Infrastructure Manager

Responsibilities will include liaising with key business stakeholders, the internal Technology team, Technology Director & external vendors to identify opportunities & solutions that are innovative, scalable, fit for purpose and cost effective. This will require exceptional communication to internal stakeholders across the company at all levels, whilst maintaining a solid, governed foundation. As part of the relatively new wider Technology team, the role will form a central part of enablement at Ridge helping to change the way Technology is perceived and used across the business.

A key deliverable for the successful applicant will be the creation of a clear infrastructure strategy and roadmap defining replacement needs, scalability and the support of innovation. This will need to be done in conjunction with various business stakeholders, reviewing competitor and wider market trends and the Technology Director to ensure it is fit for purpose for both now and future

Finally, the role will work closely and in collaboration with the wider, technology team internal to Ridge, business stakeholders and end users to support and promote technology and enablement at all levels. Excellent communication skills will be critical to successfully collaborate with all stakeholders and ensure success.

• Lead infrastructure related projects, including upgrades, migrations and new implementations
• Implement and maintain IT best practices, frameworks and policies around infrastructure, security and compliance
• Oversee the development and delivery of IT solutions to meet evolving business requirements
• Manage relationships with external vendors, service providers and technology partners
• Manage and provide escalation support for 3rd line incidents, ensuring effective resolution
• Support strategic planning for IT, including budgeting, resource allocation and capacity management
• Lead and manage the IT Infrastructure function, including networks, servers, cloud platforms, storage and security systems
• Develop and coach the IT team, fostering technical growth and leadership capability
• Ensure high standards of documentation, monitoring and reporting across IT services
• Drive continuous improvement in service delivery, system performance and user experience

We are looking for someone with a real passion for Technology, who has the desire and willingness to learn and grow. We are interested in applicants who have established experience in the Technology Infrastructure space, or people who are eager to grow into the role from relevant expertise. This person will play a crucial role within the wider Technology team, supporting the Technology Director, Head of Technology Operations & Infrastructure and wider team to ensure our long term aspirations can be achieved through clear strategic partnerships and technical expertise. Responsibilities will cover both technical (working with vendors, quality assurance, requirements analysis, technical L3 work) and non-technical (line management, mentoring, governance, roadmap, risk, and compliance). Someone who isn’t afraid to get their sleeves rolled up and get into the detail will be a key trait. No two days will be the same!

This role would ideally be based in Oxford but would consider Reading, Birmingham or Bristol.

• Proven experience in an IT Infrastructure Manager with strong technical expertise across infrastructure technologies (Windows/Linux servers, networking, cloud platforms such as Azure/AWS, storage, backup, security)
• Leadership ability with a track record of motivating & developing high performing teams
• Must drive and hold a full/clean UK driving licence - flexible to visit sites as required
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management, able to translate technical concepts to different audiences
• Knowledge of ITIL, ISO27001, or similar service management and security frameworks - desirable
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, ITIL) - desirable
• Experience delivering 3rd line support, with strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Background in development practices, systems integration, and automation, with the ability to balance strategic planning & hands on technical delivery