At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber security operations and respond to complex threats in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Virgin Atlantic, a leading travel company focused on safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values individuality and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in cyber security operations and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive
Hours: 37.5 hours, Mon – Friday
Location: Hybrid, 3 days per week at VHQ, Crawley (with travel as required)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 25th July 2026
Start Date: 1st September 2026
In a nutshell
At Virgin Atlantic, we're on a mission to become the most loved travel company, and keeping our customers, colleagues and business safe is fundamental to that ambition.
We're looking for an experienced Manager, Cyber Security Operations to join our Information & Cyber Security team. This is a senior technical role where you'll lead the response to cyber threats, drive improvements across our security operations capability and play a key part in strengthening our cyber resilience.
You'll be at the centre of our security operations, leading complex investigations, developing advanced detection capabilities and mentoring a team of talented security professionals. Working across cloud platforms, infrastructure, applications, networks and identity services, you'll help ensure we're always one step ahead of an ever-evolving threat landscape.
If you're passionate about cyber security, thrive under pressure and enjoy solving complex technical challenges, we'd love to hear from you.
Day to day
No two days are ever the same in Cyber Security Operations. You'll combine hands‑on technical expertise with leadership, helping protect one of the UK's most recognised brands.
You’ll:
- Lead the technical response to complex cyber security incidents, coordinating investigations from detection through to recovery.
- Act as the Cyber Incident Lead during major incidents, providing technical direction and clear updates to senior stakeholders.
- Investigate sophisticated threats across cloud environments, endpoints, networks, identity platforms and applications.
- Develop and enhance detection rules, SIEM content, investigation playbooks and response procedures.
- Improve monitoring capabilities across Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender and other security technologies.
- Conduct proactive threat hunting using threat intelligence, behavioural analytics and attacker techniques.
- Identify opportunities to automate investigation and response activities using PowerShell, Python, KQL, Logic Apps, SOAR or similar technologies.
- Coach and mentor Cyber Security Operations Analysts, helping build technical capability across the team.
- Work closely with technology teams, managed security partners and external specialists to continually improve our cyber resilience.
- Translate technical findings into clear, risk‑based recommendations that support better business decisions.
- As part of our operational security function, you'll also participate in an on‑call rota and support out‑of‑hours incident response when required.
About you
You're an experienced cyber security professional who enjoys investigating complex problems and leading technical teams through challenging situations.
You’ll bring:
- Significant experience in Cyber Security Operations, Incident Response or Security Engineering.
- Strong hands‑on experience leading security investigations through identification, containment, eradication and recovery.
- Excellent knowledge of Windows, Linux, networking, cloud platforms, identity services and modern authentication technologies.
- Experience using SIEM, EDR/XDR, cloud security and email security platforms, including technologies such as Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender, Azure or AWS.
- Experience investigating identity‑related attacks, including account compromise, MFA abuse, token theft and privileged access threats.
- Strong understanding of attacker tactics, techniques and procedures, including MITRE ATT&CK.
- Experience developing detection use cases, threat hunting methodologies and incident response playbooks.
- Practical scripting or automation skills using PowerShell, Python, KQL, Logic Apps, SOAR or similar technologies.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Experience mentoring or leading other cyber security professionals.
- Above all, you'll be curious, collaborative and committed to continually improving cyber security operations.
Be yourself. Our differences make us stronger.
Virgin Atlantic are committed equal opportunities employers and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible applicants regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy and maternity. Diversity brings strength which is why we strive to provide an inclusive environment where individuality is celebrated, and we can ignite the potential of our forward‑thinking mix of people.
Please be aware as part of our recruitment process we may look to use a variety of resourcing tools to help us understand your skills and experience in relation to the role you have applied for. These may include application questions, video interviews or online testing. Please feel free to contact us at recruitment@fly.virgin.com if there are any reasonable adjustments to our process that you would like us to consider, for example use of hearing loops, sign language interpreter etc. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there are any issues preventing you from being at your best during your application or assessment process. Any issues raised after your assessment is completed or once a decision has been made will be too late for us to consider within our process.
Manager, Cyber Security Operations in Crawley employer: Virgin holidays
Virgin Atlantic is an exceptional employer for pilots, offering a dynamic work culture at the iconic London Heathrow. With a commitment to employee growth through industry-leading training and a competitive salary, we foster a supportive environment where your passion for flying can truly thrive. Join us in our mission to be the most loved travel company and experience the unique advantages of working with one of the most advanced fleets in the skies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Cyber Security Operations in Crawley
✨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 Virgin holidays, 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 Virgin holidays
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Virgin holidays. 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 Manager, Cyber Security Operations in Crawley
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 Virgin holidays 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 Virgin holidays that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin holidays
✨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 Virgin holidays 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 Virgin holidays.
✨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.