Senior IT Infrastructure Lead Prem & DR; SC Eligible

Our client, a prominent player in the Defence & Security sector, is seeking an Information Technology Infrastructure Manager to join their team in Bristol. This permanent, hybrid role requires an experienced IT professional to take ownership of on-site IT infrastructure, acting as the infrastructure lead without line management responsibilities. Eligibility for SC clearance is required.

• Infrastructure & Server Management
  • Full ownership of on-premise Windows-based infrastructure
  • Administration and maintenance of:
    • Windows Server environments
    • Active Directory and Group Policy
    • File and application servers
    • Virtualisation platforms (e.g. VMware or Hyper‑V)
  • Act as senior escalation for infrastructure‑related issues
• Server Room & Data Centre
  • Day‑to‑day responsibility for the server room/data centre
  • Manage hardware lifecycle, upgrades, and capacity planning
  • Liaise with third‑party suppliers and support partners when required
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
  • Take control of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
  • Ensure backups are monitored, tested, and recoverable
  • Maintain and improve DR documentation and processes
  • Provide calm, structured technical leadership during incidents
• Proactive Improvement & New Technology
  • Continuously look for opportunities to improve infrastructure stability, security, and performance
  • Stay current with relevant technologies and assess what the business could benefit from
  • Proactively plan and implement appropriate upgrades or improvements
• Operational & End‑User Support
  • Provide hands‑on support where required, including hardware and peripheral issues (e.g. printers)
  • Work closely with the wider IT team while operating with a high level of autonomy

• Strong background as a Senior IT Engineer/Infrastructure Engineer
• Extensive experience supporting Windows Enterprise environments
• Proven experience owning and maintaining on‑premise infrastructure
• Experience with server rooms or data centre environments
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively and independently
• Comfortable operating between IT Engineer and IT Manager level

In line with baseline security requirements, successful candidates must be eligible for SC clearance and able to provide evidence of identity and right to work in the UK.