At a Glance
- Tasks: Support cloud environments and respond to live service issues in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join CTI Digital, a bold digital agency creating innovative experiences since 2004.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a relaxed office environment with socials.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting projects while learning from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Passion for technology and foundational knowledge in system administration is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 24 November 2025
Department: Hosting
Location: Manchester
Compensation: £35,000 - £40,000 / year
About CTI
Join 150+ strategists and specialists who refuse to settle, creating bold digital experiences for ambitious brands since 2004. We are a full-service digital agency delivering strategic consultancy, web development, and digital marketing to drive demand online. Using over two decades of industry experience, we provide next‑gen solutions as part of lasting partnerships with hundreds of clients.
You’ll work on innovative projects using the latest technologies before they hit the mainstream. We celebrate calculated risks and learn fast from every experiment. Genuine collaboration across all departments is encouraged, and your ideas matter regardless of your role or tenure. Continuous learning is essential, with dedicated time and budget for development, working alongside industry experts who are genuinely invested in your success. Full accountability and autonomy over your work means you build client relationships, see real‑world impact, and are recognised when you go the extra mile.
You’ll join our Hosting & Infrastructure function, a vital part of CTI that works across our Nublue hosting platforms and CTI’s internal systems. We support a mix of cloud‑native environments, managed infrastructure, and continuous improvement projects. The team operates with a strong focus on uptime, performance, and automation, maintaining close links with client support, delivery teams, and the wider tech group.
What you’ll be doing
- Service & Incident Response: Respond to technical incidents, system alerts, and client‑reported escalations, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Platform Maintenance: Day‑to‑day management and optimisation of client cloud infrastructure, primarily on Azure.
- System Administration: Manage web hosting environments, including Linux servers and Plesk, ensuring stability, security, and optimal performance.
- Infrastructure Support: Support platform security, manage backup processes, and maintain access controls across various client and internal systems.
- Documentation & Knowledge Sharing: Create and maintain clear platform documentation, runbooks, and handover notes to drive team knowledge and process consistency.
- Collaboration: Work with senior engineers on continuous improvement tasks, learning how to monitor system performance and contribute to automation efforts.
- Availability: Participate in an out‑of‑hours 24/7 rota (on call) to provide consistent coverage and quick resolution for critical issues.
What experience you need to be successful
To thrive as a Systems Administrator at CTI, you’ll need a genuine passion for technology and a foundation in system administration, coupled with a hunger to learn and solve problems. This is an ideal role for someone just starting out who has formal training or an established interest in IT infrastructure and is ready to execute bravely.
- Foundational Knowledge: Experience or qualification (apprenticeship, degree, or entry‑level certifications such as CompTIA A⁺/Network⁺, Azure Fundamentals) in IT, Infrastructure, or Hosting Support is highly desirable.
- Operating Systems: Solid working knowledge of Linux; understanding of command line, SSH, and file systems.
- Web Hosting Essentials: Familiarity with DNS, SSL, web servers (Apache/Nginx), and networking fundamentals.
- Cloud Awareness: Some exposure to or keen interest in Azure and other cloud platforms.
- Troubleshooting: Logically approach problems, research solutions, and communicate technical issues clearly to technical and non‑technical colleagues.
- Proactive Mindset: Highly organised, accountable, and proactive in seeking tasks and learning opportunities.
We’re challenging the “Gender Confidence Gap,” which suggests that individuals will only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the criteria. Some of our best hires didn’t check every box in the role description, so if you were about to rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply!
What’s in it for you?
- 28 days annual leave, in addition to bank holidays
- Hybrid‑working – we’re in the office twice a week
- Workplace nursery scheme
- Health cash plan
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme
- Flexible working hours
- Employee well‑being and mental health programme
- Relaxed working environments – office dogs welcome!
- Company socials and lots of fun!
Systems Administrator in Manchester employer: CTI Digital
CTI Digital is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Marketing Executive, you'll benefit from hands-on experience across the full marketing mix, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and dedicated time for personal development, all while working in the dynamic city of Manchester. With a focus on continuous learning and real accountability, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on ambitious brands right from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Administrator in Manchester
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what CTI Digital values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges CTI Digital might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at CTI Digital!
✨Direct Apply to CTI Digital
Let's not forget to apply directly through the CTI Digital website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Administrator in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at CTI Digital.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at CTI Digital. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at CTI Digital
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
