At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and support IT systems for NATO naval forces, ensuring smooth operations.
- Company: Join a prestigious organisation supporting international naval operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive insurance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Physical work on deployed warships; must be deployable and ready for challenges.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital mission, working with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: NATO SECRET clearance, IT diploma, and 3 years of hands-on experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Deadline Date: Monday 6 April 2026
Requirement: System Administrator (Standing Naval Forces)
Location: Northwood, UK
Full Time On-Site: Yes
Time On-Site: 100%
Total Scope of the request (hours): 836
Required Start Date: 1 July 2026
End Contract Date: 31 December 2026
Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET
Duties & Role
- Involved in the transfer and activation of deployed CIS installations during the operational handover of Standing Naval Forces (SNF) NATO flagships.
- Provides on-site remote and off-site technical support to flagships of nations participating in the Standing Naval Forces (SNFs).
- Assists the Core Section Head with daily System Administration of the Hardware and Software for the current version of MS Windows Server, including management of Active Directory Services (Domain Controller, Group and Security Policies, Domain Naming Services), Exchange Server Services.
- Assists with the System Administration of Storage Area Network (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices, including installing applicable firmware upgrades.
- Assists with the System Administration of VMware ESXi Server, VMware vCenter Server Appliance, including performing lifecycle and firmware upgrades.
- Assists with conducting routine backups as required by the Service Level Agreement (SLA) and in line with local Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
- Assists with the System Administration of Hardware and Software for end user devices.
- Aids in ensuring that all technical and service-oriented documentation related to assigned systems is prepared, stored appropriately, and kept current.
- Maintains close communication with other technicians and engineers within the CSU and the broader NCI Agency.
Specific Working Conditions
- Must be able to lift items up to 25kg.
- This position requires physical work on deployed warships involving movement in small spaces.
- This position requires 25%-40% Temporary Duty away from site.
- This position requires personnel to be fully deployable. Deployable personnel must have individual medical and personal liability cover.
- The mandatory working time shall be 38 hours per week, to be performed Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 17:00.
- A daily unpaid lunch break shall be taken in accordance with local regulations and Agency practices.
- The Contractor shall maintain personal liability and comprehensive insurance coverage for the duration of the contract.
- Work may be performed on-site at the designated location and/or remotely, in accordance with project requirements and subject to prior approval by the Agency.
- The Contractor shall ensure reliable communication, availability during agreed working hours, and secure access to all required Agency systems, networks, and documentation platforms, in compliance with applicable security, information assurance, and data protection policies.
- Where required for official duties and subject to prior authorization by the Agency, the Contractor may be permitted to operate Agency vehicles. Any such use shall be undertaken at the Contractor's sole responsibility and in compliance with applicable Agency rules and traffic regulations.
- The Contractor shall remain fully liable for any incidents, damages, or claims arising from the use of Agency vehicles, in accordance with the contract terms and the Contractor's insurance coverage.
Requirements Skill, Knowledge & Experience
- The candidate must have a currently active NATO SECRET security clearance.
- Higher vocational diploma in IT AND minimum 3 years of relevant hands-on experience in enterprise infrastructure administration.
- Practical experience in VMware virtualization technology is required, including VCSA configuration, ESX upgrades, and bare metal deployment.
- Ability to deploy on short notice to address equipment failures in virtualized mission-critical systems.
- Experience in deploying signed certificates is necessary.
- Familiarity with configuring iSCSI targets for virtualized environments is required.
- Knowledge and experience in Microsoft Server Technologies, including Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange, are essential.
- Understanding of the ITIL IT service management model is necessary.
- Knowledge of incident and problem management processes is important, along with relevant experience.
- Ability to write technical documentation and user guides is required.
- Effective oral and written communication skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the SDE process, such as Ansible playbooks, is desirable.
- Strong problem-solving skills are required, utilizing logical methods to address complex issues and exploring all potential sources for solutions, while being able to identify hidden problems and think beyond initial answers.
- Customer focus: Focuses on customer needs and satisfaction; acts with customers in mind; high standards for quality and quantity; monitors and maintains quality and productivity; works in a systematic, methodical, and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
Desirable Qualifications And Education
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related discipline.
- Postgraduate technical training in enterprise infrastructure.
- Military / operational CIS.
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification.
- Microsoft infrastructure certification (e.g., Windows Server or Identity).
- ITIL Foundation certification.
C004742 System Administrator (Standing Naval Forces) (NS) - PAUSED employer: EMW Law LLP | B Corp
As a System Administrator for the Standing Naval Forces in Northwood, UK, you will join a dedicated team committed to supporting NATO operations, offering a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment. The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that employees have access to training and growth opportunities while contributing to vital international missions. With a focus on employee well-being and a supportive work-life balance, this role provides a meaningful career path in a dynamic and impactful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land C004742 System Administrator (Standing Naval Forces) (NS) - PAUSED
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your experience with system administration and problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each application, showing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows you’re keen and professional, and it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace C004742 System Administrator (Standing Naval Forces) (NS) - PAUSED
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the System Administrator role. Highlight your relevant experience with VMware, Microsoft Server Technologies, and any hands-on work you've done in enterprise infrastructure. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Mention your NATO SECRET clearance and any specific experiences that relate to the duties outlined in the job description. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical skills. Whether it's your experience with Active Directory, Exchange Server, or SAN/NAS devices, we want to see it all! Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at EMW Law LLP | B Corp
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of VMware, Microsoft Server Technologies, and Active Directory. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these systems, as well as any specific projects you've worked on that relate to the job description.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex issues in past roles. Think about situations where you identified hidden problems and came up with effective solutions. This will demonstrate your strong problem-solving skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since effective communication is key, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to write a user guide or explain a process, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart.
✨Understand the Customer Focus
Be ready to discuss how you've prioritised customer needs in your previous roles. Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction, as this aligns perfectly with the job's requirements.
