SENIOR LEAD; IT Systems Administration

SENIOR LEAD (IT Systems Administration) ITSM2

Department: IT
Reports to: Head (ITSM)
Location: Leicester/Hybrid
Salary: £47,383.50
Contract: Permanent: 35 hours per week

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Senior Lead (IT Systems Administration) to join our IT team. This is a key technical role responsible for maintaining, supporting and continually improving our IT infrastructure, including end-user devices, servers, Microsoft 365 services, core business systems, networks, security controls and backup arrangements.

You will act as a senior escalation point within the IT function, supporting both internal and external end users while helping to ensure our systems are reliable, secure, compliant and fit for the needs of the organisation. The role will suit someone who enjoys solving complex technical problems, improving service delivery, automating repeatable tasks and working collaboratively with colleagues and third-party partners.

• Manage the lifecycle of end-user devices across Windows, macOS and mobile platforms, including build, deployment, patching, refresh and disposal.
• Administer and optimise Microsoft Intune, Autopilot, Bit Locker, application packaging and device compliance policies.
• Provide senior technical support and escalation for complex endpoint, server, network, printing and peripheral issues.
• Administer Windows, Linux and Azure-based servers, including patching, monitoring, performance tuning, capacity planning and lifecycle management.
• Support core infrastructure services such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, NTP, Hyper‑V, SAN/NAS storage, LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches and wireless networks.
• Manage Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, One Drive, Azure Files, mail flow, retention, archiving and access controls.
• Maintain Entra , MFA, conditional access, SSO integrations and identity-related security controls.
• Support cyber security and compliance activities, including endpoint security, Defender, vulnerability remediation, Cyber Essentials requirements and secure configuration baselines.
• Contribute to backup, recovery and business continuity arrangements, including restore testing, DR documentation, monitoring and ransomware resilience.
• Use scripting, automation and standardisation to reduce manual effort, improve consistency and support continuous service improvement.

You will bring strong technical knowledge, sound judgement and a customer-focused approach. You will be confident working in a busy IT services environment, able to prioritise effectively, communicate clearly with technical and non‑technical audiences, and take ownership of issues through to resolution.

• Strong experience supporting and maintaining Microsoft environments, including Windows, Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, Exchange Online and Microsoft 365.
• Experience of endpoint management, mobile device management, software deployment, encryption, anti‑virus/endpoint protection and patch compliance.
• Experience maintaining accurate asset records, support documentation, software licensing information and hardware procurement processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues, analyse root causes and implement effective long‑term fixes.
• Experience working to service levels, deadlines and competing priorities in an IT services environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to different audiences.
• Strong planning, organisational and time‑management skills, with good attention to detail.
• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Experience providing third‑line support in an IT services environment.
• Knowledge of Acronis or Veeam backup solutions.
• Experience supporting Mac Books, iPhones and other Apple devices.
• Experience administering SharePoint, Azure Files and wider Microsoft 365 collaboration platforms.
• Experience working within the NEBOSH business or a similar regulated environment.
• Familiarity with Cyber Essentials, NCSC‑aligned hardening and…