IT Manager Linux

Colt provides network, voice and data centre services to thousands of businesses around the world, allowing them to focus on delivering their business goals instead of the underlying infrastructure.

Why we need this role

We are seeking a highly skilled Linux Team Manager who will serve as both a technical subject matter expert and a strong leader. This role is responsible for defining and implementing technology roadmaps, operating procedures, and automation strategies to ensure our Linux environment is secure, efficient, and compliant. The successful candidate will manage a team of ~10 Linux SMEs and managed service resources located in India and the UK, responsible for supporting approximately 4000 Linux systems that underpin critical business applications. They will deliver solutions that meet stringent security, compliance, and availability requirements while troubleshooting complex issues and driving operational excellence.

What you'll do

• Lead and mentor a team of Linux engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration.
• Act as the subject matter expert for Linux systems, providing advanced technical guidance.
• Define and implement technology roadmaps for Linux infrastructure and related services.
• Develop and enforce operating procedures for secure and efficient system management.
• Design and deliver solutions that meet security, compliance, and high availability standards.
• Drive automation initiatives using Ansible and other tools to streamline operations.
• Oversee patching, hardening, and configuration management in line with best practices.
• Collaborate with security and compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across Linux systems and integrated services.
• Manage DNS and identity management systems, including Red Hat and Oracle LDAP.
• Prepare documentation for operational processes, compliance audits, and technical designs.
• Participate in the Infrastructure Operations on-call rota to provide out-of-hours support for priority incidents.

What we're looking for

• Not directly responsible for these platforms, but experience is highly beneficial due to cross-team collaboration.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server environments.
• Familiarity with enterprise storage technologies (e.g., SAN, NAS).
• Understanding of virtualisation platforms (e.g., VMware, KVM).
• Knowledge of Oracle Databases and their integration with Linux platforms.
• Awareness of Kubernetes concepts and operational practices.
• Understanding of containerisation technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman).
• Experience with both on-premise and cloud environments, including Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Leadership & Behavioural Skills

• Ownership & Accountability: Takes responsibility for delivering outcomes and driving technical excellence.
• Leadership: Ability to influence, guide, and collaborate across teams without direct authority.
• Outcome Driven: Focused on delivering measurable results aligned with business objectives.
• Strategic Thinking: Aligns technical decisions with broader IT and business strategy.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication for technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across architecture, security, and operations teams.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identifies opportunities for optimization and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Certifications such as RHCE, LFCS, or security-related credentials.

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 7+ years of Linux administration experience, including 2+ years in a leadership role.

Skills

• Risk Management
• Building and Managing Teams
• Supervisory Leadership
• Infrastructure Design
• Project Management

What we offer you:

Looking to make a mark? At Colt, you'll make a difference. Because around here, we empower people. We don't tell you what to do. Instead, we employ people we trust, who come together across the globe to create intelligent solutions. Our global teams are full of ambitious, driven people, all working together towards one shared purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of our customers wherever, whenever and however they want. We give our people the opportunity to inspire and lead teams, and work on projects that connect people, cities, businesses, and ideas. We want you to help us change the world, for the better.

Diversity and inclusion

Inclusion and valuing diversity of thought and experience are at the heart of our culture here at Colt. From day one, you'll be encouraged to be yourself because we believe that's what helps our people to thrive. We welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, regardless of their gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, neurodiversity, age, marital status, pregnancy status, or place of birth. Most recently we have: Signed the UN Women Empowerment Principles which guide our Gender Action Plan Trained 60 (and growing) Colties to be Mental Health First Aiders. Please speak with a member of our recruitment team if you require adjustments to our recruitment process to support you. For more information about our Inclusion and Diversity agenda, visit our DEI pages.

Benefits

Our benefits support you through all parts of life, for both physical and mental health. Flexible working hours and the option to work from home. Extensive induction program with experienced mentors and buddies. Opportunities for further development and educational opportunities. Global Family Leave Policy. Employee Assistance Program. Internal inclusion & diversity employee networks.

A global network

When you join Colt you become part of our global network. We are proud of our colleagues and the stories and experience they bring - take a look at Our People site including our Empowered Women in Tech.