Principal Systems Administrator

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly motivated Principal Systems Administrator to join our Digital Services team.

This is a key senior technical role within the Digital Services team, responsible for the management, support and development of the Trust's core infrastructure services. The successful candidate will play a leading role in maintaining and improving the Trust's Microsoft technology estate, including Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, virtualisation platforms, storage, backup and cybersecurity services. The post holder will provide expert third-line support, lead infrastructure projects, contribute to service improvements and help shape the future direction of the Trust's infrastructure, including the adoption of emerging cloud technologies and services.

Main duties of the job

You will need to be a forward-thinking technical specialist with excellent communication and organisational skills, a strong analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to work effectively under pressure. The role requires a proactive individual who can deliver complex technical solutions, lead infrastructure improvements and provide expert third-line support across a diverse and evolving IT environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for:

• Managing the installation, operation, maintenance and support of the Trust's corporate server infrastructure and associated systems.
• Providing expert third-line systems support and acting as a senior escalation point for complex technical issues.
• Supporting the IT Systems Manager and deputising in their absence.
• Maintaining highly available, secure and resilient infrastructure services in accordance with agreed Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Managing and supporting Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365 and virtualised infrastructure environments.
• Monitoring infrastructure performance, capacity, availability and security, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact services.
• Planning, implementing and documenting infrastructure upgrades, maintenance activities and technical projects.
• Managing configuration management processes, maintaining accurate technical documentation and supporting change management activities.
• Supporting disaster recovery planning, business continuity arrangements and recovery testing.
• Leading technical investigations, root cause analysis and problem management activity to identify and prevent recurring incidents.
• Working closely with suppliers, stakeholders and technical teams to deliver service improvements and infrastructure enhancements.
• Ensuring infrastructure services comply with Trust policies, security standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participating in the IT Manager on-call rota to support critical incidents when required.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in job applications

If you have used AI to support the preparation of your application, please briefly indicate how it was used within your supporting statement or application form.

Please remember, your application is your opportunity to tell us about your skills, experience and motivation for the role. We encourage applicants to complete their application and supporting statement in their own words wherever possible. We recognise that AI tools can be helpful in supporting accessibility, and for improving spelling, grammar and structure.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content can become generic and fail to accurately reflect an applicant's individual experience. Applications that clearly demonstrate your own voice, reflections and experiences are often the most effective and help us better understand your suitability for the role.

Please be aware that information provided in your application and supporting statement may be explored further during the selection process. It is important that all applications accurately represent your own knowledge, skills and experience.