Head of SOC / NOC in Manchester

Head of SOC / NOC in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 60000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
SF Recruitment (Tech)

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop NOC & SOC teams to ensure network reliability and security.
  • Company: Dynamic tech company focused on innovative network solutions.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative environment with a focus on performance and efficiency.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by leading critical network operations and incident responses.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in network/security operations with leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.

I am currently helping a client of mine with a Head of SOC/NOC, this role ensures that network infrastructure is reliable and secure, incidents are swiftly handled, and the team operates efficiently.

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Lead/recruit/develop NOC & SOC teams, including analysts, engineers, and managers.
  • Demonstrated ability to motivate teams, drive performance, and manage under pressure.
  • Oversee continuous monitoring, ensuring network performance and resolution of issues.
  • Develop and lead SOC incident response playbooks, manage critical escalations, and handle crisis situations effectively.
  • Set operational goals and align NOC & SOC strategies with wider IT and business objectives.
  • Budget planning & vendor procurement to ensure cost-efficiency.
  • Produce and present performance metrics to senior leadership.
  • Implement and optimise monitoring, detection, and investigative tools (SIEM, etc.)

Ideal Experience

  • 5+ years in either (or both) network and security operations — ideally with at least 3-5 years in a managerial/leadership role.
  • Proven ability to manage combined NOC and SOC environments and diverse technical teams.
  • Broad expertise in network infrastructure: routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, load balancers, cloud networks.
  • Deep understanding of security monitoring and incident response tools (SIEM, etc.)

Side notes

  • Hybrid working; 2-3 days office based in Bolton.
  • MSP experience is highly desirable.

Head of SOC / NOC in Manchester employer: SF Recruitment (Tech)

As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a hybrid working model based in Bolton, our team enjoys the flexibility of remote work while benefiting from collaborative office days, ensuring a balanced work-life environment. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional advancement, and a commitment to innovation in network and security operations, making us an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful career in a supportive setting.

SF Recruitment (Tech)

Contact Details:

SF Recruitment (Tech) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of SOC / NOC in Manchester

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 SF Recruitment (Tech), 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 SF Recruitment (Tech)

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at SF Recruitment (Tech). 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 Head of SOC / NOC in Manchester

Team Leadership
Incident Response
Network Infrastructure Management
Performance Management
Crisis Management
Budget Planning
Vendor Procurement

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 SF Recruitment (Tech) 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 SF Recruitment (Tech) that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment (Tech)

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 SF Recruitment (Tech) 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 SF Recruitment (Tech).

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.