This high-performing further education provider is recognised as one of the leading colleges nationally, having achieved outstanding grades across all areas in consecutive Ofsted inspections under the latest Education Inspection Framework. The organisation is praised for its strong contribution to local skills development and for creating a supportive, aspirational learning environment. With a reputation for high-quality teaching and a culture of continuous improvement, staff are valued, well-supported, and committed to helping learners succeed. The college group serves over 6,500 full-time students, alongside a significant number of adult and higher education learners. It also delivers a substantial apprenticeship programme in partnership with hundreds of employers and is known for strong academic outcomes in its sixth form provision. Due to recent growth across the group, the IT Team are looking to bring in a Senior Systems Engineer to join their already well-established IT team in this newly created role.
Your new role
Reporting directly to the Head of IT, the Senior Systems Engineer will support the development, security and modernisation of a complex IT environment. This role combines hands-on technical delivery with strategic input, helping to shape cloud adoption, infrastructure improvements and long-term IT planning. You will lead key initiatives such as migrating legacy systems to Microsoft 365, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting enterprise infrastructure and networking. Acting as a senior technical specialist, you will resolve complex issues while contributing to standards, best practice and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
Implementing and maintaining security across cloud and on-premise systems
Leading migration to Microsoft 365 and modern workplace tools
Supporting infrastructure upgrades and lifecycle management
Troubleshooting complex, multi-site network issues
Acting as an escalation point for technical challengesThis is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer who enjoys modernising systems, influencing strategy, and delivering secure, scalable solutions.
What you'll need to succeed
In order to be successful in securing this position, you must possess significant IT experience in either a Senior IT or Infrastructure role, working across both on-prem and cloud environments. You will have a strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 with migration experience, as well as Windows Server experience and, finally, HPE/Aruba networking experience. Please note, although this role is predominantly based at the Newcastle-under-Lyme site, you must drive and have access to your own vehicle as it will be based across multiple sites in the Staffordshire area.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will be paid a highly competitive salary of between £45,000 and £55,000 dependent on experience, as well as an excellent benefits package. This package will include 43 days holiday (including bank holidays, rising to 47 with service and access to an attractive local government pension scheme. In addition, you will also be entitled to a subsidised gym membership, health-related benefits, free parking, access to the on-site restaurant and various training and development opportunities.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
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Salary description
£45000.00 - £55000.00 per year