At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and improvement of secure IT infrastructure while mentoring a dynamic team.
- Company: Join an innovative AI R&D company at the forefront of technology in Oxford.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, 28 days leave, and excellent health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI and security while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in IT or related field with experience in enterprise infrastructure.
Aioi R&D Lab – Oxford is an AI R&D company based in Oxford, on a mission to harness AI to understand, predict, and manage risk, helping build a safer, more resilient society.
We sit at the intersection of academia and industry, working with Oxford's professors, researchers, and graduates alongside commercial spinouts and partner companies, to turn frontier research into AI that actually ships rather than just gets published.
Our work spans applied AI for insurance and adjacent industries, including supply chains, nature, autonomous driving, and the emerging challenges nobody's solved yet, alongside deep research of our own into agentic AI, privacy-preserving technologies, trustworthy AI, complex systems modelling, and quantum computing.
We build AI products and solutions for insurers, businesses, and public-sector organisations worldwide, and run innovative research projects that push these technologies further, helping people make better decisions in an uncertain world.
You’ll be providing technical leadership for the design, implementation, operation and continual improvement of the company's IT infrastructure, ensuring it remains secure, resilient, scalable and aligned with business objectives.
If you’d like to be part of our brighter future, and share in our success, we’d love to hear from you.
BE THE NEXT BIG THING, NOW.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the company's heterogeneous IT infrastructure, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux platforms, ensuring high levels of availability, resilience and security.
- Translate business, operational and information security requirements into practical technical solutions, producing infrastructure designs and implementation plans that align with company policies, standards and recognised best practice.
- Establish and maintain technical standards for the organisation's IT infrastructure, ensuring solutions are secure, supportable, resilient and consistent with company architecture and security policies.
- Design, implement and maintain technical security controls across the organisation's IT environment, including Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, endpoint management, identity and access management, networking and cloud services.
- Act as the principal technical authority for infrastructure and security, providing expert advice to the IT Manager on technology selection, architecture, technical risk and operational improvements.
- Plan, coordinate and oversee the day-to-day technical work of IT staff, providing mentoring, knowledge sharing and technical guidance, whilst acting as the escalation point for complex incidents and infrastructure issues.
- Design, implement and maintain secure office network infrastructure, including wired and wireless networking, internet connectivity, firewalls, network segmentation, remote access and associated security technologies.
- Lead the administration, governance and security of Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID, Intune, collaboration platforms and business applications, defining technical standards, security baselines and operational procedures.
- Specify, evaluate and implement IT hardware, software and cloud services, providing technical input into procurement decisions and managing the lifecycle of infrastructure assets and software licensing.
- Develop and maintain technical standards, infrastructure documentation, operational procedures and disaster recovery documentation to support the effective management and resilience of the IT environment.
- Support the development, implementation and continual improvement of the organisation's Information Security Management System (ISMS), implementing technical controls that contribute to compliance with ISO/IEC 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and other required standards.
- Monitor the security, health and performance of the IT environment, identifying risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement, and leading the implementation of corrective actions.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and make recommendations to improve the organisation's IT infrastructure, security posture and operational efficiency.
- Provide technical leadership during infrastructure projects, technology deployments and major incidents, ensuring solutions are delivered to agreed standards, timescales and security requirements.
Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- Experience translating business and security requirements into practical technical solutions and infrastructure designs.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate technical options, make sound architectural decisions and justify recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Significant experience designing, implementing and supporting enterprise IT infrastructure in a principal technical or infrastructure engineering role.
- Ability to balance usability, developer productivity and information security when designing and implementing technical solutions.
- Strong knowledge of enterprise networking, including switching, routing, wireless networking, firewalls, VPNs and network security principles.
- Proven experience designing, implementing and securing Microsoft 365 environments, including MS Entra ID, Intune, Exchange Online, Share Point Online and MS Teams.
- Experience implementing and administering Microsoft Intune, including device enrolment, compliance policies, application deployment and mobile device management.
- Experience designing and implementing identity and access management solutions, including Microsoft Entra ID, Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and role-based access control.
- Experience designing and implementing secure cloud infrastructure and services, ideally Amazon Web Services (AWS).
- Experience administering and supporting heterogeneous IT environments comprising Windows, Mac OS and Linux systems.
- Experience supporting the implementation, operation or continual improvement of an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
- Good understanding of information security principles and experience implementing technical security controls aligned with recognised frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus.
- Experience mentoring or providing technical leadership to junior IT professionals.
- Experience with infrastructure automation or scripting using technologies such as Power Shell, Bash or Python.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex infrastructure and security issues.
- Excellent technical documentation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Why Join Us?
We're committed to your growth, providing the support to excel in your current role whilst offering opportunities to step into new challenges and drive your career forward.
We realise that we need to be a good fit for you above all else – so here’s what you can enjoy about AND-E:
- Recognised as the Best Large Insurance Employer: We are proud to have been named the Best Large Insurance Employer for 2023 at the prestigious British Insurance Awards.
- Unmatched Work-Life Balance.
- Competitive Salaries and Benefits Package: We offer competitive salaries that recognise your skills and expertise.
We champion choice, flexibility, and balance in both work and home life.
Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures everyone feels valued and supported — including embracing neurodiversity and providing the tools needed to thrive.
We like to think our benefits package is one of the best, focusing on colleagues’ health, wealth, and lifestyle. We offer:
- 28 Days annual leave with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days holiday*
- Private Medical & Permanent Health Insurance*
- 4 x Annual salary Life Assurance*
- Health and
- Wellbeing
Benefits: Including money back on health-related expenses (optician, dental, physio, etc.), Flu Jab vouchers, Virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme, and enhanced family-friendly policies (baby bonus & pension advisory service)
- Financial and
- Lifestyle
Support: Offers financial flexibility through Wagestream*, annual season ticket loans*, cycle scheme*, and £250 towards driving lessons for you and dependents*.
- Subject to company performance and completion of probation
Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment.
Employees and job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics)
At AND-E, equal opportunity is more than a policy—it’s a promise.
We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Reasonable adjustments: If you require any adjustments to support you during our recruitment process, please let us know.
We’re committed to making the process accessible and are happy to help
Principal IT Infrastructure & Security Specialist in Oxford employer: Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe
At AND-E, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the insurance sector, recognised as the Best Large Insurance Employer for 2023. Our warm and inclusive culture fosters employee growth through continuous development opportunities, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises work-life balance and well-being. Join us in our mission to make journeys simpler, safer, and smarter, while being part of a diverse community that values every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal IT Infrastructure & Security Specialist in Oxford
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe!
✨Direct Apply to Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal IT Infrastructure & Security Specialist in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
