At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security strategies and protect vital digital services at NICE.
- Company: Join the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, a leader in health decision-making.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and an excellent NHS pension.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive team with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and care by safeguarding critical information.
- Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent experience in cyber security required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Our main purpose here at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is to improve health and wellbeing by putting science and evidence at the heart of health and care decision-making.
As Head of Cyber Security, you will lead NICE's cyber security function, providing strategic direction and expert leadership to protect digital services, infrastructure and information assets.
You will act as NICE's senior cyber security specialist, overseeing security operations, managing risk and embedding secure-by-design principles across digital and technology services. Working closely with senior leaders, technical teams and external partners, you will play a key role in strengthening NICE's security posture and resilience across services.
- Lead the development, implementation and enforcement of cyber security strategies, policies and standards across the organisation.
- Act as NICE's cyber security subject matter expert, advising senior leaders and technical teams on complex risks, threats and mitigations.
- Oversee security operations, incident response and threat intelligence, ensuring strong protection and rapid response to cyber incidents.
- Manage organisational risk and vulnerability management, including compliance with Cyber Essentials Plus and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit.
- Embed secure-by-design principles into digital services, systems and technology programmes from early design through delivery.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, NHS partners and suppliers to align security approaches and share intelligence.
The Infrastructure, Cyber & IT Operations team plays a critical role in ensuring NICE's digital services are secure, resilient, and reliable. The team is responsible for safeguarding systems and information, supporting users across the organisation, and maintaining operational stability with minimal risk or disruption.
As part of this team, you will help protect nationally important digital services while enabling NICE to deliver trusted guidance and information to health and care users across England.
We can offer you a great place to work with good benefits, flexible working, and a supportive, friendly, and inclusive environment.
- Generous NHS Pension - Secure your future with one of the most rewarding pension schemes in the UK
- Flexible working - Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with options like remote working, compressed hours and flexible start/finish times
- Exclusive discounts - Save on shopping, dining and more with a Blue Light Card
- Time to recharge - Start with 27 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Inclusive staff networks - Join supportive communities like Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy and NICE and Proud - we celebrate diversity
- Tailored development - Grow your career with personalised learning and development opportunities
Holds highly developed specialist knowledge and expertise acquired through master's degree level or equivalent qualification/experience. Additionally holds specialist knowledge of the relevant area(s) of expertise as outlined in the person specification, acquired through relevant practical experience and training/development.
Hold either Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) or Certified Cyber Professional (CCP) qualification.
Proven experience in a senior cyber security role with direct line management, performance management, and coaching responsibilities. Significant practical experience in security operations, vulnerability assessment and threat intelligence. Expert-level understanding of core cyber security concepts, infrastructure security, and the modern threat landscape. Proficiency in developing and implementing security policies and risk management frameworks based on standards like CAF, Cyber Essentials, ISO27001 etc.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
Cyber Security & Networking in Manchester employer: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
At The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and tailored development opportunities, our team members can thrive while contributing to the vital mission of improving health and care across England. Join us in safeguarding nationally important digital services and enjoy the benefits of a rewarding career with one of the UK's most respected organisations.
Contact Details:
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security & Networking 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 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 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 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). 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 Security & Networking in Manchester
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 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 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 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
✨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 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) 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 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
✨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.
