Cyber Security Graduate Jobs Manchester: Why the City Stands Out

From Salford to Spinningfields, Manchester has become a hotbed for early-career talent in technology and cyber security. For graduates, that means an unusually broad mix of employers actively hiring entry-level cyber security talent.

Unlike London, Manchester combines strong tech credentials with a more affordable cost of living, a thriving digital community, and growing demand for security expertise. For recent graduates from computing, IT, or networking backgrounds, it’s a city where you can build your skills, join a Security Operations Centre (SOC), and progress quickly.

If you’re a student or graduate considering your first role in the sector, here’s everything you need to know about who’s hiring, what roles to target, and how to stand out in Greater Manchester’s security market.

Why Manchester Works for Cyber Grads

With over 10,000 tech companies based in Greater Manchester, the city has developed a strong reputation for supporting innovation in cloud computing, data analytics, and cyber defence. In fact, the North West has attracted 49% of UK external investment into cyber security, supported by MIDAS.

Major employers, including banks, health trusts, and MSPs, have invested in on-site and outsourced SOCs, creating new demand for junior analysts and first-line defence professionals.

Manchester also hosts one of the UK’s most established academic cyber networks. With institutions like the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan running certified courses in cyber security and digital forensics, local employers are accustomed to hiring directly from the graduate pool. Manchester now provides an accessible entry point for candidates with genuine potential to move from junior to specialist within your first few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Sectors Hiring Cyber Grads

Manchester’s strength in cyber security recruitment lies in its sector diversity. Multiple industries here are building out their security teams, giving graduates different environments to choose from depending on their skills and preferences.

• Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): These firms handle cyber defence for other organisations. They typically run 24/7 SOCs, making them ideal for entry-level analysts keen to build incident response skills in real time.
• Financial Services: With major banks and fintechs based in the city, this sector offers structured graduate pathways in security monitoring, compliance, and risk.
• SaaS and Scale-Up Tech Firms: Cyber is a priority as these firms grow. Expect roles in DevSecOps, identity access management, and product security.
• Public Sector and NHS Trusts: These organisations increasingly run internal cyber teams or outsource to local providers. There are opportunities in policy, governance, and user awareness training.
• Universities and Research Spin-Outs: Academic cyber research is strong in Manchester. Graduate roles often support secure development, infrastructure, or research governance.

Each of these sectors provides a different learning curve. Whether you want hands-on detection or policy-focused work, Manchester’s hiring landscape means there’s a place to start gaining real-world experience.

Companies to Watch in Manchester

Manchester’s cyber ecosystem is packed with organisations actively building graduate talent pipelines. Here are some standout companies and sectors hiring for cyber security roles in the city:

1. MSSP: Sector-Based SOC Provider

Anonymised for confidentiality, this major managed security provider supports clients in retail, logistics, and education. Their Manchester SOC regularly hires graduates into 1st line analyst roles. Expect shift work, on-the-job training, and exposure to SIEM tools like Splunk. Security+ is often preferred.

2. NCC Group

Headquartered in Manchester, NCC Group is a global cyber consultancy that offers graduate roles in threat intelligence, GRC, and technical security testing. Their structured training paths make them a go-to for career starters.

3. Barclays Technology Campus

Barclays runs extensive security operations from its Radbroke base. Graduate roles in incident response, vulnerability management, and security compliance are commonly available, particularly for STEM grads with strong communication skills.

4. North West NHS Trusts

Several NHS organisations across Greater Manchester run internal cyber programmes or work with third-party SOCs. Junior roles often focus on user awareness, endpoint protection, or ISO/IG requirements.

5. SaaS Fintech Firm (Confidential)

This scale-up focuses on digital payments and regularly hires grads into IAM (identity and access management) and DevSecOps support. Security+ or Azure Fundamentals are good starting points.

6. Manchester Metropolitan University

Beyond teaching, MMU employs cyber graduates in their digital security and infrastructure teams. Roles may include endpoint monitoring, data protection, or helping ensure compliance across university systems.

7. ANS Group

A cloud and digital services provider with offices in Manchester, ANS regularly brings on grads in security support and monitoring roles. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure or Microsoft Sentinel is a plus.

8. Northcoders / Tech Returner Programmes

While not employers directly, these training and bootcamp initiatives work closely with regional employers to place cyber-curious grads into security-adjacent roles. Completing one can be a fast track to interviews.

9. UKFast (now ANS)
 While now under the ANS umbrella, UKFast has a history of bringing junior engineers into their hosting security team. Look out for entry-level roles in system security and monitoring.

Typical Entry-Level Cyber Security Roles

For many graduates, the right first step depends on your strengths, preferred work environment, and long-term interests in the cyber field. Here are 3 common starting points for cyber security careers:

1. SOC Analyst (Tier 1)

This is one of the most accessible and structured entry paths. Analysts in Security Operations Centres monitor alerts, triage logs, escalate incidents, and contribute to threat reports. Expect shift patterns, including nights and weekends, especially in MSSP environments. Strong written communication and attention to detail are essential.

2. Junior Security Analyst

These roles are broader and may sit within internal security teams. Responsibilities often include vulnerability scanning, phishing simulations, or endpoint protection support. They’re ideal for grads who want exposure to multiple tools and processes without the intensity of a 24/7 SOC rota.

3. GRC Assistant (Governance, Risk & Compliance)

Perfect for those with an interest in security frameworks, audits, and policy. Day-to-day tasks could involve reviewing security documentation, supporting ISO/IG initiatives, or liaising with stakeholders on compliance matters. Strong organisational skills and the ability to digest standards like ISO 27001 are valuable here.

Skills That Get You Interviews

The most successful candidates for entry-level cyber jobs in Manchester combine core technical knowledge with practical skills. These are the skills that help you stand-out:

Core technical areas to focus on:

• Networking basics: Understand how TCP/IP, DNS, and VPNs function.
• Operating systems: Be comfortable navigating both Windows and Linux environments.
• Log analysis: Know how to interpret system logs, firewall alerts, or SIEM dashboards.
• Incident documentation: Learn how to write clear, concise reports on security events.
• Scripting fundamentals: A basic grasp of Python, PowerShell, or Bash can help automate simple tasks.

Soft skills that stand out:

• Attention to detail: Spotting anomalies or missing information is key to triage work.
• Written communication: You’ll need to report on incidents clearly for non-technical teams.
• Team collaboration: Most cyber work is collaborative, even in shift-based roles.

Experience doesn’t have to come from a job. Home labs and online platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box are valid sources of learning many employers value. Ultimately, interviewers are looking for coachability and the ability to problem-solve. If you can show that you’ve put time into understanding cyber security and are ready to learn, you’re already halfway there.

Starter Certifications & Study Paths

While not always essential, industry-recognised certifications can help you move from application to interview, especially if you lack hands-on experience. Here’s a good starting point:  

• CompTIA Security+: The gold standard for entry-level security knowledge. Covers threats, network security, and incident response. Widely recognised by SOC employers.
• CompTIA Network+: Ideal if your networking fundamentals need strengthening. Often used as a stepping stone to Security+.
• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Aimed at those pursuing SOC or analyst roles. Includes log analysis and basic threat detection.
• Microsoft SC-900: Great if you’re entering roles with a cloud or Microsoft 365 focus.

Certifications can be studied independently via platforms like:

• TryHackMe and Hack The Box (practical labs)
• Udemy and LinkedIn Learning (video courses)
• Coursera and Cybrary (guided programmes)

Don’t feel pressured to collect certifications too early, one well-understood cert paired with hands-on lab practice often outweighs multiple credentials with no context or application.

Graduate Cyber Salaries in Manchester

One of the most practical questions for graduates is how much they can expect to earn starting out in Manchester’s cyber security market. Here’s what to expect:

• SOC Analyst (Tier 1): £24,000 – £28,000 base. Shift work and unsociable hours allowances can push this higher by £2,000 – £3,000.
• Junior Security Analyst: £26,000 – £30,000 depending on sector. Financial services often pay at the higher end.
• GRC Assistant: £23,000 – £27,000, with scope for faster progression into mid-level compliance roles.

Across all roles, most graduates can expect a review after 12-18 months. Those who build strong technical skills or complete certifications like Security+ often see salary increases of £3,000 – £5,000 within two years.

You might get slightly lower entry-level pay than London, but you have far greater affordability and clearer progression opportunities.

4 Ways to Stand Out in Manchester

Manchester is a competitive market, but there are clear ways for graduates to differentiate themselves when applying for cyber roles:

1. Build a Portfolio

Show practical capability by creating a home lab or sharing write-ups from platforms like TryHackMe. Upload projects to GitHub or document them on LinkedIn.

2. Optimise Your CV and LinkedIn

Highlight technical skills, certifications, and practical projects. Add a clear skills section with tools (e.g. Wireshark, Splunk) and list completed labs or competitions.

3. Join Local Communities

Manchester has active cyber meetups and student-led groups. Examples include the OWASP Manchester Chapter, the Manchester Grey Hats community, and the Manchester Cyber Security for Control Systems group, which all host regular events for aspiring security professionals.

4. Use Tailored Applications

Research the company, align your skills to the job description, and reference relevant Manchester-based experience or interests.

FAQs for Manchester Cyber Grads

Can I start in penetration testing as a graduate?

Direct entry into pen testing is rare. Most graduates begin in SOC or analyst roles before moving into offensive security after 2-3 years of experience.

How quickly can I progress from SOC to engineering roles?

With strong performance and additional certifications, many graduates move from Tier 1 SOC to engineering or incident response roles within 18-24 months.

Do I need Security+ to land my first job?

Not always. While helpful, employers value curiosity, lab work, and basic networking knowledge just as much as certifications.

Are hybrid or remote roles available in Manchester?

Yes. Many financial services and SaaS employers offer hybrid working. Fully remote graduate roles are less common, as most firms prefer new hires to be in-office for training and collaboration.

Launch Your Cyber Career in Manchester

Manchester offers one of the strongest graduate markets for cyber security in the UK. Whether you’re interested in SOC analysis, compliance, or technical security roles, Hamilton Barnes can help you take the first step.

Explore our Students & Graduates Hub, browse Enterprise Security roles, visit Empowering Future Network Engineers or check the latest Manchester Cyber Security job listings. Your first role could be just a click away.