IT Systems Manager

Blu Wireless is a pioneering deep technology company and a global leader in advanced wireless connectivity. Designed at our HQ in Bristol, our technology is helping to shape the future of connectivity across defence, rail and other critical infrastructure sectors, supporting industries as they enter a new era of modernisation and data connectivity needs. Having successfully demonstrated our technology through multiple highly successful proof-of-concept deployments, we are now entering an exciting phase of commercialisation.

Operating within a fast-moving venture capital environment, Blu Wireless offers the opportunity to play a key role in the next stage of our journey.

We are looking for an IT Systems Manager to own and develop our IT function and support the business as it commercialises and scales. It is an opportunity for someone who is ready to take the next step in their career and take ownership of a function, and who is enthusiastic, proactive and comfortable working in a busy environment. This is a broad role with exposure across the business.

It is ideal for someone who wants to make a tangible impact on a business and thrives on continuous improvement. We are a team of 35 based in Bristol, with some remote workers overseas. You will take ownership of our IT environment, systems and security while helping to enhance systems, processes and governance across the organisation. As the business grows, you will have the opportunity to influence key strategic decisions related to the IT environment and to build your team, and you will be encouraged and have the authority to put your own stamp on the organisation.

Reporting to the CFO, you’ll be responsible for hands-on maintenance and improvement of the company’s IT infrastructure, while supporting engineers and operational staff across the business.

Your work will include:

• Setting up, maintaining and supporting:
  • Microsoft 365 services, including Intune, Entra  Defender
  • Windows laptops and their integration with our Microsoft 365 and cloud services
  • Directory and identity services, including OpenLDAP and SAML single sign-on
  • Cisco and Meraki networking equipment
  • Corporate firewall and remote access VPN
  • Core infrastructure services such as DNS, NTP and DHCP
  • Servers, including physical hardware and Linux (Rocky Linux and Ubuntu)
  • Cloud services including Atlassian, Git Lab, Jenkins and Snipe-IT
  • Backup environment including server, client and cloud

• Troubleshooting hardware, software and network issues
• Carrying out daily, weekly and monthly system health checks and backup testing
• Managing IT assets and related processes
• Maintaining physical infrastructure including racks and cabling
• Maintaining cyber certifications including UK Cyber Essentials, and supporting EU Cyber Resilience Act reporting

As you become familiar with the environment, you will be expected to identify and implement improvements, including to business continuity and disaster recovery processes, security standards, documentation and internal knowledge sharing. There will occasionally be a need to work outside normal hours, though generally this is rare and can be taken back as time off in lieu.

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical skills with a proactive approach who wants to take ownership and put their own stamp on the organisation.

• 5+ years of experience in IT infrastructure or systems administration
• Experience working with:

• • Microsoft 365 and Windows systems
  • Managing physical infrastructure
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Firewalls, VPNs and network security
  • Backup and disaster recovery
  • Scripting and automation (e.g. Power Shell, Bash or Python)
  • Linux environments (Red Hat-based such as Rocky, and…