Overview
The Senior Security Analyst (Ops) sits within the Protective Monitoring function of the Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC). The CSOC is made up of Protective Monitoring, Incident Management, Threat Operations, Engineering and Consultancy. The role is a Tier 3 analyst in the XDR Protective Monitoring Sub team.
Cyber Operations purpose is to support safe care and build public trust by building NHS England's cyber resilience and enabling the wider health system to be cyber resilient, supporting Transformation Directorate's purpose of delivering the best care and outcomes for the NHS.
The Cyber Operations sub-directorate consists of 4 operational areas:
* Cyber Security Operations Unit (CSOU)
* Cyber Delivery Unit (CDU)
* Cyber Improvement Programme
* Chief Information Security Office Function (CISO)
The post of Senior Security Analyst has been awarded a Recruitment and Retention Premia (RRP) in response to current labour market conditions. In recognition of this, the role attracts an additional monthly RRP payment equal to 20% per annum. Please be aware that RRP is non contractual and subject to review.
Responsibilities
* Provide Tier 3 security analytics and incident response for service-specific security monitoring.
* Deputise for Security Lead (Analyst) in their absence.
* Act as an escalation point for Tier 2 Analysts for incidents and investigations.
* Offer mentorship and guidance to Tier 2 Analysts to support others and their own growth and development.
* Keep up to date with the latest security and technology developments, including researching and evaluating emerging cyber security threats and ways to manage them.
* Use advanced analytic tools including SIEMs and XDR to determine emerging threat patterns and vulnerabilities.
* Apply experience and knowledge to assist with investigations of triggered security alerts.
* Support with the development and automation of SOC processes, to mature the security monitoring service.
* Assist with the refinement of Use Cases and identification of areas for improvement of overall security posture.
About us
The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:
* Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
* Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
* Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
* Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
* Delivering value for money.
Requirements
Residency and Security Clearance
All NHS England Cyber Security personnel must hold Security Clearance level as a minimum. To meet National Security Vetting requirements, SC clearances require 5 years continuous UK residency. In certain cases, this can be reduced to three years continuous UK residency, with additional overseas checks for the previous two years. Candidates who were posted abroad for service with HM Government, Armed Forces or within a UK government role - will still be considered. Please make sure you meet these requirements before applying for this role. You don't need to have SC already; however, failure to achieve the requirements for SC after offer will result in the job offer being withdrawn. For further advice please check https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels#security-check-sc
Other notes
If you are successful, you will be hired to the job title of Senior Security Analyst and this job title is advertised to attract the right skills needed for the role. The fixed-term contract is due to a short-term vacancy. Secondments from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, with prior agreement from the employer.
Qualifications and skills
Essential
* Masters level degree or equivalent level of experience.
* Evidence of continuous professional development.
* SANS FOR508 GCFA / SANS SEC504 GCIH
Knowledge and experience
* Extensive knowledge of techniques, approaches and processes of digital threats; ability to detect, monitor, analyse and prevent digital threats.
* Proven knowledge of concepts, issues and techniques of email security; ability to detect, monitor, analyse and prevent unauthorised access, loss or compromise of business email accounts.
* Desirable: working knowledge of SIEM and ISOC concepts, processes and technologies to protect networks and perform cyber security initiatives.
Endpoint security
* Working knowledge of concepts, issues and techniques of endpoint security; ability to ensure security compliance of endpoint devices in various circumstances.
Details
Date posted: 28 August 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8a
Salary: £66,828 to £75,218 a year (inclusive of RRP payment)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 990-TD-CY-15007-E-A
Location
Wellington Place/ Hexagon House, Leeds / Exeter, LS1 4AP
Employer
NHS England
Address: Wellington Place/ Hexagon House, Leeds / Exeter, LS1 4AP
Employer's website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/
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