IT Operations Engineer

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of veterinary medicines in the UK.

We have a vacancy for IT Operations Engineer (Infrastructure & Network Lead).

This is a great role for who enjoys solving problems end to end, improving reliability and security, and working across on prem networks, cloud platforms, and modern workplace technologies.

Your role as our IT Operations Engineer will be to focus on our Networks, Servers, and IT infrastructure, hands-on technical lead, for day-to-day networking and cloud platform operations across our site and Microsoft cloud tenancy. You will provide 1st-3rd line support for networks and core infrastructure, collaborate closely with our managed service providers, third party service providers and vendors for escalations and complex changes, and steward our Azure/M365 estate. You will also liaise with our managed AWS provider to ensure effective service and knowledge flow to the technical operations Team.

We're looking for someone that has the following Technical Expertise:

• Infrastructure & Network: Strong understanding of servers, storage systems, Active Directory, and network technologies (switching, routing, firewalls, VPNs, Wi-Fi). Experience with installation, configuration, and maintenance of operating systems, including virtualised environments.
• Hybrid Environment: Knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, M365 modern technology) and their integration with on-premises infrastructure.
• Disaster Recovery & Security: Familiarity with backup strategies, DR planning, and security best practices for infrastructure and networks.
• Hands on delivery of 1st-3rd line support for enterprise networks and Microsoft cloud services, including incident/problem/change.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, VPN, wireless, DNS/DHCP) and secure configuration.
• Practical experience with Fortinet FortiGate (policy configuration, NAT, VPNs, firmware/patching, troubleshooting, HA ).
• Working knowledge of managed Wi Fi platforms, captive portals/802.1X, and RADIUS/NPS.
• Solid experience with Azure/M365 core services-Entra ID (Azure AD), Conditional Access & MFA, Intune, Defender, Teams, and Azure networking (VNets/NSGs/VPN).
• Clear, accurate documentation (HLD/LLD, runbooks, change plans) and strong stakeholder communication.
• Experience working with/through managed service providers and vendors, including escalation management and RCA.
• Familiarity with ITIL v4 processes (incident, problem, change, configuration).
• Ability to plan and execute out of hours changes and participate in an on call rota (if introduced).

With an experience in the following areas:

• Problem Solving - Ability to analyse complex technical issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions under pressure.
• Communication - Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills, able to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Teamwork -Works collaboratively with colleagues and external suppliers to achieve shared objectives and maintain service continuity.
• Adaptability -Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to learn new technologies and approaches in a rapidly evolving environment.
• Fault Finding -Skilled in troubleshooting on-prem & cloud infrastructure and network incidents, applying structured diagnostic methods, and documenting resolutions for knowledge sharing.
• Vendor & Governance - Experience in coordinating with third-party suppliers, validating deliverables, and ensuring compliance with agreed standards and SLAs.