Cyber Security Operations Manager in Exeter

Here’s a rewritten version tailored for a contract opportunity in Exeter with a clear emphasis that candidates must hold active SC Clearance

• Cyber Security Operations Manager
• Contract Role | Exeter (Hybrid)
• MUST HOLD ACTIVE SC CLEARANCE
• We are seeking an experienced

Cyber Security Operations Manager to lead and develop a high-performing Security Operations Centre (SOC) function within a major public sector environment based in Exeter.

This is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the organisation’s cyber security operations strategy, ensuring the effective detection, response, containment and recovery from cyber threats and security incidents.

You will lead a team of over eight cyber security professionals while continuously enhancing security monitoring, incident management and threat intelligence capabilities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and improving the organisation’s overall cyber security posture, working closely with internal stakeholders, government security partners and third‑party service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of Cyber Security Analysts and SOC professionals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning and professional development.
• Support career progression and capability development across the team.
• Lead the detection, triage, escalation and resolution of cyber security incidents.
• Assess the impact of critical security events and coordinate effective response activities.
• Conduct post‑incident reviews and drive continuous improvements to processes and procedures.
• Lead cyber incident exercises and testing to validate response plans.
• Security Monitoring & SOC Operations
• Act as the senior escalation point for security alerts and investigations.
• Oversee and enhance security monitoring capabilities across the environment.
• Direct the development, tuning and optimisation of detection rules and use cases.
• Drive proactive threat hunting activities and continuous monitoring improvements.
• Monitor emerging cyber threats, vulnerabilities and attack techniques.
• Integrate threat intelligence into operational security activities.
• Provide actionable intelligence and risk insights to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Define and report on key cyber security metrics, KPIs and performance measures.
• Produce regular management reports covering security incidents, trends and operational effectiveness.
• Translate technical findings into business‑focused risk and security recommendations.
• Manage relationships with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), technology partners and external vendors.
• Ensure contractual commitments, SLAs and KPIs are met and exceeded where possible.
• Act as a key interface with government and cross‑department security organisations.
• Resource & Budget Management
• Support cyber security budget planning and resource allocation.
• Ensure security investments align with operational requirements and business objectives.
• Proven experience leading and managing Cyber Security Operations or Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, stakeholder engagement and service management capabilities.
• Extensive experience managing cyber security incidents from detection through to resolution and post‑incident review.
• Hands‑on experience delivering and improving security monitoring capabilities, including threat hunting and intrusion detection.
• Strong understanding of threat intelligence processes, including the analysis of OSINT and commercial threat intelligence sources.
• Experience operating and managing cyber security technologies including:
• SIEM platforms
• Threat detection and response tools
• Security monitoring solutions
• Security documentation and operational procedures
• Demonstrable experience managing third‑party suppliers, MSSPs, vendor relationships, SLAs and performance metrics.
• Experience presenting cyber security risks and operational reporting to senior stakeholders.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• CISSP, CISM or equivalent cyber security certification.
• Experience with cloud security technologies and environments, including AWS and Azure.
• Experience working within government, defence or highly regulated environments.
• Security Clearance

Candidates must hold active SC (Security Check) Clearance as a mandatory requirement.

Unfortunately, candidates without current SC Clearance cannot be considered for this opportunity.

• Location
• Exeter (Hybrid Working Available)
• Contract position
• Immediate start preferred

This role is ideal for an experienced Cyber Security Operations leader with a strong SOC background, excellent stakeholder management skills, and proven experience operating within secure, mission‑critical environments.

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