SOC Operations Team Lead

As the SOC Operations Team Lead, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of the Security Operations Centre, ensuring the delivery of high-quality security monitoring, incident response and threat detection services across our Microsoft security platform. You will provide operational leadership, technical guidance and mentoring to a team of SOC Analysts, acting as the senior escalation point for complex security incidents whilst driving service quality, operational maturity and continuous improvement. Working closely with customers, internal engineering teams and service leadership, you will ensure the SOC delivers a proactive, customer-focused and highly effective security service. You will champion best practice across Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR and the wider Microsoft Security ecosystem, whilst developing analyst capability and continually enhancing SOC processes, automation and detection engineering. Lead the day-to-day operation of the Security Operations Centre, ensuring high-quality security monitoring, incident response and threat detection services. Provide technical leadership, mentoring and coaching to SOC Analysts, supporting their development and driving consistent investigation standards. Act as the senior escalation point for complex or high-priority security incidents, providing technical oversight and coordinating response activities. Oversee incident investigations using Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Entra ID, ensuring incidents are accurately prioritised, investigated and resolved. Drive continuous improvement across SOC processes, detection engineering, automation, playbooks and operational procedures to enhance service quality and efficiency. Monitor SOC performance against KPIs and SLAs, producing operational reporting and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery. Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders, providing technical guidance and contributing to service reviews and operational governance. Support onboarding of new security technologies, telemetry sources and Microsoft security capabilities, ensuring they are effectively integrated into SOC operations. Promote operational excellence by identifying gaps in tooling, processes or detection coverage and implementing practical improvements. Contribute to the ongoing maturity of the SOC, ensuring services remain proactive, resilient and aligned with evolving cyber threats. Required Experience & Skills Experience leading, mentoring or supervising analysts within a Security Operations Centre. Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR and Microsoft Entra ID. Proven experience managing complex cyber security incidents through investigation, containment and resolution. Strong understanding of security operations, threat detection, incident response and Microsoft security technologies. Experience improving SOC processes, detection capability, automation and operational maturity. Ability to lead technical discussions and communicate effectively with customers, stakeholders and internal teams. Experience producing operational metrics, reporting and service performance insights. Understanding and operating with ITIL Incident Management processes Familiarity with SIEM, SOAR, XDR, MITRE ATT&CK and ITIL-based service environments. This role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy. By joining us you can expect Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership A supportive and collaborative environment Development – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme Flexible Working – including home working and part time Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary Private Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included) Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included) Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay Travel – season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme For a full list of benefits please visit our website ( www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits )