AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Head of Cloud Infrastructure for a 6 month hybrid contract based up to 3 days per week in either Milton Keynes or Manchester.

The Role

Deliver robust, scalable, and secure cloud infrastructure services for Network Rail by designing and implementing core cloud components, driving automation, and delivering operational excellence. Collaborate across architecture, cybersecurity, and delivery teams to maintain service availability, performance, and innovation while leading a team of specialists and engaging with external partners.

Responsibilties

• Design and implement cloud infrastructure services including compute, storage, networking, and core operations to deliver scalable and resilient platforms.
• Maintain cloud platforms for availability, resilience, and cost efficiency in alignment with enterprise architecture and cybersecurity policies to support reliable service delivery.
• Optimise infrastructure performance across Microsoft Azure and hybrid environments through proactive monitoring, maintenance, and tuning to maximise operational efficiency.
• Define service level agreements, incident response protocols, and operational support processes to deliver consistent and high-quality service outcomes.
• Integrate cloud infrastructure with architecture, financial operations, delivery, and cybersecurity functions to enable seamless end-to-end service delivery.
• Advance automation and infrastructure-as-code practices using tools such as Terraform, Azure Resource Manager/Bicep, and continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines to improve deployment speed and consistency.
• Develop the capability and performance of a team of cloud specialists to maintain effective delivery and continuous improvement.
• Engage with vendors, service providers, and partners to secure innovative and high-quality infrastructure services for Network Rail.
• Research emerging technologies and recommend enhancements to maintain a modern, efficient, and secure cloud infrastructure environment.
• Standardise infrastructure practices and documentation to support operational consistency and knowledge sharing across teams.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Significant experience leading cloud infrastructure operations in enterprise environments.
• Deep understanding of cloud infrastructure (networking, storage, compute) across Azure.
• Experience with IaC tools, automation frameworks, and cloud-native operations.
• Knowledge of monitoring tools, incident management, and operational KPIs.
• Strong background in service management, resilience engineering, and performance tuning.
• Excellent stakeholder and vendor management skills.
• Experience building and leading high-performing technical teams.
• Familiarity with IT governance, security, and compliance standards.

Desirable

• Azure certifications (e.g. Solutions Architect, SysOps Administrator).
• Experience with cloud hybrid connectivity, VPNs, and direct connections.
• Familiarity with container platforms (e.g. Kubernetes, AKS, EKS).
• Exposure to ITIL, DevOps, or SRE practices.
• Experience integrating infrastructure with CI/CD delivery models.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".