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, focused on 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.

What will the successful candidate be doing

The successful candidate will be at the forefront of protecting critical systems and shaping the UK’s cyber resilience. You will 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. 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. Drawing on the full range of NCSC services, you will offer a blend of technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to meet the needs of our customers. You will also represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and championing best practice across a variety of sectors. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, you will use customer insights to refine and enhance our delivery, ensuring that 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 a variety of backgrounds, where your ideas will be welcomed and your impact recognised. Hybrid working is well 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 a diverse range of 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 closely on 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)

Benefits and Rewards

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you flourish in your role. You’ll receive a starting salary of £44,044. Other benefits include:

• 25 Days Annual Leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years of service, plus 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays
• Flexible working options
• Employee performance recognition
• 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
• Civil Service pension

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone. We encourage applications from groups that are under-represented in our workforce.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader. We offer support and reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process to enable disabled applicants to participate.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and merit-based. Stages: online application, sift, interview, and conditional offer if successful. You must pass each stage to progress. Processing may take 6–9 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). Read eligibility criteria and vetting information. A strict drugs policy applies throughout the process. Consider using a separate email address for application correspondence. The role is based in Manchester and requires you to live within a commutable distance; relocation costs are not offered.

Closing date

The closing date for this role is 17/09/25 at 23:55.

Right to Withdraw Statement

We reserve the right to close the application window earlier if a sufficient number of applications are received. Please apply at your earliest convenience.