Junior Cyber Security Analyst

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.
GRADE C
At WHSmith Europe our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate (or someone early in their cyber career) to launch into information security within a supportive team that will invest in your development. As a Junior Cyber Security Analyst you’ll get hands-on exposure across the full breadth of the function — from monitoring and responding to threats, to vulnerability management, security awareness and governance & compliance. No two days are the same, and you’ll be mentored by experienced security professionals every step of the way.
We care about your aptitude, curiosity and attitude far more than your qualifications on paper. If you’re keen to learn, methodical, and genuinely interested in cyber security, we want to hear from you.
What you will be doing:
Security Monitoring & Incident Response

Monitor and triage security alerts from our SIEM and other security tooling, escalating where needed
Help investigate suspicious activity, phishing reports and potential incidents, supporting the team through to resolution
Maintain clear, accurate records of investigations and actions taken

Vulnerability Management

Run and review vulnerability scans across our systems and applications
Help track and chase remediation activity with technology teams, and report on progress
Support monitoring of our external attack surface

Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

Assist with risk assessments, security policy maintenance and audit activity
Support compliance work, including PCI DSS and third-party / supplier security reviews
Help keep security documentation and records up to date

Security Awareness & Team Support

Help deliver security awareness campaigns and phishing simulation exercises
Support user access reviews and other recurring security processes
Provide general day-to-day support to the wider Information Security team

What we are looking for:

A genuine interest in cyber security and a strong desire to build a career in the field
A foundational understanding of core IT and security concepts (e.g. networking basics, common threats, how attacks work)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with good attention to detail
Clear written and verbal communication, and the confidence to ask questions
A methodical, organised approach and the ability to manage your own workload
A collaborative team player who is eager to learn and take on feedback
A degree, apprenticeship or relevant study in cyber security, computer science or a related IT subject - desirable
Any hands-on exposure to security tooling, labs, home projects, CTFs or coursework - desirable
Awareness of frameworks and standards such as PCI DSS, ISO 27001 or NIST - desirable
An entry-level certification (e.g. CompTIA Security+, BTL1, SC-900) or working towards one - desirable

How we reward our teams:

Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
4pm Friday Finish
Flexible Working
24Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Family Friendly Leave
Company Pension scheme
Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
Competitive Salary
Cycle to work scheme
Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.
For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.
We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.
We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!