At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IT Infrastructure team, managing daily operations and driving improvements.
- Company: Join UKCEH, a leading not-for-profit research institute focused on environmental solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and a 10% pension contribution.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on environmental challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in infrastructure support and proven leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: UKCEH values inclusivity and supports career development for all employees.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 46000 £ per year.
Salary £46,507 to £51,347
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent, Full time (37 hours per week)
Location: Wallingford, Edinburgh, Lancaster or Bangor
We will review applications upon receipt and reserve the right to close this advert if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
UKCEH is seeking an experienced IT Infrastructure Team Lead to join our team of talented professionals, contributing to scientific discovery and providing data, insights, and solutions to address complex environmental challenges. Join our dynamic, cross-functional team where you will collaborate with other IT managers to shape and implement strategies, policies, and procedures to improve our IT services.
A strong technical background in managing infrastructure, with experience in automation tools and infrastructure best practices, is essential for this role. You will lead a multidisciplinary team across multiple sites within the infrastructure functions, ensuring the delivery of a resilient, high-performing computing environment that supports UKCEH's evolving needs. Your ability to guide others, foster a positive team culture, and drive continuous improvement will be crucial.
UKCEH is committed to your development. If you are ready to grow into a leadership position, we will support your management skills development while allowing you to continue contributing technically.
Your main responsibilities will include:
- Managing the day-to-day operations of the IT Infrastructure team
- Monitoring and reporting on service requirements, and assisting in infrastructure development
- Developing and delivering a stable, resilient, and recoverable infrastructure, implementing industry best practices
- Ensuring all processes used by the Infrastructure Team are documented, audited, and continually 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
We are looking for someone with:
- Experience in infrastructure support with a strong technical background and hands-on capability
- Proven leadership and change management skills
- Experience supporting infrastructure in a multi-site, SME environment
- Technical project management experience (rollouts, upgrades, migrations, implementations)
- Skills in managing various IT infrastructure hardware and technologies, including Microsoft M365, AD, Azure, VMware, Storage, Backup, and operating systems like Microsoft Server and Linux
- Strong networking skills, including firewalls, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, and switching
- Experience with automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
- Knowledge of AWS and block storage is advantageous
- Critical thinking about systems and procedures, with adaptability
- Ability to communicate confidently across UKCEH and explain complex concepts simply
- Good interpersonal, listening, questioning, and communication skills
- Commitment to UKCEH values of excellence, integrity, and teamwork
UKCEH is a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented individuals, supporting career development, and fostering a thriving work environment. Our science makes a real difference, enabling environmental and societal prosperity. We hold over 60 years of environmental data collected by UKCEH and its predecessors.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependent)
- Peer reward and recognition scheme
- Dental insurance, fitness discounts, retail discounts
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial issues, 24/7
Apply today! If this role aligns with your career goals, please submit your CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant skills and experience. UKCEH is committed to an inclusive, equitable workplace and encourages applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We can provide adjustments or support during the application process—please contact us.
Please note: We cannot offer visa sponsorship for this role, nor does it qualify for endorsement for a Global Talent Visa. If considering self-sponsorship, please mention this in your application.
IT Infrastructure Team Lead employer: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Contact Detail:
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Infrastructure Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT infrastructure management, especially around automation tools like Ansible or Puppet. Being able to discuss these technologies confidently during your interview will demonstrate your technical expertise and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your experience in fostering a positive team culture and driving change will resonate well with our values at UKCEH.
✨Tip Number 3
Research UKCEH's mission and recent projects to understand how your role as an IT Infrastructure Team Lead can contribute to environmental challenges. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can add value to our team during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with multi-site infrastructure support and how you've handled challenges in such environments. Being able to share specific examples will illustrate your capability to manage complex IT operations effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Infrastructure Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in IT infrastructure management, particularly focusing on your leadership skills and technical expertise. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the IT Infrastructure Team Lead position at UKCEH. Highlight specific examples of your past achievements in managing infrastructure and leading teams, and how they align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to the role, such as experience with Microsoft M365, Azure, VMware, and automation tools like Ansible or Puppet. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented these technologies in previous roles.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: Emphasise your leadership and change management experience. Include specific instances where you've led a team or project, detailing the outcomes and improvements achieved under your guidance.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As an IT Infrastructure Team Lead, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong technical background. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with infrastructure management, automation tools, and best practices. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully implemented solutions.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This role requires proven leadership and change management skills. Share examples of how you've guided teams through transitions or improvements in IT services. Discuss your approach to fostering a positive team culture and driving continuous improvement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to explain complex concepts simply to various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points and ensure you engage your interviewers.
✨Align with UKCEH Values
UKCEH values excellence, integrity, and teamwork. Research these values and think about how your personal values align with them. Be ready to discuss how you embody these principles in your work and how they influence your decision-making.