Security Ops Lead

Security Ops Lead

Temporary 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) On-site
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cyber security operations and incident response in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join Australia’s trusted provider of Employee Management Services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy Smart Leave, free lunches, and paid volunteer days.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cyber security while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in cyber security with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

Look forward to working with Australia’s leading and most trusted provider of Employee Management Services, making the benefits of salary packaging, novated leasing, and fleet management readily available to employers and their employees.

Working at Smartgroup offers more than a job. It is a dynamic workplace that matches the enthusiasm for the work you do and ambition for an exciting fast-paced career. We have all been hired for a purpose and a reason.

Every day you will be part of a team that helps support fellow Australians - many working in essential services, corporates, government, and not-for-profits - to take home more money in their pay packets.

Are you an experienced cyber security leader who thrives in fast-paced operational environments? We're seeking a Security Operations Lead to oversee cyber security operations, lead incident response activities, and strengthen threat monitoring and vulnerability management capabilities across the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you'll lead security operations initiatives, partner with internal and external stakeholders, and help ensure the organisation's cyber defence capability remains effective against an evolving threat landscape.

As Security Operations Lead, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of cyber security operations, including incident response, threat management, digital forensics, and security monitoring. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with people leadership to drive meaningful security outcomes during a 6-month fixed-term engagement.

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead security operations, incident response, and cyber threat management activities.
  • Oversee the investigation and triage of security alerts and incidents, escalating significant risks where required.
  • Drive vulnerability management and secure configuration practices to strengthen organisational resilience.
  • Manage and enhance security technologies, including security monitoring and privileged access management tools.
  • Lead internal and external security testing and threat hunting activities.
  • Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to improve cyber security capability and operational readiness.

Skills and experience you'll bring:

  • 5+ years' experience in cyber security operations, including incident response, digital forensics, threat management, and vulnerability management.
  • Demonstrated experience leading security operations teams and managing competing priorities.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience with security testing, penetration testing, and cyber security monitoring tools.
  • Knowledge of security frameworks including NIST CSF, ISO 27001 and ASD Essential Eight.
  • Relevant tertiary qualifications in Cyber Security, Information Technology or Computer Science, along with industry certifications such as CISSP, GIAC, ISACA, CREST, Microsoft Security certifications or equivalent.

What’s in it for you?

  • Smart Leave, an additional week of leave each year
  • Free lunch every week
  • Up to 20 weeks Paid Parental Leave with superannuation contributions and a Return-to-Work Bonus
  • Make a Difference Days – paid days off to volunteer for the community and environment
  • Discounted retail vouchers
  • Salary packaging and novated leasing benefits
  • Free flu vaccinations
  • Employee Share Plan

At Smart, we’re driven by purpose and performance. We support individual and team growth via varied learning opportunities, open communication, and leaders who work to get the basics right – quality and regular one to ones, clear goals and success metrics, and growth conversations.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you and you have something to offer, we’d love to hear from you. APPLY ONLINE today. Our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch to discuss next steps. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process or are seeking part-time work, let us know—we’re here to understand.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Everyone belongs and is welcome at Smart. We welcome people from diverse backgrounds to join our team, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disability, people who identify as LGBTQ+, all gender identities, and people of any socioeconomic status, age, race, national origin or ethnicity.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion is reflected in the external recognition we’ve received, including being named:

  • WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality since 2019
  • DCA Inclusive Employer 2025 – 2026
  • Silver Employer on the Australian Workplace Equality Index

Please note: all successful candidates will be required to complete background checks including a police clearance prior to confirmation of employment. Candidates must have unlimited Australian work rights to be considered for this role. Respectfully, no agencies please.

Security Ops Lead employer: Smart Group

Smartgroup is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work environment, offering a range of benefits such as Smart Leave, free lunches, and generous parental leave. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and enjoy meaningful work that supports fellow Australians across various sectors. Located in Australia, Smartgroup not only prioritises flexibility and wellbeing but also champions diversity and inclusion, making it a rewarding place to build a career.

S

Contact Details:

Smart Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Security Ops Lead

✨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 Smart Group.

✨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 Smart Group.

✨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 Smart Group.

We think you need these skills to ace Security Ops Lead

Cyber Security Operations
Incident Response
Digital Forensics
Threat Management
Vulnerability Management
Security Monitoring
Analytical Skills

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 Smart Group 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 Smart Group; 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 Smart Group.

How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Group

✨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 Smart Group for the Security Ops Lead, 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 Smart Group.

✨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 Ops Lead role at Smart Group.