Linux / Unix Systems Administrator

Howdens Joinery have a fantastic opportunity to join our Infrastructure department as a new Systems Administrator. You will support and maintain the Linux platforms running on IBM Power-VM and VMWare ESXi virtualisation layers. A permanent opportunity based from our office on Brackmills in Northampton with flexibility to work from home 1 day a week.

What you will be doing:

• Installation, configuration, documentation and ongoing maintenance of Linux servers, and any underlying management platforms, as per any build or compliance policies.
• Proactively monitor and report on the capacity and performance of Howdens platforms.
• Participate in and, where required, lead in IS projects providing expert support and guidance in delivering solutions to meet business needs.
• Provide detailed 2nd / 3rd level design and documentation in support of Linux and IBM-Power platforms.
• Ensuring system availability, resolving any service affecting issues and escalating as appropriate.
• Ensure projects and introduction of new Mid-Range platforms are delivered in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Ensures adoption of best practice for Linux platforms and any underlying hardware to satisfy capacity, performance, availability and security requirements.
• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and partners.

What we need from you:

• Demonstrable experience designing, implementing and supporting Linux systems (including but not limited to RHEL and SLES).
• RedHat satellite server experience.
• Shell scripting (Bash and Korn).
• Familiar with the principle of server performance analysis and tuning.
• Monitoring, alerting and dashboarding using tools such as Zabbix and Grafana.
• Automation technologies (including, but not limited to, Ansible, Terraform).
• Technologies such as Docker, GIT, Kubernetes, Azure DevOps.
• Ability to travel to other Howdens locations and to work outside of normal hours.
• 5 hour week contract with a support rota for “Out of Hours” cover.

Applicants with experience in the following is highly desirable:

• IBM Power, AIX, VIO, NIM and CMC / HMC administration.
• Delivering and supporting high availability architecture and solutions.
• Virtualisation and containerisation technologies.
• Delivery and support of cloud services in Azure and/or AWS.
• Redwood Cronacle/RunMyJobs.
• Project Management Methodologies (SAFe Agile, Prince II, ITIL).

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary and annual company bonus.
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%).
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
• Staff Discount.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events.

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda. As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

We’re building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you. Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.