Senior Systems Engineer

As a fast growing, agile, digitally focused general insurance provider of products and services to over 2.7 million customers in the UK, our focus is on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. Particularly right now, as we embark on a period of digital transformation in our business. Could you play a role in our next chapter?

Reporting to the Technical Delivery Manager, a Senior Infrastructure Systems Engineer is a key position with responsibility for managing the day-to-day running of the company's server, storage and core business application infrastructure

Your remit

Acting as the 3rd line technical support, working closely with the 1st and 2nd line support teams, the role will be responsible for providing a responsive, robust and secure environment in support of business needs. The primary aspect of the role is the delivery of highly-available, highly performing, secure IT environments that support the corporate's mission critical platforms and business objectives.

• To maintain a responsive, robust server, networking (WAN and LAN), messaging and storage
• Infrastructure alongside supporting Application and Development teams.
• Apply incident and problem resolution, as defined by service and operating level agreements (where applicable) governed by an ITIL-based approach.
• To diagnose and resolve third level technical issues relating to the network and security infrastructure.
• To ensure the availability and security of the company infrastructure due to adequate security systems and pro-active monitoring.
• To investigate, recommend and implement new technologies relating that help improve business performance.
• To deal with technology suppliers with regards to technical consultancy, problem resolution, delivery / returns / repairs of equipment and contractual obligations.
• Provide advice, guidance, design and implementation services to ongoing projects both operational and PMO.
• To work closely with stakeholders to ensure that delivered systems are both technically sustainable and meet the business need.

Required Skills

• A comprehensive understanding of enterprise server operations including hyper-converged solutions (Nutanix preferable), Citrix VDI (XenDesktop), virtualisation technologies (VMware), storage (HP or Nutanix) and network (HP, Cisco and Juniper) technologies - 5+ years.
• Solid working knowledge of Exchange 2010, 2016 and Office 365 - 5+ years
• Substantial experience of system administration of Linux based servers and virtual workstations (RedHat, Centos, Ubuntu).
• A strong technical background, with a logical mind, excellent attention to detail and a willingness to learn. Ideally in an equivalent role for 5+ years.
• A flexible and adaptable working style with the ability to work on multiple projects, work streams operational duties simultaneously.

Desirable Qualifications

• MCSA, MCP or VCP. Citrix, Nutanix or Juniper skills / qualifications highly desirable
• ITIL Foundation V2, V3 or V4
• Any Project Management certifications (PRINCE, Agile, PMP) is beneficial
• At least 7+ years IT experience in a dynamic IT Operations environment
• Ability to work within an on-call rotation and assist with out of hours working (as required)

Hastings Direct is a fast growing, agile, digitally focused general insurance provider of products and services to over 2.7 million customers in the UK. We've significantly grown our customer base over the last three years and we now employ over 3,400 colleagues It's our attitude and the way we run our business that makes us different. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. It's a dynamic, flexible, fun and constantly changing environment. You'll enjoy the scope to make a real difference for our customers, influence our company, benefit the communities we work in and have some fun along the way.

What's in it for you?

• A competitive salary and an attractive benefits package which we can share upon shortlisting, please contact for more information
• Broad exposure to senior management and ability to contribute to real change
• 1-2 days working from home
• Car allowance of £5,000
• Up to 10% bonus earning potential
• 25/27 days holiday
• Private medical cover
• Pension
• Flexible benefits
• Discounted Hastings Direct products
• Discounted rail travel via Easit Rail partner

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.