Overview
We are seeking a strategic and hands-on IT Infrastructure Lead to join our Enterprise Services team at Schuh. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping the direction, architecture, and lifecycle of our infrastructure estate. The successful candidate will lead technology transformation initiatives, mentor support teams, and drive operational excellence across the organisation.
Responsibilities
* Define and evolve the infrastructure architecture to support Schuh’s business goals.
* Lead infrastructure lifecycle management, ensuring systems are secure, scalable, and future-ready.
* Drive technology transformation initiatives, streamlining processes and modernising platforms.
* Serve as a mentor to IT Support Analysts and Engineers, fostering technical growth and operational maturity.
* Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment between infrastructure and support teams.
* Oversee installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware and software systems.
* Manage Active Directory, Exchange, Office 365, Azure, and VMware environments.
* Ensure high availability and disaster recovery readiness across all infrastructure components.
* Provide 24x7 production support and participate in on-call rotation.
* Implement capacity planning, performance monitoring, and best practices to optimise infrastructure efficiency.
* Maintain servers and systems in accordance with security and compliance standards.
* Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver solutions.
* Develop and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, and knowledge base articles.
* Own the escalation process and resolution tracking within the IT Helpdesk system.
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification
* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
* Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), or ITIL Foundation are highly desirable.
Technical Expertise
* Proven experience in infrastructure leadership within a networked enterprise environment.
* Strong knowledge of Windows OS (7/10/11, Server 2016/2019), Office 365, Exchange 2016/365.
* DHCP, VPN, and firewall technologies (e.g., Palo Alto, Meraki).
Project & Process Skills
* Experience leading infrastructure projects such as domain migrations, cloud transitions, and lifecycle upgrades.
* Familiarity with monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds), patching cycles, and security audits.
Soft Skills
* Organised, disciplined, and detail-oriented.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
* Self-motivated with a high level of integrity and discretion.
Other Requirements
* Full UK driving licence.
* Ability to commute daily to Schuh’s Livingston office.
* Flexibility to conduct out of hours requirements and maintenance when needed.
Previous experience in an IT leadership capacity with a track record of mentoring teams and driving strategic infrastructure initiatives is desirable, but not essential.
About schuh
At schuh we are the ‘Same but different’. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we aim to empower our people to be fiercely and unapologetically themselves. We are committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, and ensure colleagues and customers from all backgrounds are treated fairly. We provide reasonable adjustments to support disabilities or health conditions during the hiring process. Our Talent Acquisition Team will review applications promptly; for questions, please contact talent@schuh.co.uk.
Benefits
* Up to 40% product discount for you and your loved ones
* Up to 34 days holiday (including bank holidays)
* Plus your birthday off
* Flexible working hours and hybrid options
* Perk platform for hundreds of discounts
* Ability to manage, save and access wages as you earn them
* Employee assistance programme including Virtual GP services
* Pension scheme
* Development and progression opportunities across stores and Head Office
* Paid volunteering day and opportunities to be part of our Purpose Groups
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