Head of Global IT Operations & Infrastructure

Written By Ela Naylor

Reference: 693176

Location: Burnley

Type: Permanent

Sector: Renewables and Infrastructure

 

Description

Simpson Booth on behalf of our client, an expert in fabrication and construction, are recruiting for this exciting new role. This is an exciting time to join our client as they undergo a period of exceptional growth on a global basis.

The Role

The Head of Global IT Operations & Infrastructure will be responsible for Leading and evolving the company’s IT infrastructure and operational support function—ensuring high service reliability, technical direction, and standardised support across all sites. This role owns the infrastructure roadmap, manages day-to-day operations, and provides clear leadership to the service desk and delivery functions.

This is a global position, therefore, occasional travel to global sites will be required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and deliver the IT infrastructure strategy across cloud, on-premises, and network environments—ensuring alignment with business priorities and technical scalability.

  • Own and lead the global Service Desk function, establishing clear support processes, performance metrics, and continuous improvement across all sites.

  • Implement and govern enterprise infrastructure standards, covering identity, endpoint, monitoring, backup, and disaster recovery to drive consistency and resilience.

  • Lead operational performance and vendor management, ensuring high system availability, SLA adherence, and cost-effective service delivery.

  • Act as the technical authority and line manager for infrastructure and support staff, setting direction, mentoring the team, and collaborating across IT and business functions to support strategic outcomes.

Key Requirements

Education:

Essential:

  • Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field or equivalent practical experience in enterprise IT operations

  • MCSA/MCSE or equivalent infrastructure certifications

  • ITIL Foundation or Practitioner

  • Cyber Essentials Plus familiarity or implementation experience

Desirable:

  • ISO27001 awareness or training

  • Microsoft Azure certifications (e.g. AZ-104, AZ-305)

  • CompTIA Security+ or equivalent

  • Relevant vendor certifications (e.g. Cisco)

Work Experience:

Essential:

  • Experienced in IT operations roles, in a leadership position

  • Experience managing cloud infrastructure and services, especially in Microsoft Azure

  • Proven ownership of Service Desk or technical support functions in a multi-site environment

  • Strong hands-on exposure to Microsoft 365, endpoint management, and ITSM practices

Desirable:

  • Background in industrial services, engineering, or project-based technical environments

  • Familiarity with ERP environments and business system integrations

  • Experience supporting Meraki-based networks and ISO27001-aligned environments

Skills & Knowledge:

Essential:

  • Strong leadership and team management capabilities

  • Clear and confident communicator across technical and non-technical audiences

  • Strong problem-solving and prioritisation skills under pressure

  • Organised and delivery-focused, with good attention to detail

  • Solid working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure, and endpoint management tools

Desirable:

  • Experience leading change in IT service or infrastructure environments

  • Awareness of information security and compliance frameworks (e.g. ISO27001)

Due to current workloads, we regret to inform that in the instance you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of your application, you are to consider your application unsuccessful at this time.

Ela Naylor
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