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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise our Microsoft-first security stack in a dynamic SOC environment.
- Company: Join a fast-paced MSP/MSSP team in Manchester with hybrid working options.
- Benefits: Enjoy a senior leadership role with technical ownership and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security tooling and mentor a talented engineering team.
- Qualifications: Experience in SOC environments and strong skills in Microsoft Security Suite required.
- Other info: Eligible for HMG Security Clearance and various cybersecurity certifications.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you a hands-on security engineering leader ready to shape the technical backbone of a modern SOC? We're looking for an experienced SOC Engineering Lead to take ownership of our core security tooling and drive technical excellence across our Microsoft-first security stack. This is a senior individual contributor and team leadership role within a fast-paced MSP/MSSP environment ideal for someone who's equally comfortable mentoring engineers and getting deep into detection logic.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing technical leadership across Microsoft Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Cloud, and Entra ID
- Owning the setup, integration, and ongoing optimisation of our Sentinel environment
- Writing and refining KQL queries, building detection logic, and resolving enrichment issues
- Supporting integration with platforms including Mimecast, Darktrace, and legacy EDR tools
- Collaborating with the SecDevOps Lead on Google Chronicle SOAR
- Managing and mentoring a technical security engineering team
- Driving ITIL-aligned change and incident management processes
- Contributing to Azure security architecture across Azure AD and Lighthouse environments
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in an MSP, MSSP, or SOC environment
- Strong hands-on Microsoft Security Suite experience (Sentinel, Defender XDR, Defender for Cloud)
- Solid Microsoft Azure expertise (Azure AD, Lighthouse, security architecture)
- Comfortable with KQL, detection engineering, and SOAR/SIEM platforms
- Eligible to achieve HMG Security Clearance
- Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
- GIAC, GCTI, or equivalent detection/threat hunting certifications
- CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CySA+
- Google Chronicle SOAR or GCP experience
What's On Offer
- Based in Manchester (hybrid working available)
- Senior leadership role with real technical ownership
- Opportunity to shape SOC tooling and team capability at scale
Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
SOC Lead in Manchester employer: Symmetric Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Symmetric Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SOC Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the cybersecurity field, especially those who work in SOCs or MSPs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, and KQL queries. This will help you stand out during interviews and showcase your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on technical questions related to security tooling and incident management. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your knowledge clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace SOC Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Microsoft Security Suite and Azure. We want to see how your skills align with the SOC Lead role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about security engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your experience with KQL and detection logic.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring, make sure to mention any previous leadership experiences. We love to see how you’ve guided teams in the past and how you plan to do it with us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the SOC Lead position. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Symmetric Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Microsoft Security Suite, especially Sentinel and Defender. Brush up on your KQL skills and be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles. The more specific examples you can provide, the better!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a SOC Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided engineers in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to technical leadership and team collaboration.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with ITIL processes and how they apply to change and incident management. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these processes in previous roles and how they can enhance the efficiency of a SOC environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in security engineering and how you resolved them. This will show your practical experience and ability to think on your feet.