Overview

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. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation aims to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and operates to protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage, through collaboration with departments, agencies and partners across government and the wider public sector.

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 to drive meaningful outcomes. You’ll collaborate with teams across the NCSC, including technical specialists and incident response teams, to ensure a joined-up and effective approach.

What the successful candidate will be doing:

In this role, you 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 effectively and embed robust security measures from the start of major projects. Working across government and sector boundaries, you will coordinate and lead efforts that bring together internal and external stakeholders to tackle large-scale cyber challenges.

You will draw on the full range of NCSC services, offering technical expertise, incident response support and strategic guidance to meet customer needs. You will also represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and championing best practice across sectors.

With a focus on continuous improvement, you will use customer insights to refine and enhance delivery, ensuring interventions are data-driven, relevant and impactful.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. You’ll join a politically astute, high-performing group of cyber security consultants from varied backgrounds, where your ideas will be welcomed and your impact recognised. Hybrid working is embedded, and you will be expected to travel to London, Cheltenham, and customer sites as needed.

Person Specification

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.

The successful applicant will need to have:

Proven experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, ensuring that complex information is communicated clearly and effectively at the highest levels. You will demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work successfully with a wide variety of stakeholders, building productive and collaborative relationships.

You will be capable of performing effectively in high-pressure situations, maintaining focus and delivering results when it matters most. With a track record of working and collaborating with organisations across diverse sectors, you will be adept at navigating different organisational cultures and priorities.

In addition, you will possess strong skills in risk management and project oversight, ensuring that objectives are met while potential challenges are identified and addressed proactively.

GCHQ Competencies

The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community. These competencies are based on the Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies you’ll be assessed against are:

• 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)

Further information on Civil Service Behaviours

Benefits and Rewards

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs, to help you flourish in your role and perform to the best of your ability.

You’ll receive a starting salary of £44,044.

Other benefits include:

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service, plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• Flexible working options
• Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• 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

We value diversity and inclusion as critical to our mission. We welcome applications from everyone, including groups under-represented in our workforce.

Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.

Disability Confident

We are a Disability Confident Leader and aim to ensure a fair interview process for disabled applicants who 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

Extra support is available throughout the recruitment process; see our website for information on reasonable adjustments we can offer.

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 to complete, including vetting.

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.

Please note a strict drugs policy applies during the application process. Consider creating a separate email address for communication. The role is based in Manchester, so you’ll need to live within a commutable distance and relocation costs are not offered.

Please launch your application from within the UK. If you are overseas, wait to visit the UK before applying. Do not discuss your application with anyone outside your close circle.

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 if a sufficient number of applications are received. Submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.