Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer

Livewest; Clyst Honiton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused housing provider in the UK is seeking a Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer to oversee both on-premises and cloud environments. The role involves ensuring high availability, leading virtualization initiatives, and mentoring junior engineers. Applicants should have extensive experience with server infrastructures and strong troubleshooting skills. This full-time role offers a hybrid working model of 37 hours per week.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Pension Contributions

Health Benefits

Learning and Development Opportunities

Family Support Policies

Wellbeing Support

Paid Volunteering Days

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing on-premises and cloud server infrastructure.
• Expertise in managing and deploying virtual server environments using VMware.
• Experience with capacity planning and infrastructure monitoring tools.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain all IT infrastructure components for high availability.
• Manage on-premises and Azure server environments.
• Lead disaster recovery tests and implement improvements.

Skills

Managing on-premises and cloud server infrastructure

VMware expertise

Network deployments

Troubleshooting and problem-solving

Communication skills

Job description

About The Role

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the backbone of a dynamic organisation’s IT infrastructure? LiveWest is looking for a Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer to oversee and optimise our on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring seamless operations across all business locations.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, drive service improvements, and guide junior engineers. If you’re passionate about innovation, infrastructure excellence, and making a real impact—this is your opportunity to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain all IT infrastructure components to ensure high availability
• Manage on-premises (VMware) and Azure server environments, including backups.
• Lead virtualisation initiatives and capacity planning using data and trend analysis.
• Troubleshoot and resolve WAN/LAN and infrastructure-related issues.
• Collaborate across teams to resolve challenges and improve services.
• Document infrastructure processes and changes in line with ITIL best practices.
• Plan and lead disaster recovery tests and implement improvements.
• Stay current with IT developments and recommend infrastructure enhancements.
• Provide technical support and mentorship to junior team members.
• Monitor M365 updates and coordinate business-wide implementation.

Why Join LiveWest:

At LiveWest, we’re more than just a housing provider—we’re a values-led organisation committed to innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. You’ll be part of a team that embraces change, supports growth, and delivers meaningful impact across communities. We offer a supportive environment where your expertise is valued and your development is encouraged.

This role is being offered on a full-time basis working 37 hours per week. This is a hybrid role with a working pattern of 2 - 3 days per week in the office, dependent on business need.

About The Candidate

To be successful in your application for the role of Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer, you will have the essential skills and experience for a level 3 role and the following role-specific skills and experience:

• Proven experience in managing on-premises and cloud server infrastructure including Windows Server operating systems and virtual machine computing.
• Strong expertise in managing and deploying virtual server environments using VMware.
• Experience of network deployments, integration and virtualisation.
• Experience with capacity planning and infrastructure monitoring tools.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and documentation skills, ability to deliver written and verbal communication to senior colleagues.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest technologies and best practices.
• Full and valid driving licence, prepared to travel to alternative sites on a regular basis.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the role without requiring sponsorship.

About The Company

Our Reward and Benefits:

• Working Style: Hybrid working with 2 - 3 days in the office to support your work/life balance.
• Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro-rated for part-time roles).
• Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
• Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
• Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
• Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
• Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
• Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.

About Us:

At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal.

Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together.

As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers. We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve.

We are committed to supporting our colleagues, giving them the autonomy and encouragement they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we are building brighter futures for everyone.

Inclusion at LiveWest:

At LiveWest, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to supporting all our colleagues and ensuring that our workplace is welcoming and accessible to all.

We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels.

Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.