Infrastructure and Network Lead – UK

The Infrastructure and Network Lead is responsible for designing, managing, and optimizing the Bank’s cloud-based network infrastructure across primary and disaster recovery regions. The role ensures the Bank’s technology backbone remains secure, resilient, and scalable to support evolving business needs and regulatory requirements. By driving operational resilience, enforcing strong security and compliance standards, and enabling efficient cloud operations, this role underpins the Bank’s ability to deliver reliable and innovative digital services.

Value Contribution to the Bank:

• Ensures operational continuity through expert management of dual Azure regions
• Enforces compliance with FCA/PRA requirements and industry security standards
• Drives efficiency and scalability through automation and proactive optimization
• Enables secure adoption of emerging technologies (AI, analytics, automation)
• Provides technical leadership to support innovation and competitiveness

Role Responsibilities:

As a senior technology leader, you are responsible for overseeing and managing the bank's technology infrastructure, operations, and resources. You play a crucial role in enabling the bank to leverage technology effectively, mitigate risks, and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving banking and financial services industry.

Key responsibilities include:

• Technology strategy and alignment: Support, develop, and implement a modern technology strategy that aligns with the bank's overall business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices in the UK banking sector.
• Technology infrastructure management: Assist and support the design, implementation, and embedding of the bank's technology infrastructure, including core banking systems, digital channels, payment systems, and Microsoft Azure regions.
• Product engineering leadership: Assist and support the process of requirements gathering and translation into technical specifications for all processes and products that are to be deployed on the bank’s technology platforms.
• Information security and cyber risk management: Ensure developments build upon and enhance existing information security and cyber risk management policies and procedures.
• Regulatory compliance and reporting: Ensure that the bank's technology operations, systems, and processes adhere to relevant UK banking regulations.
• Technology governance and risk management: Ensure adherence to and maintenance of an effective technology governance framework.
• Open banking and fintech collaboration: Bring industry expertise on developments in the UK’s open banking and fintech ecosystems.
• Technology budget and resource management: Assist, support, and manage the bank’s technology budget.
• Talent management and development: Assist and support to recruit, develop, and retain skilled technology professionals.
• Strategic leadership and collaboration: Engage, support, and assist as a strategic advisor to the CTO and technology team.
• Industry engagement and thought leadership: Participate in industry forums, working groups, and relevant regulatory consultations.
• Vendor and stakeholder management: Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers.

Skills and Experience:

• 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in UK banking or financial services environment.
• Proven expertise in core network architecture and management, particularly in cloud environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure, specifically managing multi-region infrastructures.
• Strong background in Windows and Linux server management and multi-site IT operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and disaster recovery planning.

Qualifications/Education/Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree or MBA can be advantageous for leadership roles.
• Training in team management, leadership, and strategic planning.
• Understanding budgeting and financial analysis to manage cloud and network expenditures effectively.

Desirable Certifications:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Key Competencies:

• Deep understanding of cloud service models and architecture best practices.
• Proficiency in designing, deploying, and managing complex network architectures.
• Strong understanding of security best practices, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools that enhance collaboration and efficiency.
• Strong analytical skills to identify problems quickly and develop effective solutions.