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. 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 and the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy.

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 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

• Provide expert advice to senior stakeholders to manage cyber risks effectively and embed robust security measures from the outset of major projects.
• Coordinate and lead efforts across government and sector boundaries to tackle large-scale cyber challenges, bringing together internal and external stakeholders.
• Draw on the full range of NCSC services to offer technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to customers.
• Represent the NCSC at forums and events, influencing national cyber policy and championing best practice across sectors.
• 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 high-performing group of cyber security consultants from various backgrounds, where your ideas are welcomed and your impact recognised. Hybrid working is embedded, and you will travel to London, Cheltenham, and customer sites as needed.

Person Specification

We’re seeking a passionate and skilled professional. 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

• Proven experience in preparing and coordinating briefings for ministers and senior officials, communicating complex information clearly at the highest levels.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders, building productive relationships.
• Ability to perform under pressure, delivering results when it matters most.
• Experience collaborating with organisations across diverse sectors and navigating different organisational cultures and priorities.
• Strong risk management and project oversight skills to ensure objectives are met and challenges are addressed proactively.

GCHQ Competencies

The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community, aligning with Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies assessed are:

• Driving Innovation and Change (Changing and Improving)
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Collaboratively
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering Outcomes (Delivering at Pace)

Benefits and Rewards

At NCSC and GCHQ we provide an inclusive and supportive environment with comprehensive training and development opportunities. The salary is starting at £44,044, with benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• Flexible working options
• Employee recognition through performance schemes
• Interest-free season-ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site facilities such as gym, restaurant and coffee bars (location-dependent)
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Excellent Civil Service pension

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone, including groups under-represented in our workforce. This includes women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader. We aim to offer an interview to eligible disabled applicants who best meet the minimum criteria, assessed at sift. 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

There is extra support available in the recruitment process to enable you to perform at your best; see our website for information on reasonable adjustments.

What to Expect

The recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. Stages: online 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, so please consider this with current employment.

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 about eligibility criteria and the vetting process. You may have to disclose previous drug usage at the relevant stage due to our drugs policy. Consider creating a separate email for communications and avoid identifying features in your address.

The role is based in Manchester, and you will need to live within a commutable distance as relocation costs are not offered.

Please launch your application from within the UK. If you are overseas, wait until you visit the UK to apply. Do not discuss your application 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 certain number of applications are received. Apply early to avoid disappointment.