Job Specifications
SOC MANAGER Watford, UK · Permanent · On-site
Lead a high-performing SOC. Shape strategy. Drive measurable security outcomes across multi-client environments.
ABOUT THE CLIENT
Our client is a well-established technology and security services provider, delivering critical cyber capabilities to organisations across multiple sectors, including highly regulated industries such as Government, Defence, and Financial Services.
With a strong commitment to CREST standards and ITIL-aligned service delivery, they are investing heavily in growing their Security Operations capability and are looking for an experienced SOC Manager to lead from the front and drive operational maturity across a diverse client portfolio.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This is not a maintenance role. You will have genuine influence.
Own the end-to-end performance of a mature, multi-client SOC
Drive real improvements to tooling, playbooks, and threat detection capability
Mentor and develop a team of skilled Analysts and Incident Responders
Engage directly with senior stakeholders and shape security strategy
Work within a collaborative leadership team that values your expertise
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As SOC Manager, you will carry full operational responsibility for service delivery, performance, and continuous improvement.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of SOC Analysts and Incident Responders
Conduct regular performance reviews and create structured development plans
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
Incident Management
Oversee the full incident lifecycle, from detection through containment and resolution
Ensure SLA adherence, clear escalation paths, and consistent client communication
Maintain, test, and continuously improve incident response plans and playbooks
Threat Intelligence & Vulnerability Oversight
Direct threat intelligence collection and analysis to support proactive defence strategies
Oversee vulnerability management, ensuring timely identification and remediation
Leverage data analysis to detect trends and deliver actionable insights to clients
Standards, Compliance & Reporting
Embed CREST-aligned and ITIL-driven best practice into day-to-day operations
Support ongoing CREST accreditation and audit readiness
Provide regular performance reporting to senior stakeholders across the client base
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Essential
Proven experience leading or managing a Security Operations Centre
Strong background in security monitoring, incident response, and threat detection
Experience developing and maintaining SOC playbooks and standard operating procedures
Solid working knowledge of the MITRE ATT&CK framework
Hands-on experience with SIEM or XDR platforms, e.g. Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, or ELK
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Understanding of ITIL service management principles
Experience working with multiple clients across different industry sectors
Desirable
Knowledge of NIST, ISO 27001, or other relevant security frameworks
CISM, CISSP, or CREST SOC Manager / Analyst certification
Experience in regulated environments such as Government, Defence, or Financial Services
THE BENEFITS
Career progression within a growing, well-funded cyber function
Exposure to complex, multi-client security environments across regulated sectors
Ongoing professional development and certification support
Real opportunity to influence security strategy, tooling, and process improvement
Collaborative and supportive leadership team
TO BE CONSIDERED
Please apply through this advert or contact Robin Muirhead directly at robin.muirhead@searchability.com or on 07719 065949.
By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit, subject to required skills, your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.
KEY SKILLS
SOC Manager, Security Operations Centre, Incident Response, SIEM, Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk, ELK, MITRE ATT and CK, ITIL, CREST, NSD
About the Company
Some things require specialist expertise and industry knowledge, and with an accelerating skills shortage coupled with an ever increasing clearance shortage, we are set up to deliver just that. Whether it's partnering with globally leading private sector companies or directly with government bodies across the country, we deliver a bespoke recruitment service with the kind of care, attention and integrity that the National Security & Defence industry demands.
Specialisms:
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING | SOFTWARE TESTING | CLOUD PLATF...
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