Head of SOC / NOC

I am currently helping a client of mine with a Head of SOC/NOC, this role ensures that network infrastructure is reliable and secure, incidents are swiftly handled, and the team operates efficiently.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Lead/recruit/develop NOC & SOC teams, including analysts, engineers, and managers.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams, drive performance, and manage under pressure.
• Oversee continuous monitoring, ensuring network performance and resolution of issues.
• Develop and lead SOC incident response playbooks, manage critical escalations, and handle crisis situations effectively.
• Set operational goals and align NOC & SOC strategies with wider IT and business objectives.
• Budget planning & vendor procurement to ensure cost-efficiency.
• Produce and present performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Implement and optimise monitoring, detection, and investigative tools (SIEM, etc.)

Ideal Experience

• C5yrs+ years in either (or both) network and security operations — ideally with at least 3-5 years in a managerial/leadership role.
• Proven ability to manage combined NOC and SOC environments and diverse technical teams.
• Broad expertise in network infrastructure: routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, load balancers, cloud networks.
• Deep understanding of security monitoring and incident response tools (SIEM, etc.)

Side notes

• Hybrid working; 2-3 days office based in Bolton
• MSP experience is highly desirable