Are you passionate about safeguarding IT systems and networks? Do you have the expertise to detect and neutralize security threats before they impact operations?

DCS Technology are working in partnership with a key education provider, together we're looking for an IT Security Specialist to join our team and take ownership of our technical security tools, ensuring our infrastructure remains secure and resilient.

About the Role:

As an IT Security Analyst, you will be responsible for monitoring and protecting our IT systems and network traffic, ensuring that any suspicious behaviour is quickly identified and addressed. You will be the technical lead for our security tools, maintaining and supporting the technology that keeps our organization safe.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor IT Infrastructure: Constantly oversee security systems, applications, and networks to detect anomalies or breaches that could threaten our operations.
• Threat Detection & Mitigation: Work closely with internal teams and an external Security Operations Centre (SOC) to assess and mitigate security threats.
• Incident Response: Lead investigations into security incidents, coordinating with the SOC and internal teams to fully understand and neutralize threats, and sharing insights to prevent future occurrences.
• Collaboration: Partner with internal and external stakeholders to implement and update security protocols, ensuring our systems are always protected.
• Technical & Security Audits: Support the preparation and evaluation processes for technical and security audits, contributing to our compliance and risk management efforts.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest cyber threats, contributing to ongoing risk analysis and assessment.
• Tool Management: Implement and manage security tools, with a current focus on Microsoft Defender and Sentinel platforms.
• Professional Representation: Act as a key representative of the IT Security team, engaging in meetings, stand-ups, and forums, while also upholding the organization's strategic objectives and policies.

About you:

• Experience: Prior operational security experience, particularly in monitoring and protecting IT systems.
• Education: A degree or equivalent in a related subject.
• Technical Expertise: Strong technical skills, with a continuous desire to learn and improve. Experience with Microsoft security tools, such as Defender and Sentinel, is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with the skill to collaborate in technical and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Flexibility: A flexible approach to work, with a willingness to occasionally adjust working hours to meet the demands of the role.
• Confidentiality & Integrity: A deep understanding of confidentiality and a commitment to personal and professional development.
• Values Alignment: An appreciation and commitment to our core values, which guide our decisions, actions, and behaviours.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience working directly with a SOC team, network defence, ethical hacking, and incident response.
• Hands-on experience managing Microsoft security tools.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH, CCNA, or cloud security qualifications (e.g., AWS Security, Azure Security Engineer).

Why Join Us?

Salary: £40,000

Location: Preston

Working model: Hybrid

Please note this role requires full right to work in the UK and does NOT offer sponsorship- those applying should be based in UK as the client cannot offer re-location support.

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality