At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tech infrastructure and security strategy for a global animal welfare organisation.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, dedicated to improving donkey lives worldwide.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, health cover, 31 days holiday, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a beautiful location with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while advancing your career in IT leadership.
- Qualifications: Senior IT leadership experience with strong cybersecurity knowledge and team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Head of Infrastructure and Security (2234)
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide.
Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day.
We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life‑enhancing relationships.
These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an outstanding opportunity for a self‑motivated and highly professional individual with exceptional analytical, problem‑solving and interpersonal skills to join our Leadership Team.
As Head of Infrastructure and Security, you will lead the strategic direction, design, and delivery of The Donkey Sanctuary's technology infrastructure and security capabilities, ensuring that IT infrastructure services are secure, resilient, and scalable and aligned with business needs.
Your responsibilities within this rewarding and multifunctional role will include overseeing robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding effective governance to manage risk and optimise performance, directly contributing to the delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities.
About you
- Experienced in senior IT leadership roles within infrastructure and security domains.
- A strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
- Proven experience of managing hybrid environments, including on‑premises and cloud technologies.
- Working experience of aligning IT infrastructure and security initiatives with organisational objectives.
- Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
- An analytical approach to solving complex technical and security challenges.
About the role
- Developing and implementing infrastructure and security strategies aligned with organisational goals, ensuring technology platforms are efficient and capable of supporting future growth and innovation.
- Providing expert advice on emerging technologies and security threats to inform strategic planning relating to digital investment and risk mitigation.
- Overseeing the design, operation, maintenance and optimisation of networks, servers, storage, and cloud platforms and related services, ensuring these are resilient and efficient.
- Leading cybersecurity initiatives including conducting risk assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response.
- Establishing, maintaining and continuously improving IT governance frameworks, including policies, processes, standards and controls that support secure and effective service delivery.
- Managing audits, ensuring findings are addressed, risks mitigated and the organisation remains fully compliant with data protection legislation and cybersecurity expectations.
- Leading, supporting and developing infrastructure and security teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
What we offer
Based in Sidmouth, East Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a full‑time, permanent role starting 1 October 2026, working 35 hours per week, 08.30–16.30, Monday‑Friday.
This is a hybrid working position, combining home and occasional onsite working under our guiding principles for such roles.
The working pattern and requirement for site attendance (for essential meetings) will be agreed between the line manager and post‑holder.
- Life assurance (4 × annual salary).
- BUPA private health cover.
- Sickness Income Protection (50% of salary).
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan
- Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership.
- Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets.
- Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.
The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment.
Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Infrastructure and Security (2234) in Sidmouth
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including The Donkey Sanctuary, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through The Donkey Sanctuary
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at The Donkey Sanctuary. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Infrastructure and Security (2234) in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at The Donkey Sanctuary insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to The Donkey Sanctuary that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at The Donkey Sanctuary to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
