Job Title:                     Infrastructure & Networks Lead - UK

Industry:                      Banking

Location:                    United Kingdom

Salary:                         Competitive Salary Package + Benefits

Job Purpose:

As Senior technology leader, [Infrastructure, networks and Operations], you are responsible for overseeing and managing the bank's technology Infrastructure, operations, and resources. You play a crucial role in enabling the bank to leverage technology effectively, mitigate risks, and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving bank and financial services industry.

Responsibilities:

• Technology Strategy and Alignment: Support, Develop and implement a modern technology strategy that aligns with the bank's overall business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices in the UK banking sector. Ensure that the delivery of the technology strategy supports the bank's digital transformation initiatives, enhances customer experience, drives operational efficiency, and falls within the banks risk appetite.
• Technology Infrastructure Management: Assist and support the design, implementation, and embedding of the bank's technology infrastructure, including core banking systems, digital channels (e.g., online banking, mobile apps), payment systems, and Microsoft Azure regions. Ensure compliance with relevant UK banking regulations and industry standards, such as those set by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Product Engineering Leadership: Assist and support the process of requirements gathering and translation into technical specifications for all processes and products that are to be deployed on the bank’s technology platforms. Ensure all stakeholder inputs (customer, product and business leadership, governance, risk and compliance etc) are captured prior to investment. Serve as the primary contact between engineers/technical vendors and the bank to ensure technology meets ongoing business requirements.
• Information Security and Cyber Risk Management: Ensure developments build upon and enhance existing information security and cyber risk management policies, procedures. Enhance controls to protect the bank's information assets and customer data, ensure compliance with the UK's data protection laws, such as the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as well as industry-specific regulations like the PRA's Operational Resilience requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that the bank's technology operations, systems, and processes adhere to relevant UK banking regulations, such as those related to operational resilience, digital operational resilience, and IT risk management. Collaborate with the bank's compliance and risk management teams to ensure accurate and timely regulatory reporting.
• Technology Governance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to and maintenance of an effective technology governance framework, including policies, procedures, and risk management processes, to ensure the bank's technology operations align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. Contribute to risk assessments, audits, and incident management processes.
• Open Banking and Fintech Collaboration: Bring Industry expertise of developments in the UK's Open Banking and fintech ecosystems. Explore opportunities for collaboration and integration with third-party providers to enhance the bank's digital offerings and customer experience while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Technology Budget and Resource Management: Assist, support and manage the bank’s technology budget, allocating resources effectively to support the bank's strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Ensure timely and efficient utilization of technology resources and group technology relationships, shared best practice and synergies to support the transformation including utilisation of offshore development and associated group resources.
• Team Management: Manage the team responsible for Infrastructure and Networks, ensuring day-to-day management, regular one-to-ones and team meetings, and be responsible for the learning & development and performance management of your direct reports.
• Talent Management and Development: Assist and support to Recruit (in conjunction with CTO), develop, and retain skilled technology professionals with expertise in areas such as core banking systems, digital banking, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance. Foster a culture of continuous learning and provide training and development opportunities to ensure the technology team stays up-to-date with emerging technologies and regulatory changes.
• Strategic Leadership and Collaboration: Engage, support and assist in strategic advisor to the CTO and technology team, providing guidance on technology-related matters and collaborating with business units and Industry experts to identify and implement technology solutions that drive business growth, enhance customer experience, create long-term efficiencies, and maintain regulatory compliance.
• Industry Engagement and Thought Leadership: Participate in industry forums, working groups, and relevant regulatory consultations to contribute to the development of best practices and regulatory frameworks for the UK banking industry. Establish the bank as a thought leader in leveraging technology and addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in the UK banking sector.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, ensuring adherence to SLAs and effective delivery of services. Work closely with internal stakeholders, including senior management and the Group IT team, to ensure IT services meet business needs and regulatory requirements. Assist in negotiations with technology vendors for the procurement of hardware, software, and services.

Note that the bank runs a hybrid of in-house support (Intra-Group) / outsource model where the majority of the technology resources and infrastructure are provided by Group technology (serving a number of companies including the UK bank). A number of functions such as talent management and development will be done in conjunction with technology leadership of the Group, with a focus on talent that will support the design, development implementation and maintenance of the UK bank's technology estate.

Experience

Technical

• 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in UK banking or financial services environment.
• Proven expertise in core network architecture and management, particularly in cloud environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure, specifically managing multi-region infrastructures in Azure South and Azure West with ExpressRoute connectivity.
• Strong background in Windows and Linux server management and multi-site IT operations.
• Experience managing IT in a hybrid cloud environment, ensuring seamless integration between on-premises and cloud-based systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and disaster recovery planning.

General

• You are a seasoned technical and people leader with a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and domain knowledge within the financial services industry.
• You have prior experience in software engineering (preferably architecture, development and operations).
• You have in-depth knowledge of core banking technologies, including but not limited to transaction processing, customer data management, and financial product management.
• You have proven experience managing vendors and platform providers, including those that may be being transitioned out from the portfolio.
• You have a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements relevant to the UK financial services industry.
• You have demonstrated experience in building and managing high-performing technical teams, including recruitment, retention, and talent development.
• You have worked in a digital bank or technology company (serving the financial service industry) that understands how to build, deploy and operate software to meet regulatory standards in a lean and agile manner.
• You have at least 15 years of experience in technology leadership roles within the financial services industry
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align IT infrastructure with broader business and technology goals.
• Deep technical knowledge of network architecture, cloud technologies, and systems administration.
• Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with senior management, internal teams, and external vendors.
• Ability to manage complex IT projects and ensure the delivery of high-quality, secure IT services.

Qualifications/Education/Training