We’re looking for an IT Security Operations Manager: a senior engineer, leading a small team of practitioners, managing and maintaining our systems and controls for IT/cyber security and information assurance.

As well as working with our technical and procedural systems day-to-day, you will be comfortable tackling and resolving complex and unusual problems. You will lead our IT security incident response capability, ensure our routine security processes take place, and work with project teams in IT Operations and more widely to identify improvements and represent the ongoing needs of security operations.

This opportunity would be well suited to a security engineer/analyst looking to take a leadership role, or to an established security or IT operations lead looking for different challenges. Within our IT Operations Department we are working on a programme of security and governance improvements, using a range of tools and techniques to identify issues and weaknesses, detect and resolve incidents, and take steps to improve our operations. Scripting and automation is of particular interest, as well as maintaining and operating data systems supporting our IT security and information management aims.

You will bring in-depth technical expertise and be willing to learn, analyse and improve our technical and procedural systems: developing robust and supportable services, sharing your knowledge with colleagues, and supporting and influencing decisions throughout our department and wider organisation. In this role you will work within our IT security and assurance team, alongside information management and security professionals, and in collaboration with colleagues in IT Operations and across the wider organisation.

Who are we?

The Domesday Book, Medieval Chancery records, Shakespeare’s will, Tweets from Downing Street. These are just some of the 12 million items held by The National Archives. We are the official archive and publisher for the UK government, and guardians of over 1000 years of iconic national documents.

IT Operations is a department of 35 staff, specialising in the provision of enterprise ICT services within The National Archives.

What’s in it for you?

• The satisfaction that you can make a difference, building and supporting our capabilities and contributing to our overall aims.
• You will be located in a beautiful parkland setting by the River Thames in Kew, with staff parking and good transport links.
• The option of a hybrid working pattern, with some time working in our office and some time working from home.
• A comprehensive benefits scheme including a generous pension scheme, an on-site restaurant, shop and staff bar, season ticket loans, on-site Gym and clubs.
• 22 days leave, rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years (plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays each year)
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan.
• Working in a friendly and supportive environment.
• An opportunity to use and learn a wide range of skills and technologies.

This is a full-time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of The National Archives.

We are committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce and therefore encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQI+ community, the trans community, those who are neuro diverse, and those with a disability.

Essential criteria:

Managing a Quality Service

• In-depth specialist technical expertise, preferably in enterprise IT infrastructure technologies within a production IT service: firewalls, networking, servers, cloud services, security controls
• Keen and capable problem-solver, with analytical and critical thinking, and a logical and methodological approach to solving complex and unusual problems
• Relevant bachelors degree, or comparable IT / information security learning and experience
• Experience of technology and/or security operations, such as: incident investigation and resolution, root cause analysis, incident reporting, change and problem management, service improvement

Communicating and Influencing

• Excellent interpersonal skills, making and maintaining links within the department, the organisation, and more widely; presenting and summarising information for technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent skills in persuading and influencing decisions and objectives through research, engagement and technical understanding
• Practical knowledge of techniques for automation and reporting, such as scripting or the use of data analysis tools

Desirable criteria:

• Relevant masters degree, or comparable specialist IT / information security learning and experience
• IT security experience and qualifications including CISSP, CEH or similar
• Experience of line management
• Specific knowledge of UK public sector practices
• Specific technical and procedural knowledge of ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials

How to apply:

To submit your application please click the ‘Apply now’ button on this page. You will be asked to upload a CV and statement of suitability. In your statement of suitability please briefly explain, using examples, how you meet each of the three criteria given below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section.

SC-level Security Clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance is mandatory for this role and requires that you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.

The other essential criteria from the job description will be assessed at interview stage.

• In-depth specialist technical expertise, preferably in enterprise IT infrastructure technologies within a production IT service: firewalls, networking, servers, cloud services, security controls
• Keen and capable problem-solver, with analytical and critical thinking, and a logical and methodological approach to solving complex and unusual problems
• Experience of technology and/or security operations, such as: incident investigation and resolution, root cause analysis, incident reporting, change and problem management, service improvement

Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development.

Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk;

Job contact :

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