At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage user accounts and ensure secure access to sensitive systems.
- Company: Join GCHQ, the UK's intelligence cyber and security agency.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, hybrid working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your tech skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Windows or Linux infrastructure and Active Directory is essential.
The predicted salary is between 44142 - 44142 £ per year.
£44,142, including a concessionary payment of £2,758 and £6,250 London weighting. You may also qualify for a skills payment ranging from £4,513 to £9,812 and a recruitment bonus of £2,000, both dependent on technical ability and successful assessment during the interview process.
This role is based on full-time hours (36 hours per week) with flexibility around start and finish times within core working hours. While our preference is for full-time working, in exceptional circumstances we may consider part‑time arrangements, subject to business needs. We also offer hybrid working, typically involving one day per week working from home and the remainder in the office. This may vary depending on operational requirements.
About us
GCHQ are an intelligence cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks, and espionage. You’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that emphasises teamwork.
The role
As an Identity and Access Management (IAM) Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the UK safe by ensuring secure access to sensitive systems. Your work will help guarantee that the right people have the right access at the right time, supporting both our organisation and colleagues across our organisation, as well as trusted partners in the UK and around the world. Complex work is not expected immediately; the focus is on learning and building situational knowledge across multiple platforms.
Day‑to‑day work includes managing user accounts, resolving access and certificate issues, and monitoring platform health to maintain compliance and reliability. Close collaboration with internal teams supports a clear understanding of access requirements, the delivery of effective solutions, and ongoing improvements to how identity services are delivered. Occasional travel to Cheltenham and Manchester is required, with limited opportunities for international travel.
Your responsibilities will include supporting day‑to‑day identity operations, such as incident resolution and service requests. You’ll also contribute to product development and roadmap planning for identity services, working with internal and external stakeholders to improve access management across multiple systems. Sharing knowledge and delivering training on secure access practices is also a key part of the job.
About you
We’re looking for individuals with an infrastructure background and a passion for identity and access management. Practical experience with Windows or Linux infrastructure is essential, alongside core skills in Active Directory. Familiarity with Oracle Identity and Access Management (IAM) is desirable. A solid foundation of applied IT experience, gained in infrastructure or support environments is important, with sufficient exposure to confidently apply these skills in this role.
Success in this role requires exceptional interpersonal and communication skills alongside technical ability. This includes clear written communication for documentation, the ability to explain technical concepts to stakeholders, and effective relationship‑building across user communities. A collaborative mindset and a proactive approach to learning will further support success.
Learning and development
From day one, you’ll be supported through a structured induction and a tailored development plan designed to help build capability and confidence. Whether new to identity and access management or looking to deepen existing expertise, your training will combine practical experience with access to formal learning and mentoring.
- Technical Delivery: managing end‑to‑end delivery of cloud platforms and ERP systems, driving digital transformation and operational efficiency
- Product Development: contributing to the roadmap and lifecycle of IAM services
- Collaboration: engaging with internal teams and external partners across the UK Intelligence Community
- Certification: pursuing qualifications from Microsoft, Linux, CyberArk, and others
You’ll learn alongside experienced colleagues, with access to workshops, peer‑led sessions and internal conferences. As your confidence grows, greater responsibility is taken on, with opportunities to help shape the future of identity services. Progression from this role to Infrastructure Engineer typically follows a structured pathway, allowing broader product exposure and deeper subject matter expertise.
Some of our benefits
You’ll enjoy 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, alongside 8 bank holidays and 2.5 additional leave days (set dates throughout the year). We also offer a competitive pension, with employer contributions of at least 28.97%, an interest‑free season ticket loan, and much more.
Equal opportunities
To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals, particularly those who are currently under‑represented in our workforce, such as:
- women
- people from ethnic minority backgrounds
- individuals with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions
- those from low socio-economic backgrounds
This is part of our commitment to building a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of people with different identities, lived experiences, and perspectives, where everyone has the confidence to bring their whole self to work. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Offer of Interview
We’re also proud to have achieved Leader status within the Department of Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident scheme. As part of this we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the minimum essential criteria for this position are offered an interview where practicable; this is known as the ‘Offer of Interview.’
For this role, the minimum criteria (in order of application process) are:
- You’ll be required to reach the minimum pass mark for the Online Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which assesses your ability to problem‑solve
- Meet the minimum pass mark in all technical questions
- Demonstrate analytical and problem‑solving skills as well as an awareness of up‑and‑coming technologies
If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, have a long‑term health condition or require reasonable adjustments for any other reason, please let us know so we can support you. To learn more about how we can help, read our reasonable adjustments brochure, or visit our how to apply page.
Identity & Access in London employer: Women in Data®
GCHQ is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where teamwork and collaboration are at the forefront. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from tailored development plans, access to formal training, and opportunities for progression within the organisation. Located in the heart of the UK, GCHQ provides competitive benefits, including generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Identity & Access in London
✨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 Women in Data®, 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 Women in Data®
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Women in Data®. 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 Identity & Access in London
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 Women in Data® 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 Women in Data® that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨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 Women in Data® 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 Women in Data®.
✨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.
