IT Systems Administrator

Our client is a well-established, employee-owned organisation that provides specialist services to government bodies, educational institutions, professional organisations and employers across the UK and internationally. With a reputation built on trust, quality and expertise, they operate in a highly regulated environment where technology plays a critical role in delivering secure, reliable services.

How you'll spend your day

As an IT Systems Administrator, you'll play a key role in maintaining, supporting and evolving a business-critical IT estate. Working across both on-premise and cloud environments, you'll ensure systems remain secure, resilient and high performing while supporting colleagues across the organisation. This is a varied contract where you'll combine hands-on technical support with infrastructure management, security and continuous improvement initiatives.

You'll be responsible for:

• Maintaining, monitoring and optimising server, network and cloud infrastructure across on-premise and Azure environments.

• Providing 2nd/3rd line technical support, troubleshooting hardware, software and infrastructure issues to minimise business disruption.

• Administering Windows Server, Active Directory/Entra ID, Microsoft Azure and virtualised environments.

• Supporting backup, disaster recovery and business continuity processes, ensuring systems remain resilient and recoverable.

• Implementing and maintaining security controls, vulnerability management and compliance with standards including GDPR, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials+.

• Managing networking technologies including DNS, DHCP, VPNs, firewalls, Wi-Fi and TCP/IP.

• Monitoring system health, performance and capacity, proactively identifying opportunities for optimisation.

• Creating and maintaining technical documentation, system configurations and operational procedures.

• Supporting infrastructure projects, technology upgrades and cloud migration initiatives.

• Working closely with development, operations and wider business teams to deliver reliable and future-proof technology solutions.

• Automating routine administration tasks using PowerShell or similar scripting technologies where appropriate.

• Keeping up to date with emerging technologies and recommending improvements to enhance the IT environment., Should we both wish to proceed, we will submit your details to the client and be in touch regarding the outcome and any further steps.

We're looking for an experienced Systems Administrator with a broad infrastructure background and a passion for delivering reliable, secure IT services. You'll enjoy solving technical challenges, supporting users and continuously improving the technology landscape.

You'll ideally have:

• Commercial experience administering Windows Server environments and Microsoft infrastructure.

• Strong experience supporting Microsoft Azure cloud services and hybrid environments.

• Good knowledge of Active Directory, Entra ID and Microsoft 365 administration.

• Experience managing virtualisation platforms such as Hyper-V.

• Solid networking knowledge including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VPNs, firewalls and wireless networking.

• Experience supporting SQL Server environments and enterprise backup solutions such as Veeam or Azure Backup.

• Strong understanding of infrastructure security, vulnerability management and industry best practices.

• Experience supporting disaster recovery planning, backup strategies and business continuity.

• Scripting experience using PowerShell, Bash or similar technologies to automate administrative tasks.

• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to support both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• A proactive approach with a genuine interest in new technologies and continuous improvement.

Desirable experience:

• Microsoft certifications (MCSE or Azure certifications).

• ITIL Foundation certification.

• Experience working within ISO27001, Cyber Essentials+ or other regulated environments.

• Experience delivering infrastructure or systems implementation projects.

Perks & Benefits:

Time Off & Flexibility

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with up to 5 days carry-over

• Additional day off for your birthday

• 3 extra days off during the winter office closure

• Christmas Eve half-day

• Swappable bank holidays

• Hybrid working as standard

Financial Wellbeing

• Competitive pension scheme (5% employer contribution, matched up to 10%)

• Life assurance (4x salary)

• Group Income Protection (75% of salary for up to 5 years)

• Employee referral scheme

Health & Wellbeing

• Private BUPA healthcare (optional)

• BUPA dental scheme (optional)

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Mental Health First Aiders and wellbeing support initiatives

• Eye care contribution

• Annual flu vaccination voucher

Family Support

• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Lifestyle & Perks

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

• Employee discounts and savings platform

• Subsidised tickets to local cultural events

Learning & Development

• Dedicated learning budget for every employee

• Access to company-wide learning and development programmes

Culture & Community

• Paid volunteering hours

• Quarterly team lunch allowance

• Regular company social events

• Contribution towards home-working equipment

• Weekly fresh fruit delivery to the office

What happens next?