Organisation: Gateshead Council
Job Category: ICT
Location: Civic Centre
Salary: £39,152 – £41,771
Salary Band: £30001 to £40000
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time
Date Posted: 22-04-2026
Closing Date: 06-05-2026 11:59
Reference: 295000
About the job
We’re looking for a Senior Cyber Security EngineerAnalyst, Interested?
Do you want a role where you’re recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please keep reading as you’re just what we’re looking for!
The team…
The Cyber Security Team is responsible for protecting the Council’s systems, networks and data from cyber threats through the effective application of both technical controls and governance frameworks. The team provides the Council’s core cyber security capability, ensuring that digital services are secure, resilient and compliant with legal, regulatory and policy requirements.
The team is led by the Cyber Security Manager and is made up of two closely integrated functions: Cyber Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) and Cyber Operations. The Cyber GRC function provides strategic oversight, policy development, risk management, compliance assurance and audit support, ensuring that cyber security requirements are clearly defined and embedded across the organisation. The Cyber Operations function delivers the technical implementation and day-to-day operation of cyber security controls, including monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management and system hardening.
Together, the team works collaboratively with IT Services, project teams, business system owners and wider Council services to ensure cyber security is designed into all technology solutions, risks are actively managed, and the Council’s cyber security posture continues to mature in line with best practice and evolving threats.
About the role….
The Senior Cyber Security Engineer / Analyst plays a critical role in protecting the Council’s technology, information and digital services from cyber threats. The post holder is responsible for the design, implementation, operation and continuous improvement of cyber security controls across the Council’s IT estate, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of systems and data.
The role provides senior technical expertise in cyber security, contributing to the prevention, detection and response to cyber security incidents, and supporting the secure delivery of projects and services. The post holder acts as a trusted cyber security specialist for IT Services and the wider organisation, providing advice, guidance and assurance to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, standards and best practice.
Key responsibilities include maintaining a strong cyber security posture through effective patching and vulnerability management, undertaking threat research and applying threat intelligence, supporting incident response and investigation activities, and producing and maintaining robust technical and procedural documentation. The role also contributes to the ongoing development of the Council’s IT Security Policy Framework and plays an active part in improving cyber security awareness across a large and diverse user base.
The post holder works closely with other technical teams, project teams, suppliers and service areas to ensure that cyber security is embedded into day-to-day operations and implemented securely by design.
Knowledge and Technical Expertise
Applicants must demonstrate strong knowledge of cyber security principles, architecture and controls, including network and perimeter security technologies such as firewalls, secure remote access, email and web security, anti-malware and filtering solutions. A sound understanding of networking fundamentals, including routing, subnetting, VPNs and identity-based access controls, is essential, along with knowledge of Identity and Access Management and data security requirements.
The role requires proven understanding of patch management, vulnerability management and system hardening techniques, including the use of penetration testing and security assurance activities to validate security posture. Applicants must also have working knowledge of cyber security frameworks and incident response processes, including detection, analysis, response, recovery and reporting.
Experience
Applicants must have substantial experience working in a cyber security environment, ideally within a large or complex organisation. Experience of implementing, supporting and improving cyber security technologies and services is essential, as is the ability to work independently, collaboratively within technical teams, and effectively with third-party suppliers.
The role requires experience of responding to cyber security incidents, prioritising workloads under pressure, and managing competing demands within tight timescales. Experience of communicating cyber security risks and controls to a wide range of audiences, including non-technical stakeholders, is essential.
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a relevant degree or be able to demonstrate equivalent practical experience, typically including a minimum of three years working in a cyber security role. A recognised information security qualification, such as CISM, CISMP or an equivalent professional certification, is essential.
Skills and Behaviours
The post holder must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex security challenges and develop effective solutions. Excellent communication skills are required to provide clear, accessible advice and to influence secure behaviours across the organisation.
The role requires a proactive and resilient approach, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development to keep pace with the evolving cyber threat landscape.
A bit about Gateshead Council…
Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We’re truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are.
People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.
What’s in it for you? Well, there’s so much on offer and here’s just a few of the highlights!
You’ll be paid a competitive salary £39,152 to £41,771 pa
We’ll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.
You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the Council’s Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.
We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.
A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.
You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support and ability to use our cycle to work scheme. Working with our partners, GLL you can also access discounted leisure facilities Gym and Leisure Centre Memberships | Better
You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping
It’s time to apply!
We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile. It’s important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we’ll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.
For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Martin Blyth on 0191 433 3211.
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www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/_/295000