Principal Infrastructure Operations Engineer
Job summary
We are seeking an experienced Principal Infrastructure Operations Engineer to provide senior leadership for the infrastructure and end-user technology that underpins critical frontline ambulance services.
You will be responsible for ensuring services are secure, resilient, future-ready and aligned with our digital strategy, while leading and developing multi-disciplinary technical teams.
Main duties of the job
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic leadership for infrastructure operations, including roadmaps, standards and service optimisation
- Ensuring high availability, resilience and robust disaster recovery across core services
- Embedding NHS digital standards, cyber security, GDPR and ISO27001 into operational practice
- Leading automation, DevOps and continuous improvement initiatives
- Managing complex supplier relationships and influencing senior stakeholders
- Developing and motivating teams through compassionate, inclusive leadership
About us
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job description
Job responsibilities
About you:
- Significant senior experience in infrastructure operations within a complex, regulated environment (NHS or similar)
- Deep expertise across data centre, cloud, network, storage and end-user technologies
- Strong understanding of ITIL, service governance, cyber security and compliance frameworks
- Proven ability to lead teams, shape strategy and communicate complex issues clearly
- Values-driven, inclusive leader aligned to NHS values
This is an opportunity to play a critical role in delivering safe, reliable and high-performing digital services that directly support patient care and our frontline workforce.
Assessment Centre and Professional discussions to be held week commencing 1st June 2026.
Person Specification
Skills / Competencies
- Confident in communicating with Trust stakeholders and technology leaders, both within and outside of the organisation.
- Deep knowledge of server architecture, virtualisation, cloud operations, storage, and network operations.
- Proven experience implementing NHS digital standards, ISO27001, GDPR, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Expertise in automation tools and scripting (PowerShell, Python, Ansible) to drive efficiency.
- Strong understanding of ITIL v4 principles and ability to shape service strategy and governance.
- Ability to define and govern operational standards for enterprise-level infrastructure.
- Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence organisational strategy
- Skilled in managing relationships with senior stakeholders and suppliers
- Demonstrable compassionate and inclusive leadership
- Experience in the application of HR processes
- Demonstrable experience of line management responsibilities
Qualification and Knowledge
- Masters level qualification or equivalent relevant in depth experience in an Ambulance Service environment.
- Evidence of continued professional and personal development.
- Demonstrable comprehensive understanding of telecommunications solutions, design, technology and standards.
Qualification and Knowledge
- Significant experience in a senior infrastructure operations role within a complex, regulated environment (NHS or similar).
- Track record of defining operational strategy and delivering enterprise-level solutions.
- Proven leadership in managing technical teams and influencing organisational direction
Experience
- Significant experience in a senior infrastructure operations role within a complex, regulated environment (NHS or similar).
- Track record of defining operational strategy and delivering enterprise-level solutions.
- Proven leadership in managing technical teams and influencing organisational direction
Values and Behaviours
- Working together - demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Address
Middlebrook, Parkway, Broughton, Estuary Point
Manchester
M14 7LU
Employer's website
https://www.nwas.nhs.uk/