Senior Server & Cloud Infrastructure Specialist (Manager)

The Senior Server & Cloud Infrastructure Specialist is a hands-on, deep-technical role responsible for the evaluation, design, implementation, and operation of the organization’s cloud and on-premises infrastructure within an established governance and project framework. This is the technical backbone of the infrastructure function — ideal for a rigorous technical analyst who enjoys evaluating infrastructure options, applying best-practice standards, and maintaining highly reliable systems.
The role operates within a structured team and reports to the Head of Infrastructure, who owns strategy definition, commercial/vendor negotiation, and people leadership. The Specialist supplies the technical depth, evaluation rigor, and disciplined execution that underpin those decisions.
Technical Analysis & Solution Evaluation (Primary Focus)
Evaluate cloud and server infrastructure options rigorously against defined technical, cost, and compliance criteria.
Conduct comparative analysis of platforms, architectures, and tooling; document findings and clear recommendations for the Head of Infrastructure.
Apply conceptual and data-driven reasoning to diagnose complex infrastructure problems and identify root causes.
Provide technical assessments of vendor and OEM proposals (technical merit, architecture fit, risk) to support the commercial team during negotiations.
Infrastructure & Platform Engineering (Hands-On)
Architect, build, and administer scalable, secure cloud (AWS, Azure) and on-premises infrastructure.
Administer Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL) and Windows Server environments across a large VM estate.
Manage virtualization platforms including VMware vCenter and Hyper-V.
Build and maintain container platforms using Docker and Kubernetes.
Implement infrastructure-as-code and automation using Terraform, Ansible, and CI/CD (Jenkins).
Design and maintain backup and recovery using Veeam and Veritas NetBackup.
Operate HPE server and Nutanix HCI environments (where deployed) for performance and lifecycle optimisation.
Governance, Compliance & Standards Adherence
Apply and uphold established infrastructure standards, security baselines, and configuration policies.
Ensure infrastructure operations comply with IT policies, security standards, and audit requirements.
Maintain accurate configuration, backup, and compliance documentation with consistent, rule-based record-keeping.
Support ISO 27001 and regulatory audit evidence gathering.
Structured Execution & Operational Monitoring
Execute assigned infrastructure projects and tasks within timelines and scope defined by the PMO / project manager.
Build and operate proactive monitoring using tools such as Nagios, CloudWatch, Splunk, and Checkmk.
Respond to performance issues, apply corrective measures, and sustain system availability.
Prepare regular operational and SLA status reports for the Head of Infrastructure.
Team Collaboration & Technical Mentoring
Contribute as a senior technical member within a structured, collaborative team.
Consult with peers, accept team decisions, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
Share technical knowledge and best practices to support team capability development.
Note: people management, resourcing, and performance ownership rest with the Head of Infrastructure.
Requirements
Bachelor's or master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field.
12+ years in Linux/server administration, including 5+ years in cloud (AWS/Azure) infrastructure.
Strong hands-on Linux (multiple variants) and Windows Server administration.
Practical experience with VMware vCenter and Hyper-V virtualization.
Working knowledge of Docker and Kubernetes container platforms.
Experience with Terraform, Ansible, and Jenkins CI/CD automation.
Experience with Veeam and Veritas NetBackup backup and recovery solutions.
Experience with monitoring tooling (Nagios, CloudWatch, Splunk, Checkmk).
Preferred Certifications:
Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), RHCSA / RHCE.
Exposure to hybrid cloud and enterprise data-center operations.
Experience preparing management / SLA

Work arrangement
No