Job Title: Infrastructure Manager

Department: Technology

Reporting: Head of Service Delivery

Location: 27GWR, Training Ground, Gtech Community Stadium

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000

Closing Date: 6 February 2024

Brentford FC is a bit different to other Premier League football clubs. We put our fans first, we are a true community club and while we are financially sustainable, we are not afraid to take calculated risks. We take huge pride in our environment and culture within the Club which focuses on development, inclusion and not being afraid to think differently.

Being progressive, humble, and respectful while sticking together as one team across the Club guides how we work and the decisions we make each day.

We also firmly believe that a diverse workforce is a better workforce which will help us develop ideas, solve problems, and grow Brentford FC.

We play in a brand-new stadium, 15 minutes from Heathrow in vibrant west London.

We will never forget where we have come from, but we are excited about the future that lies ahead.

Come join us.

Inclusion Statement

Brentford FC is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. Whilst our recruitment decisions are always based on merit and suitability, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.

Safeguarding Statement

Brentford FC is committed to equality, the safeguarding and welfare of all children and adults at risk. This responsibility is shared by all staff and volunteers at the club, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will be required to undertake regular safeguarding training to enable and reinforce a proactive approach to safeguarding. This role requires the post holder to apply all relevant policies and uphold the club’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable people to ensure a safe environment for all. This includes the prompt reporting of any safeguarding concern to the safeguarding team.

At Brentford FC we want everyone to feel valued and included. Therefore, we will do what we can to support applicants with disabilities and long-term health conditions as part of our application process. If you require any adjustments or support, please contact us on [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements in line with the Equality Act 2010.

The role of the Infrastructure Manager

Brentford FC has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Infrastructure manager to help drive forward all infrastructure projects at the G-Tech Stadium, training ground and Head office.

The Infrastructure Manager assumes responsibility for the planning, development, and management of the Technology Infrastructure & Network across Brentford Football Club. The role involves an enterprise and strategic approach to improve existing operations and technology through the development of associated roadmaps and plans, implementation of innovative technology to support rollout of applications, and day-to-day management of their immediate team. The Infrastructure Manager translates high level requirements into feasible, robust technical solutions and supports the Head of service delivery in commercial and strategic developments via technical insight and proof of concept.

Main Accountabilities

Lead and manage technology infrastructure projects from conception to completion. Develop detailed project plans, monitor progress, and adjust as necessary to ensure successful completion.

Line management of the IT Infrastructure team, including any associated outsourced provision

Planning, managing, maintaining, measuring, and securing a gold standard network across all site’s stadium, offices, and training ground alongside our Managed service provider (MSP)

Innovation: Work with all departments to provide subject matter expertise to identify modern technology to support the Club’s infrastructure and operations

Solutions Architecture: design of infrastructure and network layers, specific to individual solutions (such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Sales Force, ERP)

Network Planning: Planning of voice and data services across the Club’s technology estate

Network Design: Design of networks to future proof the Club for future growth, for both new applications and recent technologies (e.g., Digital Stadium)

Responsibility for the continuous improvement strategy for all aspects of IT infrastructure provision

Capacity planning and availability management reporting from our MSP

Work with multiple internal and external stakeholders to ensure the estate meets compliance, availability, and security requirements, and is kept up to date as technology advances (such as PCI, ISO 27001 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus)

Develop and implement strategies to manage and mitigate risks within the IT infrastructure.

Working with internal project and third-party development teams to ensure processes are effective in supporting a high-performance project delivery pipeline.

Work closely with the MSP and system providers to develop and manage a robust disaster recovery plan, ensuring the IT infrastructure can quickly recover in the event of a system failure or data loss.

Maintain network infrastructure roadmaps and provide input into the Technology Strategy, project portfolio and capital expenditure processes.

Undertake such other duties as maybe required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the role.

General Club Accountabilities

To ensure compliance with all relevant Club policies, including health and safety policies and with specific reference to the data regulations (GDPR and PECR)
To ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements
To build and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally, always maintaining a professional image when representing Brentford FC
To keep confidential any information gained regarding the Club and its personnel.
To always maintain a flexible approach to work
To ensure compliance with the Club’s Code of Conduct.
To ensure compliance with the Clubs Safeguarding Policy and processes.

Person Specification – Essential Technical requirements

First-hand exposure to managing a blended service environment Cloud/Apps/Software across a diverse supply base (e.g., managed services, outsourced, offshore)
Thorough understanding of Change Management and Change Advisory Board (CAB) processes.
Credible, firsthand, network management experience and competence with HP/Aruba technologies, in particular advanced HP routing and switching - preferably with knowledge of identity-based network designs 802.11x and Mac authentication bypass methodology.

ITIL certified to version 2 or 3.

Microsoft certified either MCP or above.

CCNA preferable

Good working knowledge of the following.
- Microsoft Windows desktop and server software
- Microsoft SQL 2012 onwards
- Type 1 and type 2 hypervisors and VMware
- Microsoft Office 365 including Teams and Intune/Endpoint manager.
- Microsoft Azure
- MAC O/S – Mojave and upwards
Knowledge of Sophos firewalls in HA pairs at remote sites, VPN, and web-based filtering
Cloud based telephony experience as well as NEC 3CX services.
Exposure to working with HD wireless networks.
Working knowledge of Security frameworks (PCI, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, Cyber Essentials Plus)
Working knowledge and successful implementation of medium-scale rollout projects
Knowledge of patching and automated software deployment mechanisms
Ability to generate comprehensive monthly reports on patch management and compliance status.
Exposure to backup methodologies and successful implementation, whether on prem/cloud or blended approach.
Working knowledge of MDM (Mobile Device Management) based solutions for mobile telephony.
Competency in rolling out and supporting MFA/2FA solutions.

Person Specification – Desirable Characteristics

Demonstrable experience of management/supervisory roles within an IT Infrastructure team

Strong communications skills, both written and verbal

Demonstrable client-driven approach and proven experience of managing a diverse range of stakeholder relationships, including at senior management level.

Demonstrable leadership skills – personal credibility and trusted leader

Demonstrate proven line management experience, driving a culture of personal accountability and ownership.
Strong and effective organisational and time management skills and ability to organise others.
Experience with internal training and personal development plans
Ability to present sometimes complex technical issues in a confident and clear manner to colleagues at all levels/Ability to work effectively both alone and as part of a team.
Ability to meet the highest professional standards of operation and service.
Client-focused approach with an understanding of client requirements
Collaborative approach with the ability to take on tasks outside of the role when required.
Ability to effectively problem solve when working in highly pressurised environments.
Ability to work out of hours on a rotational basis.
Candidate must align with Brentford FC values and culture.