Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst

Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst Location: Manchester (Hybrid/Office-based)Contract: Permanent Salary: £60,000 – £67,000 + 10% car allowance (paid monthly) + up to 20% performance bonus

About the Role We’re working with a leading energy organisation in Manchester that operates the UK’s largest smart meter network. Regulated by OFGEM and backed by government and private shareholders, this is a fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes chaotic environment where priorities can shift quickly. It’s an exciting place to work for someone looking to make a real impact and grow their career internally over time.

As a Lead Cyber Security Operations Analyst, you’ll join the Security Operations Centre and play a critical role in leading security investigations, developing detection content, and advancing operational security capabilities across the business. You’ll collaborate with Risk, Technology, and Operations teams, provide subject matter expertise, and help shape the SOC’s strategy and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the technical escalation point for the SOC, leading security incidents and advising on containment, mitigation, and system hardening.

• Provide operational oversight for day-to-day SOC activities, ensuring incidents are escalated appropriately and recurring issues are addressed.

• Support team development through mentoring junior analysts, delivering technical training, and facilitating tabletop exercises.

• Lead use case development, approve tasks, and develop new detection content including machine learning analytics and security automation.

• Maintain and update SOC documentation, processes, procedures, and operational metrics/dashboard reporting.

• Build and enhance threat intelligence capabilities, sharing actionable insights across the organisation and wider smart energy sector.

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to identify opportunities for security improvements and evaluate emerging security technologies.

• Gather forensic data for in-depth root cause analysis.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in incident management and response, including leading investigations in complex environments.

• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve objectives.

• Previous experience within a Security Operations role.

• In-depth understanding of the cyber threat landscape, adversary tactics, and the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

• Knowledge of cloud environments and SaaS applications such as AWS, Azure, Office 365, and Defender.

• Ability to work under pressure and make informed judgment calls.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.

• Eligible to obtain and hold HMG Security Clearance at “Security Check” (SC) level.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience as a Senior SOC Analyst or Level 3 SOC Analyst.

• Experience using Elasticsearch or similar analytics platforms.

Apply now to speak with VIQU IT in confidence, or contact Phoebe Rees via the VIQU IT website. Know someone great? Refer them and receive up to £1,000 if successful (terms apply). Follow us on LinkedIn @VIQU IT Recruitment for more exciting roles.