Join Us as the IT Disaster Recovery Lead at Manchester Metropolitan University!
We’re thrilled to announce the creation of an exciting, brand-new role within the University: IT Disaster Recovery Lead. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to shaping and advancing how a large, dynamic organization like ours prepares for and recovers from disruptive incidents.
If you have a passion for crafting modern, resilient disaster recovery strategies, thrive on tackling complex technical challenges, and relish the chance to establish best practices from the ground up, this role will enable you to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
About the Team
As part of our Information Security team, you’ll join a growing group focused on driving significant advancements in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). A key area of focus is modernizing our disaster recovery capabilities to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. We offer a hybrid working model, with in-person team collaboration taking place at least one day per week.
About the Role
As our Disaster Recovery Lead, you will serve as the University’s subject-matter expert in IT recovery, leading efforts to create, manage, and validate systems that ensure the swift restoration of critical digital services in the event of disruption. You’ll play a strategic role in shaping the University’s resilience posture, influencing technology design, and embedding recovery expectations across processes like procurement, service introduction, and organizational change management.
Reporting to the Head of Information Security – Governance, Risk, and Compliance, your work will involve partnering with Operational Security Architects while engaging closely with teams in Cyber Security, IT Operations, and Service Delivery to achieve shared goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the University’s disaster recovery framework, aligning with international standards such as ISO 22301 and NIST CSF.
- Define system classifications (tiering) and set Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) for critical digital services.
- Drive the development, review, and testing of disaster recovery plans.
- Oversee and refine backup and restore strategies for cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
- Ensure the long-term integrity of backups with robust off-site protections.
- Plan and lead regular recovery exercises, delivering actionable improvement plans.
- Provide assurance for audits and compliance regulators.
- Manage disaster recovery-related risks on the Security Risk Register.
- Serve as the technical lead during major restoration efforts following service incidents.
- Deliver training and awareness initiatives to promote a disaster-ready culture.
- Stay at the forefront of emerging standards and practices through collaborations with peers and industry leaders.
Key Skills & Experience
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Expertise and hands-on experience in disaster recovery and the restoration of critical IT services.
- Deep knowledge of backup and data protection solutions across cloud, on-premise, and hybrid systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complexity while making decisive recovery decisions.
- Exceptional communication skills, able to influence stakeholders and explain technical concepts in a clear, accessible way.
- Proven experience in leading recovery tests, simulations, and incident response workflows.
- Solid understanding of resilience and compliance frameworks including ISO 22301 and NIST CSF.
- A collaborative mindset that fosters teamwork across IT, security, and operational functions.
Why Join Us?
This role is not just a new addition but a cornerstone of how we modernize and safeguard the University’s IT operations. We offer a supportive environment where you’ll have the tools, training, and opportunity to innovate, grow, and make a tangible difference across a vibrant organization.
For more details about this role and the benefits we provide, please review the Job Description and Candidate Pack (provided below).
Application & Assessment Process
To apply, please provide a CV and covering letter through the University’s application portal, detailing your qualifications and suitability for the role.
- For informal inquiries, please reach out to Hannah Burling at [email protected].
- Interviews will be held during the week commencing 11th May 2026 and include a short written assessment (to be completed during the interview).
Please submit your application early, as vacancies may close before the deadline due to high demand.
About IT & Digital
At IT & Digital (ITD), we aim to co-create the University of the future by streamlining ways of working, supporting innovation, enhancing productivity, and enabling organizational insights. Our digital services underpin the University’s strategic priorities and play a vital role in shaping the learning experiences of our student community.
Commitment to Diversity
At Manchester Metropolitan University, we foster an inclusive culture where equity and belonging thrive. We are committed to diversifying our workforce and encourage applications from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic applicants, disabled individuals, and those from LGBTQ communities.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we aim to support candidates requiring reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in their roles. Flexible working arrangements are also available to suit personal and professional needs.
Recruitment Agencies
Please note that Manchester Met works exclusively with an approved list of recruitment agencies and does not accept speculative applications outside of this list.
If you’re ready to join a forward-thinking, inclusive institution and make a measurable impact in this pivotal role, we’d love to hear from you!