Are You Ready to Redefine Cyber Defence at One of the UK’s Leading Universities?
Your leadership could be pivotal as Manchester Metropolitan University (Man Met) undertakes a transformative security and risk programme—with the goal of building a resilient, innovative, and forward-thinking security capability that supports the University’s ambitious academic and research endeavours.
Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an experienced and dynamic Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager to lead and develop our Cyber Security Operations function. In this critical leadership position, you’ll oversee a talented team tasked with detecting, investigating, and responding to security threats across a diverse, complex digital environment.
As SOC Manager, you will define the strategic direction of our security operations, driving enhancements to threat management, incident response, and vulnerability management. You’ll optimise our use of critical tools and platforms, establish robust processes, and develop meaningful metrics that shape operational decision-making and continual improvement.
If you’re passionate about leading high-impact initiatives, shaping strategic priorities, and fostering team growth, this is an exciting opportunity to make a measurable difference in the future of cyber resilience for higher education.
About the Role
As the Security Operations Centre (SOC) Manager, you’ll play a key role in safeguarding the University’s systems, data, and people from an evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include managing a high-performing team of security analysts and engineers, ensuring the effective operation of platforms and workflows, and driving continual growth in threat detection, response capability, and cyber-defence strategy. You’ll collaborate closely with fellow leaders to deliver transformational security initiatives, including a major refresh of SOC tools and capabilities. By aligning technical expertise with strategic thinking, you’ll help strengthen the University’s cyber resilience while enabling innovation across academic and professional services.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a growing team in a collaborative, inclusive environment, where your leadership will drive operational excellence and lasting impact within a thriving sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the University’s Security Operations Centre (SOC), ensuring effective monitoring, threat detection, and incident response.
- Provide leadership and line management for the SOC team, fostering professional growth and building a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and high performance.
- Act as the primary incident manager for major security events, overseeing coordinated response efforts and driving swift resolution.
- Enhance SOC processes, including workflows, escalation protocols, and standard operating procedures, to ensure operational consistency.
- Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), SLAs, and metrics to measure SOC effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making.
- Oversee threat management, SIEM platforms, and vulnerability management, ensuring continual optimisation of security tools and processes.
- Cultivate strong relationships with outsourced SOC partners, aligning their efforts with internal strategy and ensuring quality service delivery.
- Collaborate with the Deputy CISO, security leadership, and wider teams to drive integration, innovation, and continuous service improvement.
Key Skills and Experience
- Proven leadership experience in Cyber Security Operations, including managing SOC teams and coordinating internal and external resources.
- Expertise in designing and enhancing SOC workflows, playbooks, and protocols to achieve efficient, repeatable operations.
- Demonstrable capability to develop and report on metrics such as KPIs and SLAs, ensuring visibility of SOC performance and identifying improvement areas.
- Strong incident management experience, acting as a key decision-maker during high-stakes security incidents and coordinating response actions effectively.
- Excellent leadership skills, with a track record of developing inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing teams.
- Technical proficiency in threat detection, SOC tools optimisation, and vulnerability management platforms, with hands-on experience across industry-standard systems.
- Experience managing outsourced security services, maintaining alignment to strategic priorities and ensuring quality results.
- Strategic planning and vision-setting for Cyber Security Operations, including risk mitigation, capability development, and resource alignment.
- Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-specialist stakeholders and build lasting relationships.
- Agile and people-focused leadership approach, prioritising team mentoring, professional development, and proactive security culture.
Highly Desirable Certifications
- Industry-recognised security certifications such as CISSP, CISM, GIAC (e.g., GCIH, GCIA), or CompTIA Security /CySA .
- Relevant technical qualifications such as Microsoft SC-200, Cisco CCNP Security, or SANS Blue Team certifications.
- Framework-related certifications demonstrating alignment with best practices (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST CSF, TOGAF).
About the Team
The Cyber Security Operations team is central to Manchester Metropolitan University’s efforts to protect its diverse community of students, staff, and systems. The team monitors, detects, and responds to cyber threats across a complex, evolving technology landscape, using a variety of tools and frameworks.
We align our practices with leading standards, including the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and CIS Controls, tailoring solutions to the higher education context. The SOC Manager will join a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where innovation is celebrated and measurable impact is at the heart of our work. With a major transformation programme underway, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of cyber resilience in higher education.
About the Directorate & Department
Manchester Met’s Information Technology and Digital (IT&D) directorate supports the University’s strategic objectives by delivering innovative, efficient, and impactful technology solutions across teaching, research, administration, and operations. Our Information Security Department is responsible for the protection of critical data, systems, and assets, ensuring availability, confidentiality, and integrity across the University. Through proactive risk management, technical expertise, and training, we aim to deliver robust security that supports business needs without compromising on safety.
Application Process
To apply, submit your CV and a covering letter via our application portal, detailing your suitability for the role. For informal enquiries, contact Ian Scott at [email protected].
Assessment Process: Includes a competency-based test followed by an interview, scheduled for the week commencing 23 June.
Join Our Community
At Manchester Metropolitan University, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We’re particularly committed to fostering representation from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups, disabled people, and LGBTQ individuals. Our supportive environment includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and flexible working arrangements tailored to your needs. Reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process—please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Together, let’s shape the future of cyber defence innovation