IT Infrastructure Team Lead

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Crowmarsh Gifford; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology as an IT Infrastructure Team Lead, contributing to impactful environmental research through effective IT leadership. This role involves managing a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-performance IT infrastructure across multiple sites. Ideal candidates will possess strong technical skills and a commitment to excellence, integrity, and teamwork, with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Annual leave

Pension

Flexible working

Wellbeing perks

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and change management skills.
• Experience supporting infrastructure in a multi-site SME environment.
• Hands-on approach to infrastructure support.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the IT Infrastructure team.
• Develop and deliver a resilient computing environment.
• Implement strategic vision for UKCEH IT.

Skills

Infrastructure management

Automation tooling

Leadership

Technical project management

Networking skills

Critical thinking

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Microsoft M365

AD

Azure

VMware

Storage

Backup

Microsoft Server

Linux

Ansible

Puppet

Chef

AWS

Job description

Salary £46,507 to £51,347
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent, Full time (37 hours per week)
Location: Wallingford, Edinburgh, Lancaster or Bangor
We will review applications upon receipt, and reserve the right to close this advert if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

UKCEH is seeking an experienced IT Infrastructure Team Lead to join our talented team, contributing to scientific discovery and providing data, insights, and solutions to environmental challenges.

You will work collaboratively with other IT managers to shape strategies, policies, and procedures for our IT services. A strong technical background in infrastructure management, automation tooling, and infrastructure practices is essential.

Lead a multidisciplinary team across multiple sites, ensuring delivery of a resilient, high-performance computing environment that supports UKCEH's evolving needs. Your leadership, team-building, and continuous improvement skills will be vital.

UKCEH is committed to your development; if you're ready to grow into a leadership role, we will support your management skills development while allowing you to continue contributing technically.

Your main responsibilities include:

1. Managing the daily operations of the IT Infrastructure team
2. Monitoring and reporting on service requirements and helping develop UKCEH infrastructure
3. Developing and delivering a stable, resilient, and recoverable infrastructure based on industry best practices
4. Ensuring all processes are well-documented, audited, and regularly improved
5. Implementing the strategic vision for UKCEH IT
6. Ensuring security by design in all infrastructure requirements
7. Building relationships with vendors and service providers
8. Coordinating cross-functional initiatives and projects

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in infrastructure support with a hands-on approach
• Proven leadership and change management skills
• Experience supporting infrastructure in a multi-site SME environment
• Technical project management experience (rollouts, upgrades, migrations)
• Skills supporting hardware and technologies like Microsoft M365, AD, Azure, VMware, Storage, Backup, Microsoft Server, Linux
• Strong networking skills (firewalls, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing/switching)
• Experience with automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Knowledge of AWS and block storage is advantageous
• Critical thinking and adaptability
• Effective communication skills, able to explain complex concepts clearly
• Interpersonal skills including listening and questioning
• Excellent English communication skills
• Commitment to UKCEH values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork

Join UKCEH, a leading independent research institute dedicated to environmental science that makes a real difference. We support our staff's growth and provide a comprehensive benefits package, including annual leave, pension, flexible working, wellbeing perks, and more.

Apply today by submitting your CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience. We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including neurodivergent candidates and those requiring adjustments during the application process.

Please note: We cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role, and it does not qualify for endorsement for a Global Talent Visa. Please mention if you are considering self-sponsorship in your application.