where you improved security measures or resolved incidents.
✨Showcase Your Proactive Mindset
This role is all about being proactive rather than reactive. Prepare examples of how you've identified security gaps or misconfigurations before they became issues. Discuss any initiatives you've led to enhance security maturity within your previous teams.
✨Communicate Effectively with All Stakeholders
As a Cyber Security Analyst, you'll need to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining complex security concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated security needs or improvements to different audiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think through potential security incidents and how you would handle them, from investigation to resolution. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the tools you would use in those situations.
