Information Technology Infrastructure Team Lead

Join our team at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) as an experienced IT Infrastructure Team Lead, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights, and solutions that researchers, businesses, and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

You will work collaboratively with other IT team managers to shape and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance the delivery of our IT services. A strong technical background managing infrastructure, with experience in automation tooling and infrastructure practices, is key for this role.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Providing day-to-day operational management of the IT Infrastructure team
• Monitoring and reporting on service requirements, assisting in developing the UKCEH infrastructure
• Development and delivery of a stable, resilient, and recoverable infrastructure for UKCEH, implementing service standards and developing common systems and processes based on industry best practice
• Ensuring that all processes used by the Infrastructure Team are thoroughly documented, consistently audited, and regularly improved
• Implementing the strategic vision for IT at UKCEH
• Ensuring security by design in all infrastructure requirements
• Building and managing relationships with vendors and service providers
• Coordinating and working on multiple cross-functional initiatives and projects

For the role of IT Infrastructure Team Lead, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• Experience in an infrastructure support role with a strong technical background, with the willingness and ability to operate in a hands-on capacity
• Proven ability in leading and managing change
• Experience of supporting infrastructure within a multi-site, SME environment
• Managing and delivering technical projects – rollouts, upgrades, migrations, implementations, etc.
• Skills in managing and supporting a wide variety of IT Infrastructure hardware and technologies, including Microsoft M365, AD, Azure, VMware, Storage and Backup technologies, and operating systems such as Microsoft Server and Linux
• Strong networking skills, to include firewalls, TCP/IP, subnetting, and routing/switching
• Experience of automation tooling (e.g. Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
• Exposure to AWS and block storage would be advantageous
• Ability to think critically about systems and procedures and to adjust consistently as needed
• Ability to interact confidently across UKCEH combined with the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms
• Good interpersonal skills including listening and questioning skills
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
• Demonstrate commitment to the UKCEH values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependent)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, we’d love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills, or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive.