Infrastructure Operations Lead (Azure Cloud)

We are seeking an experienced **Infrastructure Operations Lead** to oversee cloud and infrastructure operations within a highly regulated enterprise environment. This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence across Azure\-based platforms, driving automation initiatives, leading infrastructure teams, and managing stakeholder expectations. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership capabilities and the ability to operate effectively in complex service delivery environments. Key Responsibilities - Lead day\-to\-day infrastructure operations across Azure cloud and hybrid environments, ensuring service availability, security, and operational stability. - Plan, coordinate, and prioritize operational activities across multiple workstreams, balancing competing priorities and managing dependencies effectively. - Drive automation and operational efficiency initiatives using Ansible, PowerShell, Bash, and other scripting tools. - Oversee Windows and Linux platforms, including patching, hardening, monitoring, troubleshooting, incident response, and problem management. - Lead and mentor a team of infrastructure engineers, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. - Act as the primary escalation point for critical operational issues, ensuring timely resolution and effective stakeholder communication. - Manage operational risks, service improvements, and compliance requirements within a regulated environment. - Provide regular updates on service performance, risks, issues, mitigation plans, and operational metrics to leadership and stakeholders. **Required Qualifications** - Experience supporting public sector, government, or highly regulated cloud environments. - Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Ansible, Windows Server, Linux, scripting, and infrastructure automation. - Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams of five or more infrastructure professionals. - Experience leading infrastructure operations, incident management, change management, and service delivery functions. - Strong planning, coordination, and execution capabilities across multiple concurrent operational activities. - Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and client\-facing skills. - Ability to operate effectively in compliance\-driven environments with high service reliability requirements. **Preferred Qualifications** - Experience working within Government on Commercial Cloud (GCC) or similarly regulated cloud environments. - Microsoft Azure certifications (AZ\-104, AZ\-305, or equivalent). - Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC), configuration management, and cloud governance frameworks. - Knowledge of ITIL processes and service management best practices. - Experience supporting large\-scale enterprise infrastructure environments.