IT Systems, Cyber & Infrastructure Lead

Keywords: IT Infrastructure Lead, IT Engineer, Azure Engineer, Microsoft 365, Fortinet, Cyber Security, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer. My client is a fast-growing UK engineering and R&D organisation delivering advanced software, electronics, and applied research solutions across complex technical domains. We are now seeking a highly capable IT Systems, Cyber & Infrastructure Lead to take full technical ownership of the IT estate, strengthen internal capability, and ensure the organisation's systems are secure, structured, and reliable. This is a hands-on technical leadership role, responsible for both day-to-day infrastructure operation and long-term architectural control across corporate and project environments. Key, IT Estate Ownership & Control

• Take full ownership of IT systems across the organisation
• Maintain visibility of infrastructure, systems, and integrations
• Define and enforce consistent technical and operational standards

Cyber Security & Systems Control

• Embed cyber security into configuration, identity, and access management
• Implement practical controls aligned to Cyber Essentials Plus, IASME, ISO27001-aligned practices, and UK CSM
• Manage privileged access, device security, and system configuration standards
• Ensure secure, controlled access across all environments

Infrastructure & Networking

• Own Fortinet-based infrastructure (firewalls, switching, VPN, failover)
• Ensure secure network segmentation and resilience
• Maintain clear documentation of architecture and dependencies

Azure & Microsoft 365

• Own Azure platform structure, governance, and access control
• Manage Microsoft 365 E5 environment including identity, endpoints, and Conditional Access
• Ensure consistent policy enforcement across users and devices

Systems & Development Environments

• Support Windows and Linux-based environments
• Oversee integration of specialist systems (including AI/ML and HPC environments)
• Ensure controlled access for internal users and contractors

Leadership

• Line manage an IT Technician / Apprentice
• Develop internal capability through documentation and structured processes
• Act as technical escalation point for IT and infrastructure

What Success Looks Like (6-12 Months)

• Fully visible and structured IT estate with clear ownership
• Stable, secure, and well-documented infrastructure
• Strong separation between corporate and project environments
• Reduced reliance on external IT support
• Improved internal capability and governance maturity
• Alignment with recognised security frameworks, * High-impact role supporting engineering and R&D delivery
• Broad technical scope across cloud, infrastructure, and cyber security
• Opportunity to shape internal IT capability and long-term strategy
• Strong autonomy and direct influence over system design and control

If you're looking for new challenge with career advancement where you can make a real impact in a growing technology company this could be for you.

• Senior IT Engineer / Infrastructure Lead experience in SME or technical organisation
• Strong hands-on Microsoft 365 (identity, endpoints, access control)
• Experience with networking and infrastructure (Fortinet desirable)
• Azure cloud experience (highly desirable)
• Understanding of cyber security principles applied in practice
• Exposure to Linux or engineering/development environments advantageous
• Proven relevant industry experience
• Cyber security certification preferred
• Must be eligible for SC Clearance, * Full ownership of a complex and evolving IT environment, * Cyber
• Infrastructure
• Network
• IT Systems