Head of Cloud Engineering (12m FTC)

Role Title: Head of Cloud Engineering (12m FTC)Location: Remote, UKAbout Brightsolid Brightsolid is a leading provider of hybrid cloud and managed services, delivering secure, sovereign, AI-ready infrastructure platforms across the UK. Our next-generation cloud platform is built on an open, extensible architecture using Canonical’s OpenStack, enabling scalable, resilient, and multi-tenant cloud services for modern workloads including virtual machines, containers, bare metal and AI platforms. Role Overview The Head of Cloud Engineering is responsible for the end-to-end ownership of Brightsolid's technology platforms, spanning cloud infrastructure, network services, datacentre environments, and enterprise tooling.This includes accountability not only for core infrastructure but also for critical enterprise platforms and SaaS services that underpin both internal operations and customer service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Platform & Engineering LeadershipOwn the architecture, engineering, and lifecycle of Brightsolid's cloud platforms and services.Lead Cloud Engineering and Network teams ensuring delivery of high-quality, scalable, secure infrastructureDrive engineering excellence through automation, standardisation, and modern operating modelsCloud Platform OwnershipMaintain full accountability for multi-tenant cloud platforms, both internal and customer-facingLead the transition from legacy environments to open-source platforms (Ubuntu, OpenStack, Kubernetes)Ensure platforms meet defined SLAs, resilience, compliance, and security

Requirements

Network & Datacentre InfrastructureLead network engineering and datacentre strategy across all Brightsolid facilitiesEnsure high-availability, resilient, and high-performance connectivity and infrastructureOwn disaster recovery, capacity planning, and infrastructure lifecycle managementEnterprise Tooling, SaaS & Platform Ownership Own the strategy, architecture, and operation of all engineering and business-critical tooling across the groupProvide full lifecycle ownership of key enterprise platforms, including:ITSM and Service Management platforms (e.g. ServiceNow or equivalent)CRM and customer engagement platforms (e.g. Salesforce or equivalent)Monitoring, observability, and alerting platformsAutomation, CI/CD, and DevOps toolingIdentity, access management, and security toolingTake accountability for the selection, integration, optimisation, and governance of SaaS, PaaS, and third-party services, ensuring:Strong integration with core platform architectureHigh availability, performance, and user experienceCompliance with security and data sovereignty

Requirements

Clear ownership, cost control, and lifecycle managementDefine and enforce standards for tooling rationalisation, reducing duplication and driving platform consistency across the organisationLead the transition from fragmented tools towards a cohesive, platform-led operating model, where tooling is:API-drivenAutomated-firstIntegrated into engineering workflows and service deliveryPartner with Product, Operations, Security, and Commercial teams to ensure tooling aligns with service delivery, customer experience, and revenue outcomes Open-Source & Platform TransformationDrive the adoption of open-source ecosystems, with a focus on Canonical, Ubuntu, OpenStack, and cloud-native toolingReduce dependency on proprietary platforms (e.g. VMware) in favour of sovereign alternativesDeliver platforms that are AI-ready, scalable, and aligned to modern workload demandsVendor & Partner ManagementOwn strategic vendor relationships across:Cloud and infrastructure platformsSaaS/PaaS providersHardware and datacentre vendorsEnsure alignment between vendor strategy and Brightsolid's open-source and sovereign platform directionManage commercial performance, cost optimisation, and innovation from partnersCollaboration & Customer EngagementWork cross-functionally with Product, Sales, and Customer Success teams to support solution development and deliverySupport pre-sales engagements, technical strategy discussions, and complex customer solutions Leadership & CultureBuild and lead high-performing Cloud Engineering and Network teamsDefine and manage KPIs across platform availability, performance, cost, and customer outcomesFoster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement

Requirements

Requirements

Essential Skills and ExperienceProven experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing engineering teams, including direct people leadership, performance management, team structure and succession planning.Strong experience building a culture of automation, accountability, operational discipline and continuous improvement.Experience working within a service provider or managed service environment delivering high-availability services in a 24x7 operational context.Strong understanding of multi-datacentre architecture, service provider internet services, WAN connectivity, cloud infrastructure and operational support models.Experience owning change management, problem management, SLA reporting and KPI reporting for engineering operations.Strong understanding of security technologies and the role of security, compliance and resilience in platform operations.Experience working closely with service operations, security operations, product management, sales and customers.Eligible to work in the United Kingdom.Desirable Skills and ExperienceExperience with OpenStack networking and Linux-based networking technologies.Experience with modern network security approaches.Experience working directly with Cisco, Canonical, NVIDIA and other strategic technology partners or service providers.Relevant certifications such as CCNP, RHCE or equivalent.Working pattern: Role is remote. Travel is required to meet customers and support marketing engagements. Occasional travel to Brightsolid head office or branch office is required to manager discretion.

We offer a generous package including 34 days holiday, Health Cash Plan, excellent Pension, a competitive salary, and many more staff discounts and

Benefits

.Join Brightsolid and be part of a team that is shaping the future of cloud managed services. Apply now to take the next step in your career as a Solution Architect.BehavioursAble and willing to work to the Brightsolid values.Customer focused can-do attitude.Adapts communication style to suit the needs and understanding of the audience and situation.Respects the views and actions of others, appropriately challenging as required. Develops good working relationships with colleagues.Shows commitment to their team, seen as helpful and approachable by colleagues.Monitors progress against objectives, taking appropriate action to deliver results.Consistently meets deadlines and delivers against commitments.

Draws on experience and knowledge to solve problems. Offers constructive ideas to help resolve problems and deliver solutions.Seeks guidance to help inform and support decision-making. Takes responsibility for own personal and career development, developing technical competence.

Seeks mentorship, embraces feedback, and is enthusiastic about building new skills over time.Prepared to take on challenges.To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.Closing date for applications: 23rd July at 12:00noon

Benefits

Originally posted on Himalayas