Head of Platforms in Manchester

Head of Platforms - Manchester 📍 Manchester (Hybrid) 💰 Salary: Up to £67,469 📄 Permanent We're working with a large, complex organisation seeking an experienced Head of Platforms to lead a critical technology function responsible for infrastructure, cloud, networks, identity management and platform services. This is an operational leadership role focused on delivering stable, reliable, and secure technology services rather than defining enterprise-wide technology strategy. You'll lead a talented team, drive service excellence, and ensure the organisation's core platforms continue to support business-critical operations. The Role As Head of Platforms, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day leadership and performance of the infrastructure and platform teams, overseeing a predominantly Microsoft-centric technology estate with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure cloud services. You'll be responsible for driving operational improvements, strengthening governance, enhancing service delivery, and building a high-performing culture across the function. Key Responsibilities * Lead and develop infrastructure, cloud, network and platform teams. * Manage and optimise a Microsoft-centric technology estate. * Oversee Azure cloud platforms, ensuring resilience, security and scalability. * Drive operational excellence, service performance and continuous improvement. * Enhance governance, accountability and ways of working across the team. * Manage risks, priorities, budgets and service delivery outcomes. * Build strong relationships with technical teams, suppliers and business stakeholders. * Ensure platform services remain secure, reliable and aligned to business needs. About You We're looking for a hands-on technology leader who combines strong operational management skills with deep infrastructure and cloud expertise. Essential Experience * Proven leadership experience within Infrastructure, Platforms, Cloud or IT Operations. * Strong background managing Microsoft technology environments. * Experience working with Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud services. * Excellent people leadership, coaching and team development skills. * Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities. * Experience improving service delivery, operational processes and governance. * Ability to bring structure, credibility and stability to a technical function. Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced infrastructure and cloud leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, driving operational improvements and delivering reliable technology services within a complex environment. If you're passionate about Azure, Microsoft technologies, operational excellence, and leading successful platform teams, we'd love to hear from you.