About this role
*GRC Specialist*📍 Manchester | Permanent | Full-time
A large, well-established public sector organisation in Manchester is looking for an Analyst to join their Information Security team on a permanent basis.
This is a broad and genuinely interesting security role blending security architecture, compliance, policy development, risk management and stakeholder engagement. If you want a role where you're shaping how security is done rather than just maintaining it, this is worth a look.
What you'll be doing
Designing and maintaining security architectures aligned with NCSC guidance and sector best practice. Leading internal security audits and contributing to external assurance including Cyber Essentials. Writing and maintaining information security policies and standards. Conducting risk assessments and managing the security risk register. Supporting third-party security risk management. Delivering security awareness training across the organisation. Working across IT, data protection, legal and operational teams to embed security at every level.
What they're looking for
A proven background in an operational security role, Security Architect, Security Analyst or Compliance Lead.
Strong knowledge of GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and NCSC CAF.
An industry-recognised certification such as CISSP, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or equivalent.
Experience writing and implementing security policies, conducting audits and working with IT teams to improve controls.
Familiarity with DevSecOps, SIEM tooling, or higher education / public sector environments is desirable but not essential.
About cyber security & digital forensics roles for ex-police
Cyber security, digital forensics and incident-response roles. DMIs, cybercrime investigators and digital forensics officers bring evidential discipline and investigative judgement that DFIR and security teams struggle to hire.
See all cyber security & digital forensics jobs in Manchester →Why this fits a police background
- Risk & threat assessment
- Working to legislation & regulation
What cyber security & digital forensics roles pay ex-police
Advertised UK ranges, editorial estimates reviewed July 2026
| Digital forensics analyst | £32,000–£45,000 |
| DFIR consultant | £45,000–£65,000 |
| Senior forensics / IR specialist | £60,000–£80,000 |
| Threat-intelligence specialist | £55,000–£80,000 |