At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and operation of cutting-edge IT infrastructure across multiple transport services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking transport company committed to innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology that keeps transport running smoothly 24/7.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior IT roles with expertise in cloud and infrastructure management.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Head of IT Infrastructure is responsible for the design, delivery, operation, and continual improvement of the Group’s technology infrastructure across Metroline, Scottish Citylink, Citylink Ireland, Adventure Travel, Manchester Bus, and other ComfortDelGro Europe business units. This leadership role ensures the availability, security, performance, and scalability of all core IT services, spanning cloud, network, compute, storage, datacentres, monitoring, and disaster recovery. The post-holder will drive infrastructure modernisation, support major programmes such as SAP S/4HANA, and ensure the technology platform meets the needs of a 24/7 transport operation.
Main Responsibilities
- Infrastructure Strategy & Architecture: Develop and own the multi-year infrastructure strategy and roadmaps. Lead the transition from legacy on-prem services to modern cloud and hybrid platforms. Define architectural standards covering networking, compute, storage, cloud, identity, and endpoint management. Ensure alignment with Cyber Security, Applications, PMO, and Data teams.
- Cloud Services & Azure Platform Leadership: Lead the architecture, governance, and optimisation of Azure services (IaaS, PaaS, AVD). Govern Azure Landing Zone, identity integrations, cost management (FinOps), subscription structure, and platform security. Drive cloud migration programmes, ensuring resilience, scalability, and operational excellence.
- Infrastructure Operations & Service Reliability: Oversee day-to-day operations of networks, servers, cloud platforms, storage, backups, monitoring, and data centres. Guarantee high availability for mission-critical business systems including SAP, ticketing, telematics, and depot operations. Ensure strong monitoring, observability, and problem management frameworks. Maintain operational runbooks and ensure adherence to ITIL disciplines.
- Network & Connectivity: Own the enterprise network architecture including SD-WAN, LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, firewalls, VPN, and inter-site connectivity. Work with vendors to ensure stability and successful delivery of network transformation programmes. Support secure connectivity to cloud platforms and SAP environments.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance Collaboration: Work closely with the Head of Cyber Security to ensure infrastructure is secure-by-design. Enforce security baselines, patching, privileged access, Zero Trust principles, and audit compliance. Ensure infrastructure components support GDPR, DPIA, ISO27001, and other regulatory requirements.
- Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery: Own DR/BCP design and testing for infrastructure services. Ensure RPO/RTO targets are met for all critical systems. Conduct regular failover tests and maintain DR documentation.
- Vendor, Contract & Budget Management: Lead vendor strategy across network, cloud, hardware, software, and managed services. Manage infrastructure contracts, licensing, renewals, and supplier performance. Build CAPEX/OPEX budgets and collaborate with Finance on approvals and cost controls.
- Leadership & People Management: Lead a large multi-disciplinary infrastructure team across multiple locations. Coach, mentor, and develop engineers and senior technical leads. Drive a high-performance, customer-oriented culture. Manage on-call and out-of-hours support models.
Essential Technical Skills
- Expert knowledge of Microsoft Azure, hybrid cloud, Azure governance, and AVD.
- Deep experience with Windows Server, VMware vSphere, Active Directory, Group Policy.
- Strong understanding of enterprise networking (routing, switching, TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, SD-WAN).
- Experience with storage platforms, SAN/NAS, backup solutions, and replication technologies.
- Skilled in Microsoft 365, endpoint management, Intune, and collaboration technologies.
- Strong command of infrastructure monitoring tools (Azure Monitor, SCOM, SIEM integration).
- Hands-on experience designing and running DR/BCP strategies.
- Experience supporting SAP connectivity, cloud integrations, and mission-critical enterprise applications.
Essential Experience
- 10+ years in senior infrastructure management roles within large-scale, multi-site organisations.
- Proven leadership of hybrid cloud transformation and on-prem to Azure migrations.
- Experience managing large budgets and enterprise vendors.
- Track record of improving operational reliability and delivering major infrastructure programmes.
- Experience working in environments that operate 24/7 with mission-critical systems.
Competencies & Skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver practical, operational solutions.
- Strong communicator who can influence at all organisational levels.
- Excellent stakeholder management across IT, Operations, Finance, HR, and external partners.
- Highly organised, methodical, and able to deliver under pressure.
- Logical, analytical, with strong problem-solving capability.
- Customer-oriented mindset with commitment to service excellence.
Desirable Certifications
- Microsoft Azure Architect / Administrator
- VMware VCP or VCAP
- Cisco CCNP / CCIE (or equivalent network engineering capability)
- ITIL Foundation or higher
- Cybersecurity certifications (CISM, CISSP) beneficial but not essential
Hours of work: 9:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday or the hours needed to undertake the role. This will include some out of hours or weekend working.
Equality Act: Metroline is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Head of IT Infrastructure (ML118) in London employer: Metroline Ltd
At ComfortDelGro, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cricklewood that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and leadership development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to the modernisation of our technology infrastructure across multiple transport operations. With a strong focus on work-life balance and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we provide a rewarding workplace for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the transport sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of IT Infrastructure (ML118) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company, understand their tech stack, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through projects or case studies. If you’ve worked on relevant infrastructure projects, create a portfolio or presentation that highlights your achievements. This can really set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of IT Infrastructure (ML118) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of IT Infrastructure role. Highlight your experience with cloud services, network architecture, and leadership in multi-site organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in infrastructure management and how you’ve driven transformation in previous positions. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise! Mention your experience with Microsoft Azure, enterprise networking, and disaster recovery strategies. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how you meet these requirements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Metroline Ltd
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Azure, hybrid cloud, and enterprise networking. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies, as well as how you've led cloud migration programmes in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of IT Infrastructure, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a multi-disciplinary team. Prepare examples of how you've coached and developed engineers, and how you've fostered a high-performance culture in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Needs
Familiarise yourself with the specific business units you'll be supporting, like Metroline and Scottish Citylink. Think about how your infrastructure strategies can align with their operational needs, especially in a 24/7 environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios where you've improved operational reliability or managed disaster recovery plans, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
