Cyber Security Engineer

In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.Job Title: Cyber Security EngineerLocation: Manchester City Centre (Hybrid Working 1-2 days in the office)Salary: Up to £50,000 per annumContract: Permanent, Full TimePlease note: UK applicants only | No sponsorship availableAbout usOutcomes First Group is the UK’s largest independent provider of specialist education and care. We deliver personalised, research-led support that helps every child thrive.As a growing organisation, we continue to invest in our people and services to deliver high-quality outcomes across our sites.About the RoleWe're looking for a hands-on Cyber Security Engineer to help strengthen the security of our technology estate and deliver key initiatives from our Cyber Security Roadmap.You'll play a key role in implementing, configuring and continuously improving security controls across our Microsoft-centric environment. This role offers the opportunity to work across Microsoft 365 security, identity and access management, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, infrastructure hardening and security operations.You'll help ensure our security capabilities remain effective, resilient and aligned to evolving threats while supporting both project delivery and day-to-day security operations.Key ResponsibilitiesSecurity Engineering & Project DeliveryDeliver technical work packages from the Cyber Security Roadmap, ensuring solutions are planned, implemented, tested and transitioned into operational supportImplement, configure and maintain security tooling across the organisationSupport the delivery of security improvement initiatives that reduce cyber risk and strengthen operational resilienceProduce and maintain technical documentation, standards, implementation notes and support proceduresMicrosoft Security & Infrastructure ProtectionConfigure and enhance Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Intune, Entra ID and Microsoft 365 security and compliance capabilitiesStrengthen security across endpoints, identities, applications, cloud services and infrastructureImplement secure configurations and hardening standards in line with industry best practiceSupport vulnerability management activities, ensuring issues are identified, prioritised and remediated effectivelySecurity Operations & Incident ResponseSupport day-to-day security operations, including monitoring, alert review and detection improvementAssist with cyber security investigations, incident response, containment and remediation activitiesWork closely with IT teams to address security weaknesses, vulnerabilities and configuration risksHelp maintain key security controls to ensure ongoing effectiveness and complianceContinuous Improvement & GovernanceSupport the maintenance of security standards and accreditations, including Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus and CIS ControlsIdentify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve operational efficiencyProvide practical cyber security guidance to technical teams and project stakeholdersMaintain awareness of emerging threats and recommend improvements to strengthen security capabilitiesExperience, Skills & QualificationsEssentialExperience administering and improving Microsoft 365 security controlsHands-on experience with Microsoft Defender technologies, including Defender for Endpoint and Microsoft 365 DefenderExperience supporting vulnerability management and remediation activitiesKnowledge of security monitoring, alert triage, incident response and technical investigationStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a practical approach to risk reductionExperience working with technical teams and stakeholders to deliver secure technology solutionsStrong organisational skills with the ability to balance projects, operational activities and security prioritiesExperience configuring or supporting security controls across cloud, endpoint and identity platformsDesirableMicrosoft Security Operations Analyst Associate certificationMicrosoft Azure Security Engineer Associate certificationCompTIA Security+, CISSP, SSCP or equivalent certificationsExperience supporting security frameworks and compliance initiativesExperience automating operational or security-related processesWhy Join Us?ou’ll be joining a growing organisation where you can make a real impact, working closely with senior stakeholders on strategic and high-value initiatives across the Group.Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools, and Momenta Connect.By joining our central teams, you’ll help shape strategy, provide expert support, and drive continuous improvement across a growing organisation renowned for quality, impact, and innovation. We value collaboration, professionalism, and creativity, offering the opportunity to influence change at scale while staying true to our core values of care, aspiration, and inclusion.BenefitsLife AssurancePension scheme with flexible contribution options“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental and physical health supportFamily Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leaveFlexible benefits via Vista (Cycle to Work, Electric Car Scheme, discounts, 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 check.We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received. Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed, we do not accept liability for any loss of earnings or costs incurred due to delays or changes in compliance processes. All stages are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.