Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager Salary: Circa £75,000 per annum Contract: Fixed Term until March 2027 Location: Essex County Council, Chelmsford (remote/hybrid) Join a Council Shaping the Future of Public Services Essex County Council (ECC) is on a bold journey to become one of the most effective, forward-thinking, and financially sustainable councils in the UK by 2030. At the heart of this transformation is a bold commitment to digital innovation and world-class customer service and Keystream are supporting them in their search for a Security Operations Centre Manager to help make that vision a reality. In this pivotal role, youll lead and manage ECCs Security Operations Centre (SOC) team, driving forward their cyber security capabilities to ensure robust protection across their digital estate. With a strong cloud-based infrastructure already in place, your expertise will help them to maintain, develop, and refine security operations that are responsive to emerging threats and aligned to the evolving needs of local government. To read more about our business area, please visit Corporate Services and Transformation Key Responsibilities: Lead and develop an active Security Operations team focused on threat detection, incident management, and prevention of data breaches or service disruptions. Build and mature the Security Operations Centre (SOC) with a focus on cyber risks, threat intelligence and proactive incident avoidance. Oversee the councils response to critical cyber incidents, coordinating resolution efforts and informing senior stakeholders. Collaborate with security architects and technical teams to shape and implement cyber security policies, ensuring theyre risk-appropriate and business-friendly. Manage cyber security risks by embedding them into the corporate risk register and advising on appropriate mitigation strategies. Oversee the planning and execution of cyber audits and present findings to senior leadership. Provide expert guidance on malware analysis, secure access, identity management, and digital estate safeguarding. Build strong partnerships across Essex and beyond, working closely with peers, vendors, and regional bodies to stay ahead of emerging threats. Experience Needed: A proven team leader in cyber security operations, ideally with experience setting up and managing a SOC. Expert level Cyber Security Certifications and competencies and experience with leadership in a security functional role is essential. Recognised cyber security certifications and a track record of continuous professional development is preferred UK Cyber Security Council, NCSC, CISSP, CEH, SFIA etc. Deep technical knowledge of cyber security trends, threats, tools, and protocols -demonstratable vendor agnostic technical appreciation of both defensive and offensive Cyber Security with focus on Microsoft security competencies. Strong experience in leading incident response, technical investigations, and high-pressure decision-making. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at all organisational levels. Strategic thinking with a focus on continuous improvement, service excellence, and innovation. Experience managing teams (of varying experience, including apprentices), budgets and suppliers, and working in a high-profile, high-risk environment. Why Join ECC? At ECC, youll be part of a collaborative and ambitious organisation that values creativity, innovation, and excellence. Youll have the opportunity to make a real impact, working on high-profile digital projects and initiatives that touch the lives of thousands across Essex. Youll get flexible working, excellent development opportunities, and the chance to work with a supportive team thats passionate about what they do. In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Governments devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more aboutdevolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)) on our careers site Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. Were committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.Were also committed to interview allveteransandcare leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and theNolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone. Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Ready to help shape the future of public services in Essex? Apply now and become a key player in ECCs digital transformation journey. ADZN1_UKTJ