Key Details
Working hours: 35 hours per week (full time). Contract type: Permanent. Closing date: 11:59pm, 31 March 2026. Interview method: in person.
Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
This role requires regular on‑site working at the Town Hall Extension in Manchester. Limited remote working may be available, but on‑site attendance will be essential, especially during the probation period.
Job Purpose
Help protect the digital services that keep Manchester running. You will oversee the day‑to‑day operation and improvement of the Council’s core cyber security platforms.
Environment you will support includes:
- Over 8,000 users
- More than 200 business‑critical systems
- Around 1,000 servers
- A wide range of public‑facing digital services
These services support essential activity across Manchester, including social care, housing, waste collection, and frontline response.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily performance and health of security technologies.
- Maintain stable, well‑documented, and supported platforms.
- Coordinate upgrades, changes, and new capabilities.
- Work with ICT colleagues and third‑party suppliers.
- Support security monitoring, incident response, and recovery.
- Provide clear technical advice, assurance, and reporting.
Technical Environment
You will work in a large, enterprise‑scale environment with a mix of cloud‑hosted and on‑premise systems. Your focus will be on operational cyber security, including:
- Network security
- Endpoint protection and detection
- Security monitoring
- Vulnerability management
- Secure configuration and patching
Why This Role Matters
Manchester City Council operates a large and complex digital estate. Cyber threats continue to evolve, and public services must remain available and trustworthy. This role helps embed security into everyday operations and future service design and ensures security is built in from the start.
Is This Role Right for You?
- Have experience working in cyber security operations.
- Are comfortable supporting live systems.
- Understand operational risk and incident response.
- Enjoy working with others to improve services.
- Communicate clearly with both technical and non‑technical colleagues.
What You’ll Bring
- Strong understanding of cyber security operations and how security platforms support wider IT services.
- Experience of security technologies such as firewalls, endpoint tools, monitoring, and vulnerability platforms.
- Incident response, service resilience, and operational risk experience.
- Managing suppliers and coordinating technical change.
- Working to standards, processes, and governance.
- Practical mindset, structured approach to work, and an interest in learning and improving services.
Essential Requirements
- Leadership and Operational Management
- Experience leading, managing, or coordinating cyber security operations within a complex organisation.
- Accountability for day‑to‑day performance, stability, and improvement of live security services or platforms.
- Experience prioritising work, managing competing demands, and responding to operational issues.
- Ability to provide clear direction, assurance, and oversight in an operational environment.
- Cyber Security Operations Experience
- Significant experience working within an IT or cyber security operations function, supporting business‑critical systems.
- Experience overseeing or managing enterprise cyber security capabilities such as Network security and firewall; EDR or XDR; Security monitoring and alerting (e.g. SIEM platforms); Vulnerability identification, remediation, and reporting.
- Governance, Risk, and Assurance
- Experience contributing to security governance, risk management, or compliance activities.
- Ability to produce clear, evidence‑based reporting for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Understanding of the importance of controls, documentation, auditability, and assurance in regulated or public‑sector environments.
- Working with Others
- Experience working effectively with technical teams, service owners, and senior stakeholders.
- Experience managing or coordinating third‑party suppliers or partners.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain security issues clearly and proportionately.
- Service and Change Management
- Experience working within structured service management environments (e.g. ITIL‑aligned services).
- Experience supporting change, upgrades, or new platform capabilities in live environments.
- Ability to balance operational stability with continuous improvement.
Desirable Requirements
- A recognised cyber security qualification such as CISSP, CISM, CCP, CCSP, or equivalent.
- Working towards a further professional qualification or continuing professional development.
- Experience working in local government, the public sector, or a similarly complex organisation.
- Familiarity with Microsoft security technologies (Azure security controls, Sentinel, Defender). Knowledge of PSN Code of Connection, CAF or similar frameworks.
- Experience coordinating penetration testing, remediation activity, or supplier assurance.
- Experience supporting out‑of‑hours or major incident arrangements.
- Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting development of others.
What We’re Looking For Overall
- Confidence in managing cyber security services in live environments.
- A calm, structured approach to risk and operational decision‑making.
- The ability to lead through collaboration rather than hierarchy.
- Clear communication and sound judgement.
- A genuine interest in using cyber security to support public services.
Benefits
- Generous holiday allowance—26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Option to purchase up to two additional weeks.
- A buzzing pension scheme with options to top up, including life cover.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave, with flexible options.
- Brilliant perks: discounts on groceries, holidays, phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, etc.
- Learn and grow: training, workshops, apprenticeships, qualifications, comprehensive onboarding.
- Good Employment Charter member: fair pay, trade union support, health and wellbeing support.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave.
About Manchester City Council
We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Creating an Inclusive Team
We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments – let us know if you need any adjustments during the interview.
- Accessible Formats – our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the “Accessibility tools” button on the careers page. This tool offers features such as text‑to‑speech, translation, adjustable text size and colour.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
- Current or former care leavers.
- Have a disability or long‑term condition.
When You Join Us
- A disability‑confident workplace with a hub providing specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you thrive.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network to share experiences and influence council practice.
- Strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and the workplace is accessibility‑friendly.
Contact and Application
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
Requirements upon Selection
Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencing employment. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship under Manchester City Council policy.
Pre‑Employment Checks
Pre‑employment checks will depend on the role. Details are in the advert.
Other Relevant Information
We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support, we’ll source necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If a task proves unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can support your application. All examples and statements must be truthful, accurate, and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism detected can lead to withdrawal of applications.
Additional Information
Calculate your take home pay: use this service to estimate Income Tax and National Insurance for the current tax year.
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