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, aiming to make 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

In this role, you 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 manage cyber risks effectively and embed robust security measures from the very beginning of major projects. You will coordinate and lead efforts that bring together internal and external stakeholders to tackle large-scale cyber challenges across government and sector boundaries. You will offer a blend of technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to meet customer needs, represent the NCSC at forums and events, and influence national cyber policy and best practice. 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. 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 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 relations. You will perform effectively in high pressure situations and have a track record of collaborating across diverse sectors, navigating different organisational cultures and priorities. 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, based on Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies you’ll be assessed against are:

• 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 pages.

Benefits and Rewards

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that encourages 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 rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays
• Flexible working options
• Employee performance recognition opportunities
• 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 people with diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and neurodivergent conditions. Find out more about our culture, working environment and diversity on our website.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader. We aim to ensure a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for this position are offered an interview where practical.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and merit-based. Stages: Online Application, Application sift, Interview, conditional offer if successful. You must pass each stage to progress. Applications may take 6–9 months to process including vetting; consider this when planning.

Before You Apply

To work at the NCSC, you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. Read about eligibility and vetting processes. We have a strict drugs policy; you must declare previous drug usage at the relevant stage. Consider creating a separate email for correspondence. The role is based in Manchester; you must live within a commutable distance and relocation costs are not offered. Please launch your application from within the UK.

Closing Date and Right to Withdraw

The closing date for this role is 17/09/25 at 23:55. We reserve the right to close the role early if a sufficient number of applications are received. Review our site for reasonable adjustments available during recruitment.