IT Systems Administrator (Security-Focused) contract

IT Systems Administrator (Security-Focused)

Role Overview

The IT Operations Systems Administrator is responsible for the design, build, support, and maintenance of complex, high-quality infrastructure solutions, with a strong focus on Microsoft technologies.
This role serves as the primary interface between the Cyber Security Project Team and the IT Operations function, ensuring that security-driven infrastructure initiatives are effectively designed and implemented.
The position plays a key role in delivering strategic security projects, enhancing the organisation's security posture, and ensuring alignment with infrastructure standards, operational requirements, and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Security Leadership

• Act as Technical Lead for cybersecurity projects delivering infrastructure-related security initiatives in a critical 24x7 operational environment
• Design and implement scalable, resilient, and secure infrastructure solutions aligned with industry best practices
• Lead the design and delivery of secure architecture aligned to business, regulatory, and operational requirements

Systems Administration & Operations

• Perform daily, weekly, and periodic system administration tasks to maintain system health and performance
• Manage vulnerability remediation and security patching across infrastructure environments
• Monitor infrastructure and security performance to meet SLA requirements
• Support high availability and disaster recovery strategies for critical systems

Design & Implementation

• Design and build complex Microsoft-based infrastructure environments with a focus on security hardening
• Implement failover strategies and conduct regular resilience testing
• Collaborate with application teams to ensure performance, resilience, and secure traffic flows

Support & Continuous Improvement

• Resolve escalated technical issues from first- and second-line support teams
• Provide ongoing recommendations for process improvements and operational efficiencies
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to team capability development

Documentation & Compliance

• Produce and maintain high-quality technical documentation
• Support internal and external audit requirements
• Ensure compliance with ITIL or similar process control methodologies

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' senior-level experience working with Microsoft technologies in a large enterprise environment

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in Windows Server (2019/2022/2025) implementation and administration
• Advanced knowledge of Active Directory and Group Policy
• Solid understanding of network protocols and infrastructure concepts
• Experience with backup solutions and principles (NetBackup desirable)
• Strong knowledge of Windows 11 client environments

Desirable Skills

• Experience with VMware or other virtualisation platforms
• Knowledge of storage technologies
• Linux administration experience (eg, RedHat, Oracle Enterprise Linux)
• Familiarity with automation tools (Python, Ansible, REST APIs)

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organisation
• Strong organisational, documentation, and administrative capabilities
• Experience working in structured environments using ITIL or similar frameworks

Qualifications & Certifications

Education

• Third-level qualification in IT or equivalent practical experience

Certifications (Required/Preferred)

• MCSA, MCP, and/or CCNA
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (with a focus on Microsoft 365)

Additional Information

• This role operates within a critical 24x7 environment and may require participation in on-call or out-of-hours support
• Strong emphasis on security, resilience, and continuous improvement across infrastructure services