At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and supervise security operations, managing cyber risks and ensuring effective incident response.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension fund management with a commitment to community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days leave, health benefits, and paid volunteering days.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cyber security while working from home in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading security teams and managing security tools is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to join our IT security and Governance team as a Security Operations Team Leader for a fixed term contract for 15 months, based working from home.
Who we are
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
The role
As Security Operations Team Leader, you will oversee, direct and supervise security operations within Railpen, ensuring cyber security risks are managed within appetite, ensuring we are able to identify, protect, detect, respond and recover from cyber events. You will proactively engage with the business, ensuring appropriate monitoring coverage as well as build in governance across security operations. This role includes an on-call rota of one week in every three during the duration of the contract.
The person
The ideal candidate will have experience of leading security operations teams as well as defining, implementing and maintaining security operational processes within SLAs. You will be confident using Kusto Query Language demonstrating ability to use it to enable new improved operational processes, whether that is threat hunting, creating regular reports, improved detection capabilities or automated response processes, and be an advocate for sharing and developing such skills in the team. We are looking for someone with a professional and collaborative attitude with experience of managing third party security vendors, holding them to account and ensuring SLAs and contractual agreements are met. You will be proactive in driving results, being aware of what needs to be achieved and identifying problems to solutions, ensuring you and the team take accountability and ownership of issues. You will have experience of managing security incidents and security operations in a busy environment. You'll be expected to have experience of managing security tools such as email gateways, web application firewalls, web proxies and third party risk management. You will be an advocate for striving for operational excellence through inspiring, motivating and delegating to the team to develop their knowledge, skills and experience in all things cyber, information and Railpen security. You will need to demonstrate effective security controls and practices during audits and be accountable for providing audit evidence, and to work within agreed timescales to deliver audit actions. Complete the required Incident reports in the event of an incident, risk events or near misses.
Rewarding you
- A competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Defined Contribution pension
- Health & Wellbeing
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
- Private Medical Insurance
- Lifestyle Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
Next Steps
Please apply for the apply button or visit Careers Page by 5pm on 29th July 2026. Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Security Operations Team Leader employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a dynamic work culture and a supportive environment for professional growth. With the opportunity to work closely with the CFO in a high-impact role, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and flexible hybrid working options, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Operations Team Leader
✨Get Engaged in Cybersecurity Communities
Dive into online forums or local meetups, like OWASP events or Cybersecurity conferences. These spaces are packed with pros who can share insights and might even know about temporary roles at places like Railpen.
✨Showcase Your Skills Publicly
Link your GitHub or create a series of blogs sharing your knowledge on cybersecurity topics. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and attract attention from hiring managers, especially when they see your passion in action.
✨Stay On Top of Temp Opportunities
Keep an eye on platforms that list temporary positions specifically in tech. Websites focusing on contract roles in cybersecurity can lead straight to employers like Railpen.
✨Make Contact with Recruiters Specialising in Cybersecurity
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on cybersecurity roles. They often have insights into temporary roles before they’re advertised and can put your name forward to companies like Railpen.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Operations Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In cybersecurity, it's vital to highlight your skills with relevant tools and technologies. Make sure your CV showcases your experience with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and any cybersecurity frameworks you've worked with. This gives Railpen a clear view of your capabilities right off the bat.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, flaunt them! These not only validate your skills but also show that you’re committed to the field. Add a section to your CV specifically for this, because in a temporary role like this, those credentials can really set you apart.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:For a temporary position, we want to see your willingness to learn and adapt quickly. Make your cover letter specific to the role at Railpen; mention why you’re excited about the opportunity and how it fits your career goals. A personal touch can make a big difference!
Don’t Forget the Soft Skills:In cybersecurity, technical skills are crucial, but so are soft skills like teamwork and communication. Make sure to weave examples of how you've collaborated with teams or communicated complex ideas into your application. This shows that you're not just a tech whizz but also a great team player, perfect for a temporary role at Railpen.
How to prepare for a job interview at Railpen
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques, like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware analysis. During the interview with Railpen for the Security Operations Team Leader, be prepared to discuss specific scenarios where you tackled security threats or vulnerabilities.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Cybersecurity is all about thinking on your feet. Expect technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. You might be presented with a mock security breach scenario, so practising your responses to potential threats can be a game changer!
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
As this is a temporary role, showing that you're adaptable and quick to learn is crucial. Talk about times you've picked up new skills or reacted to changing situations quickly. Employers want to know you can hit the ground running and keep things secure during your short stay at Railpen.
✨Bring Relevant Certifications
If you have any relevant cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, be sure to mention them. This can really help you stand out during a temporary hiring process, as it showcases your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the Security Operations Team Leader role at Railpen.