Cyber Security Operations Manager

Full Job Description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

Security Operations Manager

Bolton | Hybrid- working 2 days in the office
Permanent | 37.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri)
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)

We’re reimagining work/life balance – and you could be part of it.

In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running. We’re proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial, giving our teams more time to recharge while still earning 100% of their pay.*

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education and care in the UK. We deliver research-led, personalised education that helps every child thrive.

Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning. Our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity, and our promise is simple: we listen, work together, and hold each other accountable to make the remarkable happen.

*Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.

The Role

Outcomes First Group (OFG) is seeking an experienced Security Operations Manager to oversee our Security Operations function, protecting our service users, staff, and data. You will manage a small, high-impact team while working closely with third-party SOC/MDR providers to ensure 24x7 coverage and rapid incident response.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a small SOC team, driving performance, KPIs, and SLAs.
• Partner with third-party SOC/MDR providers to maintain operational coverage and efficiency.
• Own and improve OFG’s incident response framework and playbooks, leading tabletop exercises and acting as escalation point for high-impact incidents.
• Conduct proactive threat hunting, leveraging EDR/XDR, SIEM, and threat intelligence.
• Manage the vulnerability management programme, coordinating remediation with engineering teams.
• Produce and present security MI and reports to stakeholders, clearly articulating risk and mitigation strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, AI, and process optimisation in security operations.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience as a SOC Lead, Security Operations Manager, or Cyber Security Manager, ideally in a small, hands-on team.
• Experience managing third-party SOC/MDR services and developing KPIs/SLAs.
• Hands-on experience with EDR/XDR, SIEM, endpoint and email security solutions.
• Strong incident response and threat hunting capabilities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft security ecosystem (Defender, Intune, Entra ID, Purview) advantageous.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• CISSP or equivalent certification is a plus

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with contribution options
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” mental and physical health support
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible benefits via Vista (discounts, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Scheme, critical illness cover and more)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.