Who are we?

First Rail Holdings is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London.  FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier.  FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the team

First Group's IT Infrastructure team is simplifying how First Group employees work, engage and collaborate. Using a broad range of technology and transformation activities we are introducing new platforms and services. This role is supporting the vision to be become a truly digital workplace by leveraging services we support in ways which meet colleagues needs. This includes taking a lead role in the delivery of IT infrastructure to meet the needs of the business, ensuring that IT services are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives, and effectively managing our suppliers and partners.

About the job

A critical hands-on role within the IT Team, the Senior Infrastructure Engineer provides expert technology support functions such as diagnosis and correcting key mission critical systems. This role supports our digital transformation by enabling scalable, secure, and automated infrastructure solutions across Azure and AWS platforms, while introducing automation through scripting and infrastructure-as-code practices.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Manage and optimise cloud infrastructure services (Azure & AWS)
• Ensure alignment with best practices for scalability, security, and cost-efficiency (FinOps)
• Use scripting tools to automate infrastructure deployment and configuration.
• Participate in cloud cost management and monitoring, ensuring efficient cloud resource use
• Maintain the performance, availability, integrity and security of all IT services
• Maintain and document IT services to ensure compliance using appropriate controls
• Ensure that AWS and Azure services adhere to best-practice principles and standards
• Ensure appropriately prioritised programmes of work are delivered
• Work to defined service levels required by the business units and Group
• Implement continual service improvements for UK IT Infrastructure
• Build effective relationships with partners and suppliers
• Ensure Server patch management and security patching is up to date
• System lifecycle upgrades, management and ownership
• Other tasks as directed by line management.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in IT Infrastructure operations and engineering
• Deep technical understanding of IT Infrastructure gained through proven solution delivery
• Previous experience of FinOps and embedding FinOps practices into a business
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with ITIL best practices
• Experience with change and release management processes
• Extensive experience managing and operating complex infrastructure functions.

Skills

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• A results-driven self-starter with high levels of self-motivation, mobility, energy and initiative
• Proven experience managing and supporting complex Azure and AWS cloud environments
• Practical scripting knowledge (PowerShell, Python) for automation and process improvement
• Experience in Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and automation frameworks.
• Broad expertise in on-premise and cloud-based infrastructure and security technologies.
• Understanding of cloud governance frameworks, including IAM, encryption, and compliance.
• Broad expertise and knowledge in infrastructure and security technologies
• Excellent people and customer focused management skills
• Supplier relationship management experience
• Knowledge of working in a multi-site, multi-tenant environment
• Experience working in ITIL environments (esp Change, Incident, and Problem Management)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of ITIL and other initiatives that promote quality and process improvement
• General knowledge of all areas of IT Application and Infrastructure
• A background in regulated environments would be beneficial
• A background in large, complex Enterprises would be beneficial

We all belong at First Rail. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/