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