IT Operations and Infrastructure Manager
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Cambridge, UK
Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology
Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.
We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive IT Operations and Infrastructure Manager to lead our technology infrastructure and operations as we scale. Reporting to the CFO, you will be responsible for maintaining robust, secure, and scalable IT systems that support both our corporate operations and technical R&D activities. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled IT professional who enjoys working in a dynamic, evolving environment and wants to build IT infrastructure that supports and enables cutting-edge deep tech research and business growth.
Responsibilities - What You'll be doing
IT Infrastructure & Systems Management
- Oversee and maintain our IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and end-user devices.
- Manage corporate IT systems, including Microsoft 365/Google Workspace, CRM, ERP, and collaboration tools.
- Design and help implement scalable IT architecture to support growth from 75 to 100+ employees.
- Ensure high availability and performance of critical business systems and research infrastructure.
- Plan and execute IT infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and technology refresh cycles.
- Manage relationships with IT service providers, MSPs, and technology vendors.
Cybersecurity & Compliance
- Develop and maintain comprehensive information security policies and procedures.
- Implement and monitor security controls, including endpoint protection, firewalls, intrusion detection, and access management.
- Manage identity and access management systems, ensuring appropriate permissions and regular access reviews.
- Lead incident response activities and coordinate with external security specialists when required.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards (Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, GDPR, etc.)
- Conduct regular security awareness training for all staff.
- Manage backup and disaster recovery systems, ensuring business continuity.
- Help protect intellectual property through appropriate technical controls and monitoring.
Technical Support & User Experience
- Provide strategic leadership for IT support operations, ensuring an excellent user experience.
- Establish and maintain IT helpdesk functions (ticketing system, SLAs, knowledge base).
- Support employee onboarding and offboarding processes with efficient device provisioning and deprovisioning.
- Troubleshoot complex technical issues escalated from end users.
- Develop self-service resources and documentation to empower users.
- Manage hardware and software asset lifecycle, including procurement, deployment, and disposal.
- Assist with AV maintenance across different sites.
Research & Development IT Support
- Collaborate with technical teams to understand and support specialist computing requirements.
- Manage high-performance computing infrastructure, GPUs, or specialist calculation resources.
- Support research data management systems, storage infrastructure, and backup solutions.
- Facilitate secure data sharing with external collaborators and partners.
- Implement appropriate network segmentation between corporate and research environments.
- Support specialist software licensing and installation for research applications.
Project Management & Strategic Planning
- Lead IT projects, including system implementations, migrations, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Develop and manage IT budgets, including forecasting and cost optimisation.
- Create and maintain IT roadmaps aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and make recommendations for adoption.
- Prepare regular reports and metrics for leadership on IT performance, security posture, and project status.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for IT services and solutions.
Requirements
Your skills, qualifications and experience
Essential
Qualifications & Experience
- University degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proven experience managing IT infrastructure in a corporate environment.
- Previous experience in a technology company, research organization, or scale-up environment.
- Track record of successfully delivering IT projects on time and within budget.
Technical Skills
- Good working knowledge of Google, Windows and/or macOS enterprise environments.
- Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) including administration and cost management.
- Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, firewalls).
- Experience with identity management systems (Active Directory, Azure AD, Okta, or similar).
- Experience with endpoint management tools (Intune, Jamf, or similar MDM/UEM platforms).
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, and best practices.
- Familiarity with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
- Experience with IT service management tools and ITIL practices.
- Understanding of data protection regulations (GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018).
Core Competencies
- Excellent problem-solving abilities with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
- Strong project management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Clear communicator who can explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- Customer service orientation with focus on user experience.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, making sound decisions under pressure.
- Strategic thinker who can balance immediate needs with long-term planning.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity and able to build systems from the ground up.
Desirable
- Professional certifications (Microsoft Certified, AWS Certified, CISSP, CompTIA Security+, ITIL, or similar).
- Experience with high-performance computing, GPU clusters, or research computing infrastructure.
- Knowledge of laboratory or scientific computing requirements.
- Experience implementing ISO 27001 or achieving Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools (Git, CI/CD pipelines, containerization).
- Experience with scripting/automation (PowerShell, Python, Bash).
- Knowledge of specialist research software or scientific computing platforms.
- Experience scaling IT infrastructure during rapid company growth.
- Understanding of software development environments and version control systems.
- Background supporting intellectual property protection and confidential research environments.
- Experience with enterprise WiFi systems and network monitoring tools.
We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement. If this role excites you and you meet many of the criteria, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits
Why Work with Us?
At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.
Benefits
- Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
- Flexible working options
- 28 days annual leave, inclusive of a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Bank Holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
- Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
- On-site gym membership
- Cycle scheme
- Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
- Enhanced paid family leave policies
- Generous Employee Referral Scheme
- 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
- Group Life Assurance (4 x salary)
