Lead Infrastructure Engineer

Zest.; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest Plan is seeking a Lead Infrastructure Engineer in Bournemouth on a hybrid basis for a 1 year contract with potential to go permanent. You will be the senior technical escalation point across infrastructure, cloud and IT support, leading projects, mentoring juniors, and shaping how we use technology including AI as we scale.

You’ll work with Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows Server, virtualization, networking and security, with a FoundER‑led team driving fast changes in a customer‑focused

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in 2nd/3rd line IT support or senior technical role.
• Strong Microsoft tech experience including Windows Server, Microsoft 365 administration, Entra ID, Azure, Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams and OneDrive.
• Good understanding of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, conditional access, MFA, RBAC and related identity controls.
• Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware vSphere or Hyper‑V.
• Solid networking knowledge across LAN, WAN, VLAN, VPN, TCP/IP, routing, wireless and managed firewalls.
• Strong security awareness, including backup and restore, endpoint protection, patching, incident response, data protection and GDPR.
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Act as a senior escalation point for complex infrastructure, cloud, networking, security and end‑user support issues.
• Lead infrastructure and IT projects across Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows Server, virtualisation, networking and security.
• Support and improve our hybrid infrastructure, including on‑premise and cloud environments.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, sharing knowledge and helping develop technical capability across the team.
• Maintain clear technical documentation, processes and standards.
• Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve resilience and introduce new technologies.
• Advise on secure, practical use of AI and emerging tools within the business.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Azure

Windows Server

Virtualisation

Networking

Security

End-user support

Documentation

Automation

Tools

VMware vSphere

Hyper-V

Job description

Bournemouth | Hybrid | £35k-£40k (DOE) | 1 year contract with future opportunity for permanent role

Keep the engine room running and help shape where it goes next

We're looking for a Lead Infrastructure Engineer to act as our senior technical escalation point across infrastructure, cloud and IT support. Someone who can lead projects, mentor our junior engineer, and help shape how we use technology (including AI) as we grow. This is a hands‑on role with influence: you'll have the space to bring in new tools and approaches, backed by a Founder‑led team that’s moving fast!

About Zest Plan

We’re specialists in home appliance care with 20 years of experience and a community of 40,000 UK‑based customers. We build customer trust and give value through expert advice and appliance maintenance services, repairs and replacements.

What you’ll be doing

• Act as a senior escalation point for complex infrastructure, cloud, networking, security and end‑user support issues.
• Lead infrastructure and IT projects across Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows Server, virtualisation, networking and security.
• Support and improve our hybrid infrastructure, including on‑premise and cloud environments.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, sharing knowledge and helping develop technical capability across the team.
• Maintain clear technical documentation, processes and standards.
• Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve resilience and introduce new technologies.
• Advise on secure, practical use of AI and emerging tools within the business.

What ideally we’re looking for

• At least five years’ experience in 2nd/3rd line IT support, infrastructure engineering or a similar senior technical role.
• Strong Microsoft technology experience, including Windows Server, Microsoft 365 administration, Entra ID, Azure, Intune, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams and OneDrive.
• Good understanding of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, conditional access, MFA, RBAC and related identity controls.
• Experience with virtualisation technologies such as VMware vSphere or Hyper‑V.
• Solid networking knowledge across LAN, WAN, VLAN, VPN, TCP/IP, routing, wireless and managed firewalls.
• Strong security awareness, including backup and restore, endpoint protection, patching, incident response, data protection and GDPR.
• Excellent troubleshooting, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, customer‑focused approach and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Other Relevant Experience

• Microsoft certifications such as Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert or Microsoft Security Administrator.
• ITIL Foundation or higher.
• Experience with Microsoft Sentinel, Defender, Purview, Azure Virtual Desktop or Azure Virtual WAN.
• Knowledge of SQL Server, Azure SQL, reporting tools or business applications such as ERP, CRM and payroll systems.
• Experience with telephony, hosted VoIP, SIP trunks, SBCs, call routing or call recording platforms.
• Scripting or automation experience using PowerShell, Python, Microsoft Graph, Power Automate, Azure Logic Apps or REST APIs.
• Understanding of generative AI, large language models and associated security considerations.

Why join us?

• Join a friendly, supportive and diverse Technology team.
• Work in an environment where Tech support is valued and approached positively.
• Contribute to big, meaningful projects, including cloud migration, automation and technology improvement work.
• Have the space and scope to introduce new tools and approaches.
• Receive mentoring and support from Platform and Data Architecture specialists.
• Play a key role in a growing, Founder‑led business with ambitious plans.