At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to enhance cyber security and manage vulnerabilities in digital services.
- Company: Join Social Security Scotland, a vital part of the Scottish Government.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting public services from cyber threats.
- Qualifications: Experience in vulnerability management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Cyber Security Lead – Vulnerability Management to join the Digital Risk & Security branch within Digital Delivery & Change. This role is responsible for leading the delivery and continuous improvement of Vulnerability Management services, helping to protect Social Security Scotland’s digital services, systems, and sensitive information from emerging cyber threats.
As a technical lead within the Security Operations function, you will lead a small team of specialist security professionals and provide leadership and expertise across the organisation’s vulnerability and exposure management capabilities. Working closely with infrastructure, application, cloud, and security teams, you will drive the identification, assessment, prioritisation, and remediation of vulnerabilities, ensuring that cyber risks are effectively managed and reduced across a complex, cloud-first technology estate.
You will lead the operational delivery and development of key Vulnerability Management services, including:
- Vulnerability and Exposure Discovery
- Vulnerability Triage, Risk Assessment and Reporting
- Risk-Based Vulnerability Prioritisation
- Security Configuration and Hardening Assurance
- Patch and Remediation Governance
- Asset Discovery and Attack Surface Management
- Cloud Security and Vulnerability Monitoring
- Vulnerability Metrics, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
- Threat-Informed Risk Assessment and Remediation Planning
The role requires strong technical knowledge of vulnerability management practices, threat and risk management, and security technologies, combined with the ability to engage effectively with technical and business stakeholders. You will provide expert advice, support the development of team capability, and drive improvements to processes and tooling to ensure vulnerabilities are identified and remediated in a timely and risk-based manner.
If you are passionate about reducing cyber risk, improving security resilience, and helping protect critical public services, we would welcome your application. The Vulnerability Management Lead is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and information systems used by government and Partners Across Government.
Responsibilities:
- Leads the identification, assessment and remediation of security vulnerabilities across infrastructure, endpoints, applications and cloud services, using threat intelligence and risk-based prioritisation to reduce cyber risk.
- Has oversight of security administration processes and checks that all requests for support are dealt with according to agreed procedures.
- Contributes to the development of cyber security policy, standards and guidelines appropriate to business, technology and legal requirements and in accordance with best professional and industry practice.
- Deliver specific pieces of work resulting from the Cyber Security Strategy, related to cyber business risk and information control/protection requirements.
- Champion incident management, incident investigation and response policy and/or incident management and investigation processes, procedures and systems.
- Performs security risk, vulnerability assessments, and business impact analysis for complex information systems or risk-based projects.
- Leads and directs Cyber Security Analysts to create test cases using in-depth technical analysis of risks and typical vulnerabilities and to produce test scripts, materials and test packs to test new and existing software or services.
- Specifies requirements for environment, data, resources and tools.
- Interprets, executes and documents complex test scripts using agreed methods and standards.
- Maintains current knowledge of malware attacks, and other cyber security threats.
- Maintains knowledge of specific specialisms, provides detailed advice regarding their application and executes specialised tasks.
Success Profiles:
We use an assessment framework called ‘Success Profiles’ which lists the elements we test and provides detailed descriptions of each. For this post, the following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
- Experience of designing and performing vulnerability and/or configuration non-compliance risk assessments using appropriate risk assessment methodologies to effectively and consistently manage exposure risks in complex IT environments with competing priorities.
- Experience of designing and implementing safe multi-platform test programmes for systems, products, applications or processes, selecting suitable techniques, tools and test strategies to identify vulnerabilities, and determine whether they are exploitable, adapting your testing approach based on findings.
Behaviours:
- Leadership - Level 3
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 3
This role is aligned to Lead Cyber Security Analyst within the Government Digital and Data Profession. These skills will be tested during the Technical Assessment if you are successful at sift stage. They will not be assessed at application stage.
Expected Timeline:
- Sift - w/c 24th August
- Interview – w/c 7th September
Location - In Person in either Dundee or Glasgow.
Security checks:
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre‑employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
This post requires the successful candidate to clear additional National Security Vetting clearance (Security Check) before a start date can be offered.
Equality Statement:
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post.
Right to Work in the UK:
Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route.
Further Information:
Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition.
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
Apply before 23:55 on Thursday 20th August.
Lead Cyber Security Analyst - Vulnerability Management in Glasgow employer: Social Security Scotland
Social Security Scotland is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on people's lives while fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. As a Modern Apprentice in Dundee, you will benefit from comprehensive training, gain valuable experience in the civil service, and have access to opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while contributing to the vital mission of delivering social security benefits across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Cyber Security Analyst - Vulnerability Management in Glasgow
✨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 Social Security Scotland, 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 Social Security Scotland
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Social Security Scotland. 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 Lead Cyber Security Analyst - Vulnerability Management in Glasgow
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 Social Security Scotland 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 Social Security Scotland that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Security Scotland
✨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 Social Security Scotland 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 Social Security Scotland.
✨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.