Head of Infrastructure & Operations

La Fosse; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

La Fosse is recruiting for a senior Head of IT Operations & Infrastructure to lead and modernise UK technology operations within a Defence-facing environment.

The role requires ownership of the UK IT operations function, overseeing a transition toward Azure and hybrid cloud while ensuring security, resilience and compliance.

Hybrid working in the West Midlands with a 6-month initial contract, and UK Security Clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading IT Operations, Infrastructure or Technology Services.
• Strong background in traditional infrastructure, networking, cloud and ITSM.
• Proven track record of technology transformation and maturity improvements.
• Experience building and managing multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience operating in Defence, government, or regulated environments.
• Good understanding of Azure, hybrid infrastructure and modern endpoint technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead UK IT operations, improve ITSM processes, service performance and governance.
• Oversee infrastructure, networks, and workplace technology during Azure and hybrid cloud transition.
• Build and develop a scalable IT operations function with reduced supplier reliance.
• Oversee secure Defence environments with appropriate controls and resilience.
• Introduce structure, standardisation, automation and continuous improvement across IT estate.
• Manage strategic technology partners for value and accountability.
• Strengthen disaster recovery and cyber recovery plans.

Skills

IT Operations

Infrastructure

ITSM

Azure

Hybrid cloud

Leadership

Team development

Defence sector

Security compliance

Stakeholder management

Job description

Head of IT Operations & Infrastructure | Contract | West Midlands

Location: West Midlands (Hybrid)

Contract: 6-month initial contract

Security Clearance: UK Security Clearance required

The Opportunity

We're supporting a growing organisation operating within the UK Defence sector as they look to appoint a Head of IT Operations & Infrastructure to lead and modernise their UK technology operations.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone who thrives on building, improving and transforming IT environments.

The organisation is moving from a predominantly traditional infrastructure estate towards a modern hybrid-cloud operating model, while maintaining the security, resilience and compliance required within Defence.

You'll take ownership of the UK IT operations function, building the people, processes and technical capabilities needed to support significant business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• IT Operations & Service Management: Lead UK IT operations, improving ITSM processes, service performance, operational governance and accountability.
• Infrastructure Modernisation: Oversee infrastructure, networks, end-user computing and workplace technology while supporting the transition towards Azure and hybrid cloud.
• Team Leadership & Development: Build and develop a scalable, multidisciplinary IT operations function, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
• Defence & Security: Oversee secure UK Defence environments, ensuring appropriate operational controls, compliance and resilience.
• Operational Transformation: Introduce structure, standardisation, automation and continuous improvement across the technology estate.
• Supplier Management: Manage strategic technology partners, ensuring clear accountability, service quality and commercial value.
• Business Continuity: Strengthen disaster recovery, cyber recovery, backup and operational resilience.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience leading IT Operations, Infrastructure or Technology Services functions.
• Strong background across traditional infrastructure, networking, cloud, workplace technologies and ITSM.
• Experience improving operational maturity and leading technology transformation.
• Demonstrable success building, developing and managing multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience operating within Defence, government, critical national infrastructure or similarly regulated environments.
• Good understanding of Microsoft Azure, hybrid infrastructure, identity and modern endpoint technologies.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technology strategy into practical delivery.