The Role – Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer Wykes Engineering are currently seeking a technically strong Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer to join our growing IT department. This position requires the successful candidate to apply their knowledge and practical experience to lead the operations of our infrastructure team. Reporting to and working closely with the Head of IT, our Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer will be instrumental in the technical direction, operational delivery and high service standards of the infrastructure team. Key Responsibilities * Design, deploy and maintain our virtualised server infrastructure, ensuring high availability and optimal performance across the environment * Oversee and administer our hybrid cloud infrastructure, managing workloads across on-premises and cloud platforms * Lead the planning and execution of infrastructure upgrades, migrations and capacity planning activities * Maintain and develop our cybersecurity posture, including vulnerability management, access controls, and incident response * Ensure robust backup, disaster recovery and business continuity procedures are in place and regularly tested * Manage and maintain network infrastructure including switching, routing, firewalls and remote access solutions * Produce and maintain accurate technical documentation, including system architecture, processes and procedures Our Lead IT Infrastructure Engineer will be required to have practical involvement in technical delivery. Operations & Leadership * Monitor ticket flow – ensuring an efficient and pro-active response * Manage escalations * Support the Head of IT in leading new projects * Provide technical guidance and assistance to others within the IT department, fostering a supportive learning environment Essential Experience/ Technical Skill Requirements * Demonstrable hands-on experience administering virtualisation and hypervisor environments * Experience working with cloud platforms and hybrid infrastructure deployments * A solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, including threat management, endpoint protection, and security best practice frameworks * Strong networking knowledge, including firewalls, VLANs, VPNs and DNS/DHCP management * Experience with backup technologies and disaster recovery planning * Ability to lead and mentor the Infrastructure Team whilst remaining hands-on in technical delivery * Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders * A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement Benefits * Competitive within Industry * Life Assurance * Health & Wellbeing Programme * Health Shield Cash Plan * Increased annual leave with length of service The Company – Wykes Engineering Ltd Based in Rushden, Northants, we are a leading edge engineering specialising in the manufacture of materials processing equipment and renewable technologies. As a highly innovative and progressive design and manufacturing company, we have our own in-house manufacturing department, renewable energy facilities and project work within renewable and food surplus industries. Founded over 40 years ago, our engineering innovation has always been a fundamental part of our business. This has helped us to establish ourselves as a major player in our key areas of expertise, namely: * Design and manufacture of equipment for the food bi-products and renewable technologies * Processing bio-mass into energy * Renewable energy production