Senior IT Operations Manager (Glasgow)

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and strategic Senior IT & Infrastructure Manager to lead the design, implementation, and ongoing support of our critical IT and network infrastructure. This pivotal role is an equal blend of technical hands-on expertise and high-level management responsibilities. The successful candidate will be a technically skilled leader with a deep understanding of network architecture and private cloud technologies, particularly Linux server environments, as well as a seasoned manager capable of driving teams, influencing stakeholders, and contributing to the organisation’s commercial success.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership (50%)

• Architect, deploy, maintain, and optimise high-availability IT and network infrastructure systems with an emphasis on security, scalability, and reliability.
• Lead hands-on administration and configuration of Linux-based servers, hypervisors, storage arrays, and networking.
• Oversee system monitoring, patching, upgrades, and incident response procedures.
• Ensure full compliance with security best practices and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 27001).
• Drive innovation and adoption of emerging technologies that improve efficiency, performance, or security.
• Act as the escalation point for complex infrastructure and system issues.

Strategic & People Management (50%)

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of experienced IT professionals to foster a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Engage with non-technical and technical stakeholders to translate business needs into practical and effective IT solutions.
• Develop, track, and report on departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, SLAs, and procurement to ensure optimal service delivery and value.
• Promote and ensure adherence to IT governance, policy frameworks, and industry standards.
• Lead and support internal and external audits, including ISO certification and compliance initiatives.
• Resolve conflicts within the team and with external stakeholders effectively and constructively.
• Maintain an awareness of commercial and financial implications of technology decisions.

Key Requirements:

Technical Skills & Experience:

• Extensive hands-on experience with Linux server administration and system configuration (e.g., Ubuntu).
• Proven expertise in designing and managing networks, firewalls, VPNs, and other infrastructure components.
• Proficient in virtualization (e.g., VMware, ProxMox) and cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Solid understanding of backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies.
• Familiarity with configuration management and infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Ansible, Docker).
• Comprehensive knowledge of security best practices, hardening, and compliance (ISO 27001, GDPR, etc.).

Leadership & Soft Skills:

• Demonstrable experience managing and developing high-performing technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence, negotiate, and build consensus.
• Adept at explaining complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing departmental budgets and aligning IT strategy with organizational goals.
• Proven ability to balance technical solutions with business objectives and commercial impact.
• Skilled at managing projects, timelines, priorities, and change within dynamic environments.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in regulated industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, etc.) is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, pension, and professional development support.
• A collaborative and forward-thinking environment where innovation is encouraged.
• The opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the future of IT within a growing organization.

To Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and your approach to balancing technical leadership with team and stakeholder management.