Senior Windows Systems Administrator

Senior Virtualisation Engineer

Grade: 7

Contract Duration: Permanent

Directorate: IT Services

Division: Campus Technology Services

About IT Services

IT Services at the University of Manchester is a vibrant and fast-moving department, we focus on delivering excellent customer service and quality services for our staff, students and researchers.

The Team

The Virtualisation Engineering Team within the Engineering function provides the foundational infrastructure that powers the On-Prem hybrid ecosystem.

The Virtualisation Team is responsible for managing and maintaining the virtual infrastructure together with web hosting, ensuring that all systems, including VMware environments, Windows and Linux servers, operate reliably, securely and efficiently.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced engineer who has a broad understanding of VMware, and a deep understanding of at least one major supporting operating system. You will collaborate closely with the wider engineering & development teams, architects and colleagues in Research to deliver exciting digital programmes in the education sector.

The University has a clearly defined IT digital roadmap and as an experienced Senior engineer, you'll work in the Virtualisation Engineering team alongside developers, architects, UX designers, analysts and product owners to deliver automation and VMWARE with opportunities to deliver an OpenStack infrastructure.

You'll work especially closely with our colleagues in Research, helping to define and develop self service infrastructure, supporting implementations and accelerating the pace of moving from ideation to active research.

We encourage continuous learning, so as well as the opportunity to work with some of the brightest and best in the industry, and evaluate the latest technologies, we'll encourage online training for obtaining certifications. Even if you don't meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply as we can develop you into the role using a training plan and career path.

The Person

You'll have the expertise and confidence to lead the definition, delivery and support of enterprise infrastructure and hybrid platforms in complex environments, typically working in multi disciplinary teams.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Strong experience supporting VMware, OpenStack and hybrid infrastructure environments
• Administration and support of Linux and Windows Server operating systems
• Scripting skills using technologies such as PowerShell, Python or Bash
• Experience with infrastructure automation and Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform, OpenTofu and Ansible
• Knowledge of enterprise virtualisation, storage and networking technologies
• Experience with code repository management tools
• Understanding of platform security and compliance frameworks
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and technical documentation skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with monitoring and logging platforms such as Zabbix & Grafana or similar
• Experience integrating infrastructure platforms with ServiceNow or similar ITSM tooling
• Familiarity with Atlassian products such as Jira and Confluence
• Strong collaborative working and stakeholder management skills

What You Can Expect in Return

Our diverse job opportunities all include a top benefits package that includes many features that are hard to find in the private sector:

• Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
• Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
• Well being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
• Learning and development opportunities
• Season ticket loans for public transport
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Workplace nursery scheme
• Staff recognition schemes
• Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

Equal Opportunity Statement

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Flexible Working

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more.

Blended working arrangements may be considered.

Contact

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries: Please contact our IT Resource Management Team

Email: