Head of Infrastructure and Security

Head of Infrastructure and Security

These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an outstanding opportunity for a self‑motivated and highly professional individual with exceptional analytical, problem‑solving and interpersonal skills to join our Leadership Team, as Head of Infrastructure and Security.

Position: Head of Infrastructure and Security

Location: Devon/Hybrid (This is a hybrid working position, combining home and occasional onsite working under the guiding principles for such roles. The working pattern and requirement for site attendance (for essential meetings) will be agreed between the line manager and post‑holder)

Hours: Full‑time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday‑Friday

Salary: £63,813 annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 2 August 2026. Please note this role may close earlier than advertised so apply as soon as possible.

About the Role

As Head of Infrastructure and Security, you will lead the strategic direction, design, and delivery of The Donkey Sanctuary’s technology infrastructure and security capabilities, ensuring that IT infrastructure services are secure, resilient, and scalable and aligned with business needs. Your responsibilities within this rewarding and multifunctional role will include overseeing robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and embedding effective governance to manage risk and optimise performance, directly contributing to the delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing infrastructure and security strategies aligned with organisational goals, ensuring technology platforms are efficient and capable of supporting future growth and innovation.
• Providing expert advice on emerging technologies and security threats to inform strategic planning relating to digital investment and risk mitigation.
• Overseeing the design, operation, maintenance and optimisation of networks, servers, storage, and cloud platforms and related services, ensuring these are resilient and efficient.
• Leading cybersecurity initiatives including conducting risk assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response.
• Establishing, maintaining and continuously improving IT governance frameworks, including policies, processes, standards and controls that support secure and effective service delivery.
• Managing audits, ensuring findings are addressed, risks mitigated and the organisation remains fully compliant with data protection legislation and cybersecurity expectations.
• Leading, supporting and developing infrastructure and security teams, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience in senior IT leadership roles within infrastructure and security domains.
• A strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and best practices.
• Proven experience of managing hybrid environments, including on‑premises and cloud technologies.
• Working experience of aligning IT infrastructure and security initiatives with organisational objectives.
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business language.
• An analytical approach to solving complex technical and security challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive pension.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 days after each full year of service.
• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
• Long service awards.
• Healthshield plan.
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.

About the Organisation

Join one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.