Overview
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security and aims to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.
Job Description
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 that the UK’s most vital services are protected against evolving threats. You will establish strong partnerships with departments and agencies and collaborate closely with teams across the NCSC, including technical specialists and incident response teams, to ensure a joined-up and effective approach.
What will the successful candidate be doing
The successful candidate will protect critical systems and help shape the UK’s cyber resilience. You will provide expert advice to senior stakeholders, helping them manage cyber risks and embed robust security measures from the start of major projects. You will coordinate and lead efforts across government and sector boundaries, bringing together internal and external stakeholders to tackle large-scale cyber challenges.
You will draw on the full range of NCSC services, offering a blend of technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to meet customer needs. You will represent the NCSC at forums and events, influence national cyber policy and champion best practice across sectors. You will focus on continuous improvement, using customer insights to refine and enhance delivery so interventions are data-driven, relevant and impactful. You will join a diverse and high-performing team of cyber security consultants and may be required to travel to London, Cheltenham and customer sites as needed; hybrid working is well embedded.
Person Specification
We are seeking a passionate and skilled professional. Previous experience in cybersecurity, consultancy, or policy is required, or you must demonstrate how you will develop these skills and explain why you want to work as a Cyber Consultant in the Government Team.
The successful applicant will need to have:
* Proven experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, with clear and effective communication at the highest levels.
* Ability to perform under pressure, maintain focus and deliver results when it matters most.
* Experience working with organisations across diverse sectors and navigating different organisational cultures and priorities.
* 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 (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
We offer an inclusive and supportive working environment with comprehensive training and development opportunities. The starting salary is £44,044. Other benefits include:
* 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 (gym, restaurant, coffee bars at some locations)
* Paid parental and adoption leave
* Excellent Civil Service pension
Equal Opportunities
We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone, including groups under-represented in our workforce. We encourage applicants from women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from low socio-economic backgrounds to apply.
Disability Confident
GCHQ is Leader level in the Disability Confident scheme. We aim to interview a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria. The minimum criteria include:
* Experience of working with external stakeholders
* Effective written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams
Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process. See our website for information.
What to Expect
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and merit-based. Stages include online application, sift, interview and conditional offer if successful. You must pass each stage to progress; the process may take 6–9 months including vetting. Consider continuing current employment until you have a final offer.
Before You Apply
To work at the NCSC, you must 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. A strict drugs policy applies. You should set up a separate email address for communications and avoid revealing identifying details in the address.
The role is based in Manchester, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance. We do not offer relocation costs.
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 a partner.
The closing date for this role is: 17/09/25 at 23:55.
Right to Withdraw Statement
We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date for this role if a sufficient number of applications are received.
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