Senior DFIR Consultant in Manchester

The UBDS group is seeking a highly skilled Senior Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) Consultant to lead and support complex cyber incident investigations and response activities. The primary focus of this role is the delivery of DFIR services to external clients, ensuring high-quality, timely, and professional incident response and forensic capabilities. In addition, the role will support internal cyber security operations and improvement initiatives as required. This role will work closely with Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Infrastructure Operations Centre (IOC) engineers to identify, contain, and remediate cyber threats, while enhancing both client and internal cyber resilience. The successful candidate will bring deep technical expertise in digital forensics, threat analysis, and incident response, combined with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end incident response activities for both external clients and internal environments, including identification, containment, eradication, and recovery.
• Conduct detailed digital forensic investigations across endpoints, networks, and cloud environments.
• Collaborate with SOC/IOC engineers to detect and respond to threats in real time.
• Act as a trusted advisor to external clients during cyber incidents, providing clear guidance and updates.
• Develop and refine incident response playbooks, procedures, and best practices for both client engagements and internal use.
• Provide expert guidance during major incidents, including stakeholder communication and reporting.
• Support proactive threat hunting initiatives in collaboration with SOC teams.
• Produce clear, structured forensic reports suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure evidence is handled in line with legal and regulatory standards, maintaining chain of custody.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of cyber security posture through lessons learned and post-incident reviews (both client and internal).
• Mentor and support junior SOC team members where required.

Role Requirements

Experience

• Significant experience in Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) within enterprise or client-facing environments.
• Proven track record managing and leading complex cyber incident investigations.
• Experience working closely with Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams.
• Demonstrable experience delivering cyber security services to external clients.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of endpoint and network forensics tools.
• Experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms.
• Deep understanding of threat detection methodologies.
• Familiarity with Windows and cloud environments (e.g. MS Azure / AWS).
• Knowledge of malware analysis techniques and tools.
• Scripting or automation skills (e.g. Python, PowerShell) desirable.

Certifications (desirable but not essential):

• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA).
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
• CREST Certified Incident Manager (CCIM) or equivalent.

About You

• You are a confident and experienced DFIR professional with a strong client-facing approach.
• You are able to remain calm and methodical under pressure, particularly during high-severity incidents.
• You possess excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical findings into clear, actionable insights for clients and stakeholders.
• You are collaborative in nature and enjoy working closely with SOC and IOC engineers to achieve effective outcomes.
• You demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail.

Eligible for UK SC Security Clearance. Willing to work from our Manchester office at least 3 days a week.

Benefits

Professionals choose to grow their careers at UBDS Group for its reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation that is deeply committed to both innovation and employee development. At UBDS Group, employees are given unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects across a diverse range of industries, exposing them to new challenges and learning opportunities that are pivotal for professional growth. The Group’s culture emphasises continuous improvement, offering ample training programs, mentorship, and the chance to gain certifications that enhance their skills and marketability. UBDS Group fosters a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation are encouraged, allowing employees to contribute ideas and solutions that have a tangible impact on the company and its clients. This combination of professional development, a culture of innovation, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions makes UBDS Group an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers and be at the forefront of technological and operational excellence.

Employee Benefits

• Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies.
• Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality.
• Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance.
• Holiday – You will receive 25 Days holiday, plus 1 day for Birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Electric Vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice.
• Contributed Pension Scheme.
• Death in service cover.

About UBDS Group

At UBDS Group our mission is to support entrepreneurs who are setting new standards with technology solutions across cloud services, cybersecurity, data and AI, ensuring that every investment advances our commitment to innovation, making a difference, and creating impactful solutions for organisations and society.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.