At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security operations, detecting and responding to threats in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Home Office, a key player in government digital services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Passion for cyber security and experience in security operations or automation.
The predicted salary is between 49850 - 52850 £ per year.
Location: Peterborough, UK; Salford, UK; Sheffield, UK
Salary: 49,850 - 52,850 per year
Employment: Flexible
Category: IT
Posted: 2026-07-29
Valid to: 2026-08-14
Employer: Home Office
Home Office Digital designs, builds and develops services for the rest of the department and for government. Every year our systems support up to 3 million visa applications, checks on 100 million border crossings, up to 8 million passport applications and deliver 140 million police checks on people, vehicles and property.
As a Senior Response Manager within the Home Office Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) you will be expected to plan, implement and operate capabilities to detect, contain and remediate incidents, identify opportunities to improve detection, response and automation capabilities. You will also support organisational readiness through co-ordinating preparedness exercises and red team activity. The Response function also advises product and service owners on potential mitigations and supports the continuous improvement of security operations through monitoring, detection and standardisation of security practices.
You’ll be joining an expert team of cyber professionals, committed to reducing the exposure to cyber-attack of new and existing digital systems. You’ll be aided in your role by a diverse and supportive organisational culture, and a commitment to further your continuous development.
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. Where this is the case, employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office.
We are recruiting two Senior Response Managers to join the CSOC working in the following roles:
- Senior Technical Detection Analyst: This role focuses on improving SIEM detection and monitoring capabilities. You will develop, test, maintain and improve SIEM monitoring and detection content, using threat intelligence and operational insights to improve detection coverage, accuracy and the identification of cyber threats.
- Senior SOAR & Detection-as-Code (DaC) Analyst: This role focuses on improving cyber detection, response and automation capabilities through security automation, response playbooks and Detection-as-Code practices. You will design, develop, test, maintain and improve security automation workflows, response playbooks and integrations using SOAR platforms or comparable automation technologies, while applying structured and repeatable DaC methodologies.
As a Senior Response Manager in either of these roles your main responsibilities will be to:
- Carry out security monitoring, detection and response activities in line with agreed standards, providing advice on mitigation, escalation and risk reduction.
- Identify, analyse and investigate indicators of malicious activity across networks, systems and applications, supporting effective threat detection and incident response.
- Triage security events and alerts, supporting investigations and recommending improvements to monitoring controls, detection coverage and overall security posture.
- Support incident response activities, including red teaming and threat hunting exercises, communicating investigation outcomes and contributing to lessons learned and post-incident reviews.
- Develop, review and continuously improve monitoring use cases, detection content and alert effectiveness across a range of security technologies.
- Define and enhance processes, tooling and security controls to identify emerging threats, strengthen detection capabilities and implement effective mitigation strategies.
- Drive service and process improvements by applying industry best practice, sound judgement and problem-solving skills to support efficient security operations and investigations.
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days/30 hours per week due to business requirements.
Essential Skills
You will have a demonstrable passion for Cyber Security, Detection and Response with the following skills, knowledge or experience:
- As a Senior Technical Detection Analyst: Conducting investigations and working in a ‘Security Operations Centre’ environment, including the identification and analysis of potentially malicious activity. Developing, maintaining or improving SIEM monitoring and detection content, using threat intelligence and operational insights to improve detection coverage, accuracy and the identification of cyber threats.
- As a Senior SOAR & DaC Analyst: Conducting investigations and working in a ‘Security Operations Centre’ environment, supporting security operations and incident response activities. Designing, developing, testing maintaining and improving security automation workflows, response playbooks and integrations using SOAR platforms or comparable automation technologies, while applying DaC methodologies.
Additionally, for both roles, experience of:
- Communicating in a verbal and written manner, and a good understanding of the use of different channels and formats for different audiences.
- Building strong partnerships with peers across an organisation and navigating the complex landscape of technologies, 3rd party suppliers, and other teams.
- Managing a team in a technical environment.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 49,850, Home Office contributes 14,441 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Some of the primary benefits include:
- A Civil Service Pension with employer contribution rates of at least 28.97%.
- In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements.
- 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service.
- 8 days of public holidays, plus 1 additional privilege day.
For further information on nationality requirements, working for the Civil Service, diversity and inclusion, and how to apply, please refer to the relevant sections in the original job description.
Senior Response Manager - Home Office Cyber Security Operations Centre in Salford employer: United Kingdom Government
The College of Policing is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With flexible working options and a strong commitment to diversity, staff are encouraged to thrive while contributing to the vital mission of enhancing policing standards across the UK. This role not only provides the opportunity to lead a team of experts but also to engage with various stakeholders, ensuring a meaningful impact on public safety and officer training.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Response Manager - Home Office Cyber Security Operations Centre in Salford
✨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
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✨Apply Directly Through United Kingdom Government
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at United Kingdom Government. 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 Senior Response Manager - Home Office Cyber Security Operations Centre in Salford
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 United Kingdom Government 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 United Kingdom Government that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Kingdom Government
✨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
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✨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 United Kingdom Government.
✨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.