Overview

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation works to make the UK the safest place to live and work online, collaborating with partners across government, industry and academic communities.

Job Description

As a Cyber Security Consultant, you will deliver expert cyber consultancy to critical systems and major government and public sector projects. You will lead and support large-scale interventions that enhance cyber resilience at a national level, ensuring the UK’s vital services are protected against evolving threats. You will establish strong partnerships with departments and agencies and collaborate with teams across the NCSC, including technical specialists and incident response, to ensure a joined-up and effective approach.

What you will be doing

• Protect critical systems and shape the UK’s cyber resilience by providing expert advice to senior stakeholders and embedding robust security measures from the start of major projects.
• Coordinate and lead cross-government and cross-sector efforts to tackle large-scale cyber challenges with internal and external stakeholders.
• Draw on the full range of NCSC services, offering technical expertise, incident response support and strategic guidance to meet customer needs.
• Represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and promoting best practice across sectors.
• Use customer insights to drive continuous improvement, ensuring interventions are data-driven, relevant and impactful.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. You’ll join a high-performing group of cyber security consultants from varied backgrounds. Hybrid working is embedded; travel to London, Cheltenham and customer sites may be required.

Person Specification

We’re seeking a passionate and skilled professional. Prior experience in cybersecurity, consultancy or policy is required, or you must be able to 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

• Experience preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, communicating complex information clearly at high levels, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations and deliver results, with a proven track record of collaborating across diverse organisations and cultures.
• Strong risk management and project oversight skills, ensuring objectives are met and challenges are identified early.

GCHQ Competencies

The NCSC assesses candidates against Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies include: Driving Innovation and Change; Communicating and Influencing; Working Collaboratively; Making Effective Decisions; Delivering Outcomes. Further information on Civil Service Behaviours is available on the Civil Service site.

Benefits and Rewards

We offer an inclusive and supportive environment, with comprehensive training and development opportunities. The starting salary for this role 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 and opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities such as gym and cafe (where available)
• Paid parental and adoption leave and an excellent Civil Service pension

Equal Opportunities

GCHQ values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and neurodivergent conditions. We encourage applications from groups under-represented in our workforce.

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

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader and provides reasonable adjustments to support applicants throughout the recruitment process. The minimum criteria for interview consideration are demonstrated external stakeholder experience, effective written and verbal communication, and the ability to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and merit-based. Stages include online application, application sift, interview and conditional offer if successful. You must pass each stage to progress; the process may take several months including vetting.

Before You Apply

To work at the NCSC, you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. We have a drugs policy; you may be asked to disclose prior drug usage at the relevant stage. Consider creating a separate email for communications and ensure you are within commutable distance to Manchester, as relocation costs are not offered. The role is based in Manchester and may require travel; applicants outside the UK should wait to apply until visiting the UK. 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 promptly to avoid disappointment.