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- Tasks: Lead cyber incident response and enhance security strategies for the UK Home Office.
- Company: Join the UK Home Office, a key player in safeguarding national digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, and tailored training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber operations, SOC leadership, and strategic planning required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with 60% office attendance; security clearance needed.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
Join to apply for the Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response role at UK Home Office
Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
Join to apply for the Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response role at UK Home Office
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Lead Technical Recruiter (Cyber Security, Data & IT Operations) @ UK Home Office | HR, Recruiting, Hiring
Salary: £73,900 plus up to £21,700 capability and skills allowance
Location: Manchester Soapworks (hybrid with 60% office attendance)
Close Date: Thursday 7th August at 11:55pm
Please note that this role requires Security Clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. Candidates must also hold or be prepared to undergo NPPV3 clearance.
Cyber Security Detect and Response at the Home Office plays a vital role in protecting one of the UK’s largest government departments and its nationally critical digital infrastructure.
This Head of Detect and Response position demands strong leadership, technical acumen, and clear communication to manage and enhance cyber incident response procedures. The role involves leading a high-performing security function, shaping strategy and policy, and managing incidents in collaboration with senior stakeholders across government.
Working within a team of cyber professionals, the post holder will contribute to safeguarding complex systems, supported by a culture of continuous development. Responsibilities include identifying, containing, and remediating incidents, driving process improvements, and ensuring the organisation remains prepared for evolving threats through regular exercises and robust governance.
As the Head of Detect and Response your main day-to-day responsibilities will include;
- Developing a detect and response strategy aligned with business objectives, risk appetite, and continuity planning.
- Creating, reviewing and updating response policies, standards and processes in line with regulatory and industry requirements; oversee implementation.
- Conducting technical assessments to identify vulnerabilities and threats; using findings to inform strategy and incident response planning.
- Managing the full incident response lifecycle, ensuring effective communication with cross-government stakeholders; leading post-incident reviews and implementing exercising strategies to maintain organisational resilience.
- Determining and managing resources, including budget, personnel and technology; driving continuous improvement to address emerging threats and best practice.
- Developing and reviewing strategic, operational and technical KPIs and KRIs to inform decision-making.
- Leading the detect and response team, supporting professional development, and ensuring service readiness.
Essential skills
You’ll have a demonstrable passion for working in cyber security operations with the following skills or experience in:
- Responding to and mitigating targeted cyber-attacks, with proven experience in monitoring, analysis, and recovery procedures across large-scale organisations.
- Proven SOC Leadership Experience: Demonstrated success in leading Security Operations Centres, with hands-on experience managing 24/7 operations, incident response, and threat detection across complex environments.
- Developing and enhancing cyber security operations policies and processes, ensuring alignment with organisational needs, industry standards, and best practices.
- Communicating effectively with a wide range of technical and senior stakeholders, influencing decisions based on cyber risk assessments and strategic priorities.
- Strategic Planning & Execution: Experience developing and delivering SOC strategies aligned with organisational goals, including roadmap planning, capability development, and maturity assessments.
- Leading, managing, and developing diverse teams of cyber security analysts, fostering a high-performance culture and supporting professional growth
- A highly competitive pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- 25 days annual leave on appointment rising 1 day per year up to 30 days, plus 8 days public holidays and 1 day for the King’s Birthday.
- Flexible working options to enable you to achieve the work life balance that is right for you including; Full time, part-time, flexi time, compressed hours and job sharing.
- A hybrid working model of a minimum 60% of your contracted hours in the workplace and 40% remote.
- Training and development opportunities tailored to your role, including access to technical and professional accreditations.
- Access to funded qualifications (subject to approval)
- A capability allowance reviewed annually.
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
- Enhanced parental leave schemes.
- Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards.
Please click on apply now to redirected to the full advert and our application portal.
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
Job function
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Job function
Information Technology
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Industries
Government Administration
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Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response employer: UK Home Office
Contact Detail:
UK Home Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the cyber security field, especially those who have experience in government roles. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the Home Office's culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in cyber security, particularly those relevant to government operations. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing diverse teams. The role requires strong leadership skills, so be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the specific security clearance requirements for this position. If you already hold relevant clearances, be sure to mention them. If not, be prepared to discuss your residency history and any steps you can take to expedite the clearance process.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Head of Detect and Response
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cyber security operations, particularly in incident response and SOC leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex environments and lead teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for cyber security and detail how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Head of Detect and Response role. Mention your experience in developing strategies and policies that enhance security operations.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Clearly outline your leadership experience in managing Security Operations Centres. Provide examples of how you have successfully led teams, improved processes, and communicated effectively with stakeholders.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Showcase your strategic planning abilities by discussing past experiences where you developed and executed SOC strategies. Highlight your understanding of aligning these strategies with organisational goals and risk management.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Home Office
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the role requires strong leadership, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams and leading security operations. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team through a cyber incident or improved processes.
✨Demonstrate Technical Acumen
Highlight your technical expertise in cyber security, particularly in incident response and threat detection. Be ready to discuss the tools and methodologies you have used in previous roles to identify and mitigate cyber threats.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the position involves liaising with senior stakeholders, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Prepare to explain how you've influenced decisions based on cyber risk assessments in past experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time incidents. Think about past incidents you've managed and be ready to outline your approach to identifying, containing, and remediating threats.
