NCSC International Technical Director

Cheltenham, London, Manchester

GCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UK safe. We use cutting‑edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protect the UK from terrorism, cyber‑attacks and espionage.

At GCHQ you’ll do varied and fascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ, is the UK Government’s lead authority on cyber security. The organisation is at the heart of the Government’s cyber security strategy and has the aim of making the UK the safest place to live and work online.

We’re currently looking for an International Technical Director to join our team within NCSC’s Office of the Chief Technical Officer. In this role, you’ll work alongside technical specialists who explore the core security attributes of the UK’s critical systems and technologies. Together, we identify vulnerabilities and create resilient, long‑term solutions that help protect the nation’s digital infrastructure.

You’ll be at the centre of meaningful, technical work that drives real‑world impact on an international stage. You’ll work both independently and collaboratively, reporting to a senior colleague while offering expert advice on specific projects. You’ll have responsibility for mentoring others, engaging with senior leaders and specialists, and providing strategic insight, especially when navigating complex challenges.

You’ll be expected to undertake frequent international travel, potentially leading to a full‑time posting overseas in 12 months’ time for approximately 2 years. The successful candidate will support the development of the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with international partners.

The successful applicant will need to have:

• At least five years of practical experience in cyber security.
• Significant experience working both with a government department and in international settings.
• Ability to work confidently across a broad range of technical cyber security topics such as:
• 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 the 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 of applying specialist technical security capabilities to help solve customer security problems.

As part of the selection process, the NCSC will assess you using competencies aligned with those used across the UK Intelligence Community. These are closely based on the Civil Service Behaviours, so if you’re familiar with those, you’re already on the right track.

At Level 4, we’ll be looking at how you demonstrate the following:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Collaboratively
• Providing Customer Value

At NCSC and GCHQ, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment which is designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we are committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we will enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.

You’ll receive a starting salary of £71,889 (including a concessionary payment of £3,144).

This role may attract a skills payment, for which you’ll be evaluated for during the interview. The criteria for the skills assessment will be provided when you are invited to interview. If you are assessed to qualify for a skills payment, these payments start at £6,552 per annum.

For roles based in London, you’ll receive an additional £6,250…