Security Operations Centre Lead

We are seeking experienced SOC Leads to manage and oversee our client's EMEA Security Operations Centre. Acting as the first point of contact for all physical security emergencies across the region, the SOC Lead will take ownership of critical situations, ensuring timely decision-making and escalation. Based in the Reading/Hampshire border, you will manage alarm responses, communications, and incident resolution on a 24/7 shift pattern, driving a culture of accountability within the team. Supported by SOC Response Officers, you will also analyse alarm activation data to identify trends and contribute to continuous improvements across policies, processes, and procedures.

About the Role:

• Act as the main point of contact for all EMEA emergency escalations, building strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Monitor and oversee security systems across the EMEA region, including IDS, IPS, and SIEM tools.
• Manage emergency communications in a timely, professional, and friendly manner.
• Oversee the creation, tracking, and closure of incident reports, escalating where necessary.
• Develop and maintain solid working relationships with clients, stakeholders, and regional contacts.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the SOC Response Officers to deliver exceptional service.
• Ensure detailed handovers between shifts, including system functionality checks and escalation of faults.
• Produce and escalate detailed incident reports in line with procedures.
• Manage the site roster and scheduling system, ensuring full coverage and escalating staffing issues as needed.

Why Join Us?

• Annual leave entitlement of 5.6 weeks
• Lifestyle Benefits – Mortgage and financial advice, vouchers for various shopping outlets and food stores, employee referral scheme.
• Learning & Development – we actively encourage progression and offer various eLearning courses, progression, training whilst on site, apprenticeships, and in-house training courses.
• Health and Wellbeing – Life assurance scheme, access to mental health support specialists, access to an Online GP for you and your dependents.
• Financial support – Discounts on hundreds of retail sites.

What we are looking for:

• Background in operating as part of and/or supervising/managing a team in a UK Emergency Services Control Room / Control Centre environment.
• Proven experience in managing incidents with multi agency / stakeholder involvement.
• Business Continuity, assessment, design and implementation, governance framework development and the necessary processes and controls, required for the implementation of effective organisational resilience.
• A sound understanding of business resilience, design and implementation of programmes to improve Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.
• Proven experience in a data driven, highly regulated environment control room environment.
• Proven experience in Data Analysis Tools (Power Bi or equivalent).
• Full Driving Licence.
• ILM3 or above Management or equivalent College of Policing qualification.
• A good baseline knowledge of Control Room / Control Centre Best practice at an Operational or Tactical level.
• Due to vetting requirements 5 year residency in the UK.

*As a member of the SOC team you may be required to work additional shifts or hours beyond your normal Shift Pattern, either planned or at short notice, to cover colleagues' absence due to holiday or sickness, or for any other business need to ensure adequate operational coverage and business continuity.

Interested? Apply now and secure your future with us!

Wilson James is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. A criminal conviction will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position, however each case will be assessed on an individual basis.