Overview
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security.
As a Cyber Security Consultant, you will deliver expert cyber consultancy to critical systems and major projects across government and the wider public sector. You will lead and support large-scale interventions that enhance cyber resilience at a national level, ensuring the UK’s most vital services are protected against evolving threats. You will establish strong partnerships with departments and agencies, collaborating with teams across the NCSC including technical specialists and incident response teams.
What you will be doing
The successful candidate will:
* Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, helping them manage cyber risks and embed robust security measures from the start of major projects.
* Coordinate and lead cross-government and cross-sector efforts to tackle large-scale cyber challenges.
* Offer a blend of technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance drawn from the full range of NCSC services.
* Represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and championing best practice across sectors.
* Use customer insights to refine and enhance delivery, ensuring interventions are data-driven, relevant and impactful.
You will work with a diverse, high-performing team in a hybrid working environment and may travel to London, Cheltenham and customer sites as needed.
Person Specification / Qualifications
We’re seeking a passionate and skilled professional. Relevant experience in cybersecurity, consultancy, or policy is required, or you must be able to demonstrate how you’ll develop these skills and explain why you want to work as a Cyber Consultant in the Government Team.
* Experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, communicating complex information clearly at high levels.
* Strong communication skills and ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, building productive relationships.
* Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations and deliver results.
* Experience working with organisations across diverse sectors and navigating different cultures and priorities.
* Strong skills in risk management and project oversight, ensuring objectives are met and challenges addressed proactively.
GCHQ Competencies
The NCSC will assess against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community, aligned with Civil Service Behaviours. Level 3 competencies include:
* Driving Innovation and Change (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Changing and Improving)
* Communicating and Influencing (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Communicating and Influencing)
* Working Collaboratively (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Working Together)
* Making Effective Decisions (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Making Effective Decisions)
* Delivering Outcomes (Civil Service Behaviour Equivalent: Delivering at Pace)
Benefits and Rewards
Starting salary: £44,044. We offer a supportive and inclusive environment with comprehensive training and development opportunities. Other benefits include:
* 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus holidays
* Flexible working options
* Performance recognition schemes
* Interest-free season ticket loan
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant and coffee bars at some locations
* Paid parental and adoption leave
* Excellent Civil Service pension
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ values diversity and inclusion and seeks a workforce that reflects the society we serve. Applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and neurodivergent conditions are welcome.
Disability Confident
GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader. We aim to interview a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria. The minimum criteria include: experience with external stakeholders; effective written and verbal communication; ability to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams. Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process.
What to Expect
Recruitment is fair, transparent and merit-based. Stages include online application, sift, interview, and conditional offer if successful. You may wait 6–9 months to complete vetting; please remain in current employment until you have an offer.
Before You Apply
Requirements include British citizenship or dual nationality, and the role requires Developed Vetting (DV). Review eligibility criteria and vetting information. A strict drugs policy applies. Consider privacy practices for your application and note the role is based in Manchester with no relocation support. Only apply from within the UK and avoid sharing your application details publicly.
Closing Date
The closing date for this role is 17/09/25 at 23:55.
Right to Withdraw
We reserve the right to close the role early if a sufficient number of applications are received.
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