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. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of 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

Be at the forefront of protecting critical systems and shaping the UK’s cyber resilience.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.Coordinate and lead efforts across government and sector boundaries to tackle large-scale cyber challenges with internal and external stakeholders.Draw on the full range of NCSC services, offering technical expertise, incident response support, and strategic guidance to meet customer needs.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.

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 complex information is communicated clearly at the highest levels. Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders.Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations, maintaining focus and delivering results when it matters most. Experience collaborating with organisations across diverse sectors and navigating different cultures and priorities.Strong skills in risk management and project oversight, ensuring objectives are met and challenges are addressed proactively.

GCHQ Competencies

The NCSC will assess you against competencies used by the UK Intelligence Community. These competencies are based on the Civil Service Behaviours. The Level 3 competencies you’ll be assessed against are:Driving Innovation and ChangeCommunicating and InfluencingWorking CollaborativelyMaking Effective DecisionsDelivering OutcomesFurther information on Civil Service Behaviours is available on the Civil Service website.

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.Starting salary: £44,044Other benefits include:25 Days Annual Leave rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidaysFlexible working optionsRecognition through our employee performance schemeInterest-free season ticket loanCycle to work schemeOn-site facilities such as gym, restaurant and coffee bars at some locationsPaid parental and adoption leaveExcellent Civil Service pension

Equal Opportunities

At GCHQ diversity and inclusion are critical to our mission. We welcome applications from everyone and encourage diversity across backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities and neurodivergent conditions.

Disability Confident

GCHQ is a Disability Confident Leader. We encourage disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria to apply and be considered for an interview where practical. The minimum criteria are:Experience working with external stakeholdersEffective written and verbal communication skillsAbility to explain technical issues and collaborate with varied teams

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Stages: Online Application, Application sift, Interview, and (if successful) a conditional offer of employment. You must pass each stage to progress. The process may take 6–9 months including vetting.

Before You Apply

To work at the NCSC, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires the highest security clearance (Developed Vetting). It is essential to read eligibility criteria and vetting information before applying. This role is based in Manchester; you must live within a commutable distance as relocation costs are not offered.Please launch your application from within the UK. Applying from outside the UK may impact progression. You may be asked to provide reasonable adjustments during recruitment. The closing date for this role is 17/09/25 at 23:55.Right to Withdraw Statement:

We may close the role early if a sufficient number of applications are received.

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