About Us
Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to nearly the speed of light, Diamond produces intense beams of light that span from infrared to X-rays. These beams are used for research and development across a wide range of scientific disciplines, including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth sciences, and environmental sciences.
As one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, Diamond combines cutting-edge technology and highly skilled staff to keep the UK at the forefront of global scientific research.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced individual to lead and oversee Diamond’s Corporate IT function, ensuring the delivery of IT services across the organisation. This includes:
IT Infrastructure
- Direct and implement IT infrastructure to support and secure corporate applications across Diamond.
- Collaborate with directors, group leaders, and other stakeholders to guide the definition, selection, implementation, development, and support of internal and external business applications.
- Deliver infrastructure that meets the needs of Diamond-wide services effectively and securely.
- Manage IT operations encompassing disaster recovery, data management, capacity planning, and operational IT security.
- Lead the cyber security function, setting its strategic direction.
IT Helpdesk
- Oversee the IT Helpdesk team to ensure efficient and timely support for all Diamond staff.
- Direct the design, delivery, and operation of multimedia systems across meeting rooms, beamlines, and common areas.
Networking and Operational IT Security
- Manage the design and implementation of cabling and infrastructure for new buildings or beamlines.
- Provide network support for beamlines and electron microscopes, ensuring reliability and security.
- Enhance IT infrastructure resilience and security systems proactively.
- Manage the telephony service, identifying opportunities for improvement to align with business needs.
Hardware and Software
- Lead the Helpdesk team in the specification, procurement, delivery, and installation of Diamond-wide hardware and software.
- Develop and implement an effective software licensing strategy.
Corporate IT Team Management
- Manage and develop a team of over 15 members.
Systems Development and Project Management
- Collaborate with Diamond group leaders, executives, and IT teams to direct the delivery of MS365 services, ensuring organisation-wide functionality and operational standards.
- Define and execute strategies to:
– Standardise and secure end-user devices and software delivery.
– Provide comprehensive support for Teams and SharePoint services.
– Consolidate information repositories to improve efficiency.
– Explore and integrate AI tools (Copilot) to enhance organisational capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Ensure external suppliers deliver quality services that balance costs and control.
- Regularly report to the Director on IT strategic direction, progress, and implementation.
Budgeting and Planning
- Take ownership of the Corporate IT budget, ensuring financial goals are met or exceeded.
- Contribute to forecasting and long-term planning for the organisation.
Please note this role may require occasional travel within the UK and abroad, as well as occasional work outside standard hours.
About You
You will hold a degree in an appropriate software or technical field or demonstrate equivalent substantial industry experience.
You should have proven experience in:
- Leading teams of technical support staff, including managing budgets, training, professional development, and prioritising tasks.
- Successfully delivering and managing diverse IT services in business, scientific, and technical environments.
- Working with current technologies such as telephony, multimedia systems, cyber security, and mobile devices.
- Supporting and developing web frontend and middleware software technologies.
- Managing IT systems involving software, architecture, storage, networking, and cyber security.
Your profile will also showcase:
- A strong knowledge of software and hardware architecture techniques, with a focus on cloud-based systems.
- Extensive understanding of the Windows operating system.
- Familiarity with business application software for functions such as procurement, finance, and HR.
Key skills and abilities required include:
- Leadership capability to manage diverse teams and projects in complex technical and business IT environments.
- The ability to successfully establish, prioritise, refine, and deliver projects.
- Expertise in project planning, stakeholder consultation, management, and execution.
- Experience managing department budgets exceeding £1.5 million.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, enabling effective interaction with stakeholders at all levels.
Benefits
At Diamond, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional benefits package designed to promote a healthy work/life balance. These include:
- 26 days of annual leave, plus Christmas closure, public holidays, and 2 annual volunteering days.
- Flexible working hours and opportunities for hybrid working (minimum of 3 days onsite per week).
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- On-site amenities, including a nursery, cafes, restaurant, and sports/leisure facilities.
Where applicable, we may also offer a relocation allowance.
To Apply
Submit your application using our online portal and let us know why you believe you are the right candidate for this role.
The closing date for applications is 30th November. However, early applications are encouraged as candidates may be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis