Overview
Job description
About Us
GCHQ is 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. At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.
Job Description
As a Cyber Security Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in delivering 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 that the UK’s most vital services are protected against evolving threats.
Establishing strong partnerships with departments and agencies is key to driving meaningful outcomes. You’ll collaborate closely with teams across the NCSC, including technical specialists and incident response teams, to ensure a joined-up and effective approach.
Responsibilities
* Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, helping them to manage cyber risks effectively and embed robust security measures from the very beginning of major projects.
* Work across government and sector boundaries, coordinating and leading efforts that bring together internal and external stakeholders to tackle large-scale cyber challenges.
* Draw on the full range of NCSC services, offering a blend of technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to meet customer needs.
* Represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and championing best practice across sectors.
* Focus on continuous improvement by using customer insights to refine and enhance delivery, ensuring interventions are data-driven, relevant and impactful.
* Be part of a diverse and inclusive team; travel to London, Cheltenham and customer sites as needed in a hybrid working environment.
Person Specification / Qualifications
We’re seeking a passionate and skilled professional to join our team. Previous 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.
* Proven experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, communicating complex information clearly at the highest levels.
* Strong communication skills and ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, building productive and collaborative relationships.
* Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations, delivering results when it matters most, and experience collaborating with organisations across diverse sectors.
* Strong skills in risk management and project oversight, ensuring objectives are met and challenges are addressed proactively.
GCHQ Competencies
The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community, based on Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies include:
* Driving Innovation and Change
* Communicating and Influencing
* Working Collaboratively
* Making Effective Decisions
* Delivering Outcomes
Benefits and Rewards
At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of an inclusive and supportive working environment with training and development opportunities to help you flourish. The starting salary is £44,044.
* 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
* Flexible working options
* Employee performance recognition scheme
* Interest-free season ticket loan
* Cycle to work scheme
* On-site facilities where available (gym, restaurant, cafes)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
* Excellent civil service pension
Equal Opportunities
GCHQ values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from everyone, including groups under-represented in our workforce. We encourage applicants from women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and those from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.
Disability Confident
GCHQ has achieved Leader status within the Disability Confident scheme and aims to interview a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria. The minimum criteria for interview include:
* Experience of working with external stakeholders
* Effective written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams
Extra support is available throughout the recruitment process; see our website for information on reasonable adjustments.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. Stages include online application, application sift, interview, and conditional offer if successful. You must pass each stage to progress. The process may take around 6–9 months including vetting; you may choose to remain in current employment until you receive a final offer.
Before You Apply
To work at the NCSC, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read about eligibility criteria. This role requires Developed Vetting (DV). Find out more about the vetting process.
There is a strict drugs policy; you must not use recreational drugs and will need to declare prior usage at the relevant stage. Consider setting up a separate email address for communications with us for security purposes.
The role is based in Manchester and you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. Relocation costs are not offered.
Please launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, wait until you visit the UK to apply. Do not discuss your application with anyone other than close family or partner.
The closing date for this role is: 17/09/25 at 23:55.
Right to Withdraw Statement: We may bring forward the closing date if a certain number of applications have been received. Submit your application early to avoid disappointment.
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