IT and Infrastructure Manager

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking an IT and Infrastructure Manager to oversee critical technology services in support of the Fire and Rescue operations. You will lead a skilled team, ensuring reliable technology that contributes to community safety. This position offers flexible working arrangements and competitive benefits, making it ideal for a passionate leader in the public sector.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing multidisciplinary IT or infrastructure teams.
• Proven success delivering technology services that support critical operations.
• Strong financial and budget management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support the Control Room Mobilising system and related interfaces.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multi-disciplinary team.
• Represent SFRS on regional and national ICT projects.

Skills

Leadership

Technical team management

Contract management

Budget management

Communication skills

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent

ITIL Foundation or similar

Job description

Job Description

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• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, IP1 2BX - Hybrid
• Salary: £60,135 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

Are you experienced in leading technical teams and managing critical infrastructure? Want to help deliver reliable, innovative IT services that support Suffolk's Fire and Rescue operations?

We're looking for an IT and Infrastructure Manager to lead the technology function at Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS). You'll oversee essential systems, manage key contracts, and guide a skilled team supporting emergency response.

This is a unique opportunity to shape digital delivery across a vital public service.

Your role and responsibilities

In this key role, you will lead and manage SFRS's dedicated IT team and ensure the reliability, security, and performance of the systems that support emergency response and control Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems, prevention, and protection across the county.

On a daily basis, you will:

• Manage and support the Control Room Mobilising system and related interfaces, ensuring reliable 24/7 operation.
• Lead, mentor and develop a multi-disciplinary team of technical specialists delivering software and hardware support.
• Oversee all contracts and supplier relationships relating to SFRS technology, ensuring continuity of service and best value.
• Provide strategic and technical advice to the Senior Leadership Team on digital infrastructure and system performance.
• Represent SFRS on regional and national ICT projects, working collaboratively with partner fire and rescue services.
• Drive innovation, compliance, and continuous improvement through robust service planning, forecasting, and budget management.
• Support emergency response systems outside of standard hours, including planned and unplanned maintenance, where necessary

You’ll have the opportunity to shape the service’s future digital direction, embedding modern, efficient, and secure technologies that directly contribute to the safety of Suffolk’s communities.

You will need

We hope you’ll bring enthusiasm for public service, a passion for technology, and the leadership skills to motivate others.

You will have:

• Significant experience managing multidisciplinary IT or infrastructure teams.
• Proven success delivering technology services that support critical operations.
• Expertise in contract and supplier management, including performance monitoring and negotiation.
• Knowledge and practical application of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework.
• Strong financial and budget management experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to work flexibly, sometimes outside of normal hours, to support emergency systems.
• A degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant management experience, and ITIL Foundation (or similar).

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You’ll join a supportive and experienced team within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s I.T. and Infrastructure Team, responsible for:

• Maintaining the Fire Control Room systems – ensuring our emergency response technology operates reliably.
• Managing software, hardware, and peripheral systems that interface with emergency control functions.
• Collaborating closely with Suffolk County Council's wider ICT teams to ensure cybersecurity, compliance, and seamless operations.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Toby Gray for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 01473 263832 or emailing [e-mail].

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).

Step 2 – Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Please describe your experience leading and managing a multidisciplinary IT team. What approaches have you used to ensure effective delivery and support of technology in a high-pressure environment?
2. Give an example of a time when you managed the lifecycle of technology products or systems that supported frontline or community-facing services. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
3. Explain how you have motivated, developed, and supported team members to achieve high morale and performance. What specific strategies or actions did you take?
4. Describe your experience managing budgets and resources within an IT or infrastructure function. How did you ensure efficiency and contribute to forward planning?

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 7 December 2025.

Interview date: Week commencing 15 December 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).