IT Security & Network Analyst

IT Security & Network Analyst 📍 Belfast, Northern Ireland (Remote) Salary: £45,000For the initial period you'll need to work on-site on a hybrid basis, roughly a couple of days a week, to get up to speed with how things work, with ad hoc travel to Belfast thereafter.The RoleWe're looking for a hands-on Security Analyst to join a growing IT team supporting a modern manufacturing and infrastructure environment in Belfast. This is a security-first role: you'll own day-to-day security operations threat monitoring, incident investigation, vulnerability management, and identity & access management working within a corporate network built on Active Directory and firewall infrastructure. You'll need to be comfortable with core networking and infrastructure fundamentals to investigate and respond effectively, but the focus of the role is security, not infrastructure ownership.Key ResponsibilitiesAdminister day-to-day security operations, identifying and remediating information security risks, threats, and vulnerabilitiesInvestigate and respond to security incidents through technical analysis: log review, malware investigation, and packet/network activity reviewMonitor firewalls and log correlation tools for potential threats, and keep security tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, security gateways) up to date and optimally configuredManage user provisioning/de-provisioning and support identity and access management, messaging, endpoint protection, and remote access systemsResearch, recommend, and implement improvements to security posture and controlsAssist in developing company-wide security standards, policies, and best practicesProduce clear documentation: incident reports, risk assessments, and reference material for the security operations environmentProvide training on security topics as neededSupport the day-to-day network and Active Directory environment as needed to investigate and resolve security issues, and provide tier two support to the Service Desk on security-related mattersEssentialStrong understanding of core cyber security principles: threats, vulnerabilities, risk, and identity & access managementSolid hands-on experience with Active Directory, Windows Server environments, and core networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, firewalls, segmentation) enough to investigate and troubleshoot, not necessarily to own infrastructure buildsExperience working in an IT infrastructure or network environment, not purely cloud/M365-based securityStrong analytical and incident-investigation skillsComfortable working independently on security incidents, both remotely and on-siteHighly Valued (but not a dealbreaker if you're strong elsewhere)Experience with Linux environments, SCCM, or PowerShell scripting/automationExposure to SIEM platforms or security monitoring toolsFamiliarity with Microsoft 365 security tools (Entra, Intune, Purview, Defender)Relevant certifications (Security+, CySA+, CISSP, CISA, etc.)Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or OT (Operational Technology) environmentBroader infrastructure/network engineering experience (firewall configuration, AD architecture, network hardware)Ideal CandidateMid-level security professional with genuine hands-on security operations experienceComfortable working within an infrastructure environment, even if not personally owning itPractical, analytical, and comfortable owning security problems end to endStrong communicator, comfortable working across IT, infrastructure, and application teams