Location
Central London (also based in Cheltenham or Manchester; candidates must live within a commutable distance)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
Starting salary of £71,889 (including a concessionary payment of £3,144). This role may attract a skills payment starting at £6,552 per annum, subject to assessment. London Allowance of £6,250 applies for London-based roles.

About the Role
GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency dedicated to keeping the UK safe by using cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working alongside MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security, aiming to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

We are seeking an International Technical Director to join NCSC’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer. In this role, you will collaborate with technical specialists to explore the core security attributes of the UK’s critical systems and technologies. Together, you will identify vulnerabilities and develop resilient, long-term solutions to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure.

You will be at the centre of impactful technical work on an international stage, working independently and collaboratively. Reporting to a senior colleague, you will provide expert advice on projects, mentor others, engage with senior leaders and specialists, and offer strategic insight to navigate complex challenges.

The role involves frequent international travel, with the potential for a full-time overseas posting in approximately 12 months for around 2 years. You will also support the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international partners.

GCHQ offers an inclusive and supportive working environment focused on teamwork, with comprehensive training and development opportunities tailored to your needs to help you perform at your best.

Experience
- At least five years of practical experience in cyber security.
- Significant experience working within a government department and in international settings.
- Proven ability to work confidently across a broad range of technical cyber security topics including:
Designing secure architectures for IT, Operational Technology, or AI systems.
Analysing hardware and device-level security features.
Researching software vulnerabilities and secure development practices.
Application of cryptographic protocols or security of networking and telecommunications technologies.
- Deep technical expertise in one or more areas of cyber security.
- Knowledge of how technological vulnerabilities occur, how they are discovered, and how they may be exploited.
- Experience applying specialist technical security capabilities to solve customer security problems.

About You
- Preferably holds existing security clearance.
- Ability to mentor and lead technical teams.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Comfortable working collaboratively and engaging with senior leaders.
- Willingness to undertake frequent international travel and potential overseas posting.
- Commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity and security.

Qualifications
- British citizenship or dual British nationality is required.
- Must be eligible for Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
- No specific formal qualifications mandated, but extensive relevant experience and technical expertise are essential.