IT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer

IT Systems & Infrastructure Engineer
IT Services
Salary: £31,590 to £38,841 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Interviews: w/c 7th July 2025

Reference: REC2153 | Closing Date: Sunday, 29th June 2025

The Opportunity

As our IT Systems and Infrastructure Engineer, you will take on a central role in maintaining and developing our core IT systems and infrastructure. Your expertise will help ensure that our digital platforms are secure, reliable and fit for purpose, supporting both staff and students across all campuses.

This is a particularly significant time to be joining our team, as we embark on a Digital Transformation journey that will introduce a range of new systems and services to benefit the organisation. You will be joining a well established and knowledgeable team and report to the Systems and Infrastructure Manager. The IT Services department manages a wide portfolio of systems, most of which are based on Microsoft technologies, both on-premises and cloud-based. Server virtualisation currently runs on VMware platforms, and the team remains responsive and customer-focused, always aiming to enhance the quality of service provided to a diverse user base of over 9,000 students and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the day to day operation of servers, storage systems, and networking equipment to ensure efficiency and security
  
  
• Configure and monitor Active Directory, and manage system patching and security updates
  
  
• Maintaining virtualised environments and perform regular vulnerability assessments
  
  
• Support our compliance with Cyber Essentials and GDPR
  
  
• Delivering infrastructure projects such as cloud migrations and system upgrades
  
  
• Collaborating with external suppliers and internal stakeholders to meet project deadlines
  
  
• Producing clear technical documentation and contribute to planning and continuous improvement efforts
  
  You will also be a key support resource for the wider IT team, acting as a third-line escalation point for more complex issues. Whether you are advising on the best way to implement a new service or helping resolve a critical system fault, your input will be valued. You will also help to develop guidance and documentation for your colleagues, sharing your knowledge and supporting their development.
  
  You will work with a collaborative team that is focused on service quality and innovation, supporting the College as it continues its digital transformation journey. Flexible or part-time arrangements may be available for the right candidate.
  
  About You
  
  Ideally, you will have solid experience in managing core IT systems and infrastructure, with a particular strength in Microsoft technologies, virtualisation, and network administration. You are comfortable taking ownership of complex systems, from servers to storage, and aim to keep things running as smoothly as possible behind the scenes.
  
  You will have a deep understanding of Active Directory, system patching, and cybersecurity principles, and ideally some experience supporting Cyber Essentials compliance. Virtualisation platforms like VMware are second nature to you, and you enjoy taking part in infrastructure projects such as cloud migrations, system upgrades, and security enhancements. In addition, we are looking for someone particularly proficient in networking principles, both wired and wireless, with knowledge of Extreme Networking hardware.
  
  You are not just technically capable, you are also proactive, solutions-focused, and enjoy working collaboratively. Whether you are acting as a third-line escalation point, liaising with external suppliers, or documenting infrastructure improvements, you communicate clearly and with purpose. You value quality, security, and service excellence, and you are always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes.
  
  This is a hands on role in a fast-evolving IT environment, so you should be comfortable balancing day to day operations with longer term project work. If you have worked in an education or public sector setting, that’s a bonus, but what matters most is your willingness to support a large, diverse user base and to contribute to our digital transformation journey.
  
  Hybrid or flexible working options are available for this role and can be discussed and agreed with the hiring team at interview.
  
  Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
  
  Required
  
  
• Relevant Level 4 qualification (e.g. HNC, MCP) or willingness to achieve it within a set timeframe, or significant industry experience
  
  
• Level 2 English and Maths (or equivalent)
  
  
• Minimum 5 years' experience with computer hardware/software in a Windows server environment
  
  
• Experience with Windows Server, Windows Workstations, VMware ESXi, and IIS
  
  
• Experience using AI tools to enhance processes and efficiency
  
  Reasons to join us
  
  
• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
  
  
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
  
  
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous 19.2% employer contribution!
  
  
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
  
  
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
  
  
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
  
  
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
  
  
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
  
  
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
  
  
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
  
  
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
  
  
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
  
  
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
  
  
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
  
  
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
  
  
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
  
  
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
  
  Closing date for applications is Sunday, 29th June 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.
  
  Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.
  
  Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children