Infrastructure Manager → Head of Infrastructure

A realistic transition from Infrastructure Manager to Head of Infrastructure: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 60%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium6 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 60%

Transition from Infrastructure Manager to Head of Infrastructure.

Transferable skills

  • Infrastructure leadership
  • Infrastructure strategy
  • Executive leadership
  • Financial management
  • Stakeholder management

Skills to learn

  • Cloud & data centre strategy
  • Talent development
  • Provider strategy

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Infrastructure Manager experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Infrastructure leadership
    • Infrastructure strategy
    • Executive leadership
    • Financial management

    Map transferable skills — Infrastructure leadership, Infrastructure strategy, Executive leadership — against what a Head of Infrastructure needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Head of Infrastructure role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Cloud & data centre strategy
    • Talent development

    Technologies

    GCPKubernetesSlack

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Cloud & data centre strategy, Talent development.

  3. 3. Master advanced Head of Infrastructure skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Provider strategy

    Technologies

    Outlook

    Handle the advanced topics: Provider strategy.

  4. 4. Get productive with the Head of Infrastructure toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    GCPKubernetesSlackOutlook

    Be hands-on with GCP, Kubernetes, Slack and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise Head of Infrastructure work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Head of Infrastructure tasks at work.

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a Head of Infrastructure

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    ITIL 4 StrategistCCSPAWS Certified Solutions ArchitectTOGAF Foundation

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Head of Infrastructure, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes