At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to build secure, scalable IT infrastructure and drive automation.
- Company: Join a growing organisation with a meaningful mission in Bristol.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, opportunities for growth, and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT while working with cutting-edge technology and a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT infrastructure and DevOps leadership is essential.
- Other info: Security clearance required; UK nationals only.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
IT DevOps Infrastructure Lead
Location: Bristol, UK
Security Clearance: SC (Eligible) – UK Nationals only
Are you an experienced infrastructure leader with a passion for secure, scalable, and automated systems? Want to help shape and evolve the IT backbone of a growing organisation with a meaningful mission? We\’re looking for a DevOps-savvy IT Infrastructure Lead to lead a high-performing team and drive continuous improvement across our technical operations.
The Role
You will oversee our corporate IT and DevOps landscape-ensuring systems are secure, resilient, and aligned to evolving business needs. From cloud-native tooling to infrastructure-as-code, you\’ll help us build, run, and scale with confidence.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead a collaborative team of infrastructure and DevOps engineers
Build secure, scalable infrastructure (Windows/Linux, VMs, containers)
Drive CI/CD, automation, and Infrastructure as Code practices
Ensure compliance with NIST, NCSC, CIS, JSP, and ISO 27001
Oversee backup, DR, and business continuity strategies
Maintain strong cyber hygiene and proactively manage vulnerabilities
Create documentation and a knowledge-sharing culture
Work cross-functionally to support infrastructure projects
What We\’re Looking For
We\’re after a forward-thinking leader who can combine hands-on expertise with strategic oversight.
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Proven experience in secure IT infrastructure & DevOps leadership
- Strong technical background in systems administration & automation
- Solid grasp of compliance frameworks (NIST, NCSC, JSP)
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management
Tech Stack You\’ll Work With:
- OS: Windows Server, Hardened Linux
- Containers/Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, Portainer
- DevOps Tools: Jenkins, Artifactory, Jira, Azure DevOps
- Virtualization: Nutanix, VMware
- Security: Defender, Wazuh, Nessus, OPSWAT
- Monitoring: PRTG, Zabbix
- Access/Apps: Citrix Netscaler, KASM
Who You Are
You\’re resilient, resourceful, and ready to lead. You enjoy solving problems at scale, delivering results under pressure, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what secure IT infrastructure can achieve.
Key traits we value:
- Strong collaboration and leadership skills
- Agility in fast-moving, tech-driven environments
- A proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to inspire, develop, and support others
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IT INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVOPS MANAGER in Bristol employer: Defence
Contact Detail:
Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVOPS MANAGER in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the IT infrastructure and DevOps space. Attend local meetups or online webinars to connect with others in the field, as personal recommendations can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience with relevant technologies like Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD tools. Consider contributing to open-source projects or creating a portfolio that demonstrates your skills in building secure and scalable systems.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by familiarising yourself with compliance frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27001. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these standards in previous roles, as this will highlight your expertise and alignment with the job requirements.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's mission and values to align your responses during interviews. Demonstrating a genuine interest in our goals and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace IT INFRASTRUCTURE & DEVOPS MANAGER in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in IT infrastructure and DevOps leadership. Focus on specific projects where you built secure, scalable systems and mention any relevant compliance frameworks you've worked with.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for secure and automated systems. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with the company's mission and how you can contribute to their IT backbone.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to the job description, such as your experience with Windows/Linux systems, containers, CI/CD practices, and any tools mentioned like Jenkins or Docker. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership experience by providing examples of how you've led teams in previous roles. Mention any initiatives you've driven that resulted in continuous improvement or enhanced collaboration within your team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Defence
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an IT Infrastructure & DevOps Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and driving results.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with the tech stack mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins, and be prepared to explain how you've used them in previous roles.
✨Understand Compliance Frameworks
Since compliance is crucial for this role, brush up on frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous positions and how you would approach it in this new role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
The company values resilience and resourcefulness. Think of specific challenges you've faced in IT infrastructure and how you overcame them. This will show your proactive mindset and ability to deliver under pressure.