Job Summary
The Head of IT Infrastructure is responsible for the design, delivery, operation, and continual improvement of the Group’s technology infrastructure across Metroline, Scottish Citylink, Citylink Ireland, Adventure Travel, Manchester Bus, and other ComfortDelGro Europe business units. This leadership role ensures the availability, security, performance, and scalability of all core IT services, spanning cloud, network, compute, storage, datacentres, monitoring, and disaster recovery. The post-holder will drive infrastructure modernisation, support major programmes such as SAP S/4HANA, and ensure the technology platform meets the needs of a 24/7 transport operation.
Job Title
Head of IT Infrastructure
Line Manager
Group Technology Director
Department
IT
Location
Head office - Cricklewood
Main Responsibilities
Infrastructure Strategy & Architecture
* Develop and own the multi-year infrastructure strategy and roadmaps.
* Lead the transition from legacy on‑prem services to modern cloud and hybrid platforms.
* Define architectural standards covering networking, compute, storage, cloud, identity, and endpoint management.
* Ensure alignment with Cyber Security, Applications, PMO, and Data teams.
Cloud Services & Azure Platform Leadership
* Lead the architecture, governance, and optimisation of Azure services (IaaS, PaaS, AVD).
* Govern Azure Landing Zone, identity integrations, cost management (FinOps), subscription structure, and platform security.
* Drive cloud migration programmes, ensuring resilience, scalability, and operational excellence.
Infrastructure Operations & Service Reliability
* Oversee day-to-day operations of networks, servers, cloud platforms, storage, backups, monitoring, and data centres.
* Guarantee high availability for mission‑critical business systems including SAP, ticketing, telematics, and depot operations.
Ensure strong monitoring, observability, and problem management frameworks.
* Maintain operational runbooks and ensure adherence to ITIL disciplines.
Network & Connectivity
* Own the enterprise network architecture including SD‑WAN, LAN/WAN, Wi‑Fi, firewalls, VPN, and inter‑site connectivity.
* Work with vendors (e.g., Hughes SD‑WAN) to ensure stability and successful delivery of network transformation programmes.
* Support secure connectivity to cloud platforms and SAP environments.
Cybersecurity & Compliance Collaboration
* Work closely with the Head of Cyber Security to ensure infrastructure is secure‑by‑design.
* Enforce security baselines, patching, privileged access, Zero Trust principles, and audit compliance.
* Ensure infrastructure components support GDPR, DPIA, ISO27001, and other regulatory requirements.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
* Own DR/BCP design and testing for infrastructure services.
* Ensure RPO/RTO targets are met for all critical systems.
* Conduct regular failover tests and maintain DR documentation.
Vendor, Contract & Budget Management
* Lead vendor strategy across network, cloud, hardware, software, and managed services.
* Manage infrastructure contracts, licensing, renewals, and supplier performance.
* Build CAPEX/OPEX budgets and collaborate with Finance (HR & Group Finance) on approvals and cost controls.
Leadership & People Management
* Lead a large multi‑disciplinary infrastructure team across multiple locations.
* Coach, mentor, and develop engineers and senior technical leads.
* Drive a high‑performance, customer‑oriented culture.
* Manage on‑call and out‑of‑hours support models.
Essential Technical Skills
* Expert knowledge of Microsoft Azure, hybrid cloud, Azure governance, and AVD.
* Deep experience with Windows Server, VMware vSphere, Active Directory, Group Policy.
* Strong understanding of enterprise networking (routing, switching, TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, SD‑WAN).
* Experience with storage platforms, SAN/NAS, backup solutions, and replication technologies.
* Skilled in Microsoft 365, endpoint management, Intune, and collaboration technologies.
* Strong command of infrastructure monitoring tools (Azure Monitor, SCOM, SIEM integration).
* Hands‑on experience designing and running DR/BCP strategies.
* Experience supporting SAP connectivity, cloud integrations, and mission‑critical enterprise applications.
Essential Experience
* 10+ years in senior infrastructure management roles within large‑scale, multi‑site organisations.
* Proven leadership of hybrid cloud transformation and on‑prem to Azure migrations.
* Experience managing large budgets and enterprise vendors.
* Track record of improving operational reliability and delivering major infrastructure programmes.
* Experience working in environments that operate 24/7 with mission‑critical systems.
Competencies & Skills
* Strategic thinker with the ability to deliver practical, operational solutions.
* Strong communicator who can influence at all organisational levels.
* Excellent stakeholder management across IT, Operations, Finance, HR, and external partners.
* Highly organised, methodical, and able to deliver under pressure.
* Logical, analytical, with strong problem‑solving capability.
* Customer‑oriented mindset with commitment to service excellence.
Desirable Certifications
* Microsoft Azure Architect / Administrator
* VMware VCP or VCAP
* Cisco CCNP / CCIE (or equivalent network engineering capability)
* ITIL Foundation or higher
* Cybersecurity certifications (CISM, CISSP) beneficial but not essential
Hours of work
9:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday or the hours needed to undertake the role. This will include some out of hours or weekend working.
Equality Act
Metroline is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.
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