Head of EMEA Infrastructure

The EMEA Head of Infrastructure is accountable for the smooth and effective operation as well as the strategic transformation of IT infrastructure services across the EMEA region. The role operates within a matrix organisation in alignment with global infrastructure functions. It engages with the respective infrastructure chapter leads to ensure coherent, high‑quality delivery for the region while driving availability, performance, scalability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of EMEA infrastructure, ensuring regional needs are represented and met.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with global chapter leads and regional infrastructure colleagues through matrix management to ensure effective planning, design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of all EMEA infrastructure services, including data centres, servers, storage systems, networks, telecommunications, workplace and end‑user services, and cloud‑based services.
• Oversee day‑to‑day IT operations, including help desk support, system monitoring and IT service management (incident, problem, and change management) to minimise downtime and disruptions to business operations.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for infrastructure management, align with organisational goals, proactively identify improvement areas, conduct cost‑benefit analyses, and recommend solutions to enhance performance, effectiveness, and efficiency across business lines.
• Drive continual service improvement initiatives to enhance infrastructure operation quality.
• Build and manage a high‑performance infrastructure organisation, providing guidance, mentorship, and support, fostering a collaborative and results‑oriented work environment.
• Develop a deep understanding of IT application and business needs, and collaborate with key stakeholders to align infrastructure with those needs, ensuring tangible business value.
• Stay up‑to‑date with the latest trends and advancements in infrastructure technologies, providing technical expertise to resolve complex issues and ensure optimal performance.
• Establish and maintain relationships with external vendors and service providers; manage vendor contracts alongside procurement to secure cost‑effective and reliable delivery.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans, conduct regular tests and evaluations to ensure critical system availability during incidents or disasters.
• Collaborate with compliance and security teams to ensure all EMEA infrastructure systems and processes meet regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies, including DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) obligations and third‑party risk requirements for IT infrastructure.
• Oversee IT asset management, tracking hardware, software licences, and equipment inventory.
• Lead major infrastructure transformation programmes across EMEA (data centre modernisation, platform migrations, hybrid cloud adoption), ensuring minimal disruption and full engagement of regional teams.
• Champion AI‑driven operational tooling across EMEA infrastructure (AIOps platforms for predictive monitoring, automated incident response, intelligent capacity management), evaluating and driving use cases that enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
• Prepare and manage the infrastructure budget, ensure cost‑effective utilisation of resources, monitor expenditures, identify optimisation opportunities, and recommend cost savings without compromising service quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Engineering or a relevant field.
• 10+ years of proven experience in infrastructure management, IT operations, and IT security, with a demonstrable background in data centres, networks, servers, workplace and end‑user services, cloud computing, and significant infrastructure transformation programmes.
• Strong leadership skills to manage and drive performance of a team of IT professionals.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with team members, senior management, and stakeholders.
• Technical proficiency and knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, networks, and systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with a problem‑solving mindset.
• Experience within a multi‑national, matrixed environment; preference for experience in financial services.
• Experience operating within a matrix organisation, influencing outcomes through global chapter structures without direct line authority.
• Understanding of financial services regulatory requirements relevant to IT infrastructure, including DORA or equivalent operational resilience frameworks.
• ITIL certification is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and pension scheme.
• Discretionary bonus scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus the ability to purchase additional days.
• Hybrid working options.
• Private medical cover.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan.
• Life assurance.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Comprehensive learning and development offerings.
• Employee assistance programme.

Equal Opportunity / EEO Statement

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or long‑term condition (for example dyslexia, anxiety, autism, a mobility condition or hearing loss) and need any reasonable adjustments, changes or adaptations during the recruitment process, please let us know.