At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security operations and manage a dynamic team of engineers and analysts.
- Company: Join SysGroup, a forward-thinking tech company in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private healthcare, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in security operations and experience leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
SysGroup is hiring a Cyber Operations Lead, based in Edinburgh, to head the day-to-day delivery of our cyber security managed services. This is the senior operational leadership role in the Cyber Security team under our 2026 operating model: you own the SOC service, lead the security engineers and analysts, and act as the escalation point for major security incidents across our client base.
This is a leadership and delivery role. You will run the operation, develop the people and own the service - including operational delivery of our Zscaler zero trust estate.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership- Lead, coach and develop the cyber operations engineers and analysts - 1:1s, development plans, hiring and succession.
- Own capacity, shift and on-call planning for a 24/7 security service.
- Set and track the team's certification and capability plan against the SysGroup role framework.
- Own operational reporting: client-facing security reports, KPIs and continual service improvement.
- Own SOC/SIEM service delivery: detection coverage, use-case tuning, triage quality and shift handovers.
- Act as major incident lead for security events: containment, client communication and post-incident review.
- Own the vulnerability management lifecycle across managed clients: scan, triage, remediate, report.
- Set the standard for EDR and security tooling configuration, health and response playbooks.
- Own operational delivery of the Zscaler zero trust estate (ZIA/ZPA): onboarding, policy lifecycle, tuning and upgrades.
- Support Risk & Compliance engagements (ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus) with operational evidence.
- Embed AI-assisted workflows (triage, enrichment, reporting) into the SOC and measure the gains.
- 5+ years in security operations within an MSP/MSSP or equivalent multi-client environment.
- 3+ years leading engineers or analysts, including performance and development responsibility.
- Track record running major security incidents end-to-end, including executive-level communication.
- Operational experience with Zscaler (or equivalent SSE/zero trust platform) is a strong advantage.
- Essential (or equivalent experience): Microsoft SC-200, plus an incident response credential such as GIAC GCIH.
- Desirable: Zscaler professional-level certification (ZIA/ZPA), SC-300, AZ-500, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, CISSP or CISM.
Benefits
Joining Sysgroup means becoming part of a dynamic and innovative team that is dedicated to excellence. We offer a supportive, and collaborative work environment, where your ideas and contributions are valued. Here are some of the benefits of working with us:
Competitive CompensationWe offer a competitive salary package, including performance-based incentives, to reward your hard work and achievements.
- Private Healthcare
- Life insurance
- Healthcare cash plan
- Pension
We believe in investing in our employees' professional development. You will have your own individual development learning paths with access to various training material and ongoing career advancement opportunities.
Cyber Operations Lead in Edinburgh employer: SysGroup
At SysGroup, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture in the heart of Edinburgh. As a Cyber Operations Lead, you will not only lead a talented team but also benefit from competitive compensation, private healthcare, and robust professional development opportunities, ensuring your career flourishes in a supportive environment dedicated to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Operations Lead in Edinburgh
✨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 SysGroup, 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 SysGroup
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at SysGroup. 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 Cyber Operations Lead in Edinburgh
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 SysGroup 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 SysGroup that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at SysGroup
✨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 SysGroup 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 SysGroup.
✨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.
