Head of Infrastructure and Security

Next Employment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Employment Ltd. seeks a strategic Head of IT Infrastructure and Security to design, deliver, and safeguard a comprehensive technology environment in the London area.

You will lead infrastructure, networks, and core systems to ensure reliability and scalability while enforcing a strong cybersecurity posture. You will act as the senior authority on IT and security, driving risk management, regulatory compliance, and budget discipline, while mentoring a high-performing team to support

Qualifications

• Senior IT leader with proven experience in designing, delivering, and protecting complex technology environments.
• Experience leading IT infrastructure and cyber security programs at scale.
• Lloyd's of London Insurance Market experience is essential for this role.
• Ability to align technology with business goals and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organisation's IT strategy aligned with business goals and group objectives.
• Oversee design, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure.
• Own the organisation's cybersecurity strategy and ensure robust protections.
• Lead major IT projects, system upgrades, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Manage IT budget, procurement, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with regulations (GDPR, ISO) and SOX where applicable.
• Lead change management to adopt new tools and processes.
• Engage stakeholders and translate technical concepts for business leaders.

Skills

IT leadership

Cybersecurity strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Vendor management

Policy & compliance

Communication skills

Job description

The Head of IT Infrastructure and Security is responsible for leading the design, delivery, and protection of the organisation’s technology environment. This role ensures that all infrastructure, networks, and core systems are reliable, scalable, and aligned with business needs, while also establishing and enforcing a robust cybersecurity posture. Acting as the organisation’s senior authority on infrastructure and security, the role drives strategic planning, operational excellence, and risk management to safeguard data, maintain service continuity, and support long term digital growth.

Lloyd's of London Insurance Market experience ESSENTIAL

• Foster a culture in the business that understands the value and importance of IT Infrastructure and cyber security.
• Maintain and develop all Infrastructure systems and services including disaster recovery and operational resiliency requirements
• Management and protection of all information assets as detailed in core policies and procedures.
• Define comprehensive strategies and initiatives aimed at improving the technological capabilities of the business.
• Ensure the business complies with relevant regulatory and SOX requirements through policies and procedures.
• Maintain a robust change control framework to ensure the business receives the highest level of consistency and quality in delivery of solutions.
• Mentor, train and develop a high performing team.
• Managing IT procurement to a budget on an actual vs plan reporting basis
• Responsible for ensuring a robust Group Information Security policy and training schedule
• Support RFP and tender processes with Change management team for all IT system projects. This will include establishing requirements and working with key internal staff to align objectives
• Responsible for creating and owning a IT Change Management and managing all IT Infrastructure change initiates
• Responsible for all IT Infrastructure Communication and dissemination of the agreed technology and data strategies, business priorities, operating models and relevant procedures and standards

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute the organisation’s overall IT strategy aligned with business goals and group objectives
• Lead long term technology planning, including digital transformation and innovation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology.
• Advise senior leadership on emerging technologies and their potential impact.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all IT systems, networks, and infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of critical systems.
• Manage IT service delivery, including helpdesk operations and incident management.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, standards, and procedures.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Own the organisation’s cybersecurity strategy and ensure robust protection against threats.
• Implement and maintain security frameworks, compliance standards, and data protection policies.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and lead mitigation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, ISO standards).
• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
• Manage resource planning, recruitment, and performance reviews.
• Build strong cross departmental relationships to ensure IT supports organisational needs.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost effective technology investments.
• Oversee procurement of hardware, software, and services.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, service providers, and consultants.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure service-level agreements (SLAs) are met.

Project & Change Management

• Lead major IT projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and new technology rollouts.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Champion change management efforts to support adoption of new tools and processes.

Data & Systems Governance

• Oversee data management, integrity, and governance practices.
• Ensure systems support accurate reporting, analytics, and business intelligence.
• Drive continuous improvement of IT processes and systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for all IT-related matters.
• Communicate complex technical concepts in clear, business-friendly language.
• Collaborate with department heads to understand needs and deliver tailored solutions.
• Knowledge of Lloyd's of London/London market incumbent and emerging technology vendor landscape and functionality is ESSENTIAL
• Proven experience as senior IT leader or similar role
• Experience in analysis, implementation and evaluation of IT systems and their specifications
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Experience in controlling information technology budgets
• Naturally curious and enthusiastic
• Willing to take responsibility and be accountable
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility and trust.
• High level of problem solving capabilities