Overview:
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and strategic Senior IT & Infrastructure Manager to lead the design, implementation, and ongoing support of our critical IT and network infrastructure. This pivotal role is an equal blend of technical hands-on expertise and high-level management responsibilities. The successful candidate will be a technically skilled leader with a deep understanding of network architecture and private cloud technologies, particularly Linux server environments, as well as a seasoned manager capable of driving teams, influencing stakeholders, and contributing to the organisation’s commercial success.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership (50%)
- Architect, deploy, maintain, and optimise high-availability IT and network infrastructure systems with an emphasis on security, scalability, and reliability.
- Lead hands-on administration and configuration of Linux-based servers, hypervisors, storage arrays, and networking.
- Oversee system monitoring, patching, upgrades, and incident response procedures.
- Ensure full compliance with security best practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 27001).
- Drive innovation and adoption of emerging technologies that improve efficiency, performance, or security.
- Act as the escalation point for complex infrastructure and system issues.
Strategic & People Management (50%)
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of experienced IT professionals to foster a high-performing and collaborative culture.
- Engage with non-technical and technical stakeholders to translate business needs into practical and effective IT solutions.
- Develop, track, and report on departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
- Manage vendor relationships, contracts, SLAs, and procurement to ensure optimal service delivery and value.
- Promote and ensure adherence to IT governance, policy frameworks, and industry standards.
- Lead and support internal and external audits, including ISO certification and compliance initiatives.
- Resolve conflicts within the team and with external stakeholders effectively and constructively.
- Maintain an awareness of commercial and financial implications of technology decisions.
Key Requirements:
Technical Skills & Experience:
- Extensive hands-on experience with Linux server administration and system configuration (e.g., Ubuntu).
- Proven expertise in designing and managing networks, firewalls, VPNs, and other infrastructure components.
- Proficient in virtualization (e.g., VMware, ProxMox) and cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure).
- Solid understanding of backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies.
- Familiarity with configuration management and infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Ansible, Docker).
- Comprehensive knowledge of security best practices, hardening, and compliance (ISO 27001, GDPR, etc.).
Leadership & Soft Skills:
- Demonstrable experience managing and developing high-performing technical teams.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus.
- Adept at explaining complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
- Experience managing departmental budgets and aligning IT strategy with organizational goals.
- Proven ability to balance technical solutions with business objectives and commercial impact.
- Skilled at managing projects, timelines, priorities, and change within dynamic environments.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, etc.) is a plus.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, pension, and professional development support.
- A collaborative and forward-thinking environment where innovation is encouraged.
- The opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of IT within a growing organization.