Infrastructure Operations Manager

Outstanding opportunity to join of one of the UK's largest and most respected retail brands who are seeking an experienced Infrastructure Operations Manager to lead the group's Infrastructure and Endpoint teams. This is a pivotal role, responsible for ensuring the performance, security, and resilience of the groups IT infrastructure across all divisions and sites.

Reporting to the Director of IT, you will oversee the operation and continuous improvement of the hybrid infrastructure environment, managing a talented technical team and working closely with vendors, partners, and senior stakeholders to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services that support the business and colleagues nationwide.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven IT leader who enjoys balancing strategy with delivery and who wants to play a key role in shaping the group's technology landscape., As an Infrastructure Operations Manager, your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and developing the Infrastructure and Endpoint teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations ensuring reliability, availability, and security of systems, networks, storage, cloud services, and endpoints.
• Planning and delivering infrastructure projects that align with Group IT strategy - including modernisation, cloud enablement, and technology refresh initiatives.
• Managing hybrid infrastructure platforms including VMware, Microsoft Azure, storage, firewalls, and enterprise networking.
• Defining and implementing infrastructure standards, security controls and disaster recovery plans to safeguard business operations.
• Monitoring performance and capacity, driving proactive improvements and optimisation.
• Managing supplier relationships, contracts and budgets, ensuring value for money and service excellence.
• Evaluating emerging technologies and making recommendations that enhance scalability, security, and efficiency.
• Collaborating with Service Desk, Information Security, and Applications teams to ensure seamless service delivery.

Key Pre-requisites and Essential Skills required

• Proven experience in an Infrastructure Operations Manager or similar senior infrastructure leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of VMware, Microsoft Azure, networking, storage, and server technologies.
• Experience managing hybrid or cloud-enabled infrastructure environments.
• Excellent leadership and people-management skills with the ability to inspire and develop others.
• Strong understanding of infrastructure security, resilience, and business continuity planning.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Experience managing suppliers and budgets effectively.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Familiarity with ITIL and structured project delivery methodologies (e.g. Agile or PRINCE2).