At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT initiatives, modernise systems, and enhance cybersecurity in a dynamic environment.
- Company: A top-rated further education provider with a supportive and aspirational culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 43 days holiday, subsidised gym membership, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a well-established team and enjoy excellent career growth in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on IT strategy and support thousands of learners in a thriving college.
- Qualifications: Significant IT experience, strong knowledge of Microsoft 365, and networking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This high-performing further education provider is recognised as one of the leading colleges nationally, having achieved outstanding grades across all areas in consecutive Ofsted inspections under the latest Education Inspection Framework. The organisation is praised for its strong contribution to local skills development and for creating a supportive, aspirational learning environment. With a reputation for high-quality teaching and a culture of continuous improvement, staff are valued, well-supported, and committed to helping learners succeed. The college group serves over 6,500 full-time students, alongside a significant number of adult and higher education learners. It also delivers a substantial apprenticeship programme in partnership with hundreds of employers and is known for strong academic outcomes in its sixth form provision.
Due to recent growth across the group, the IT Team are looking to bring in a Senior Systems Engineer to join their already well-established IT team in this newly created role.
Reporting directly to the Head of IT, the Senior Systems Engineer will support the development, security and modernisation of a complex IT environment. This role combines hands-on technical delivery with strategic input, helping to shape cloud adoption, infrastructure improvements and long-term IT planning. You will lead key initiatives such as migrating legacy systems to Microsoft 365, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting enterprise infrastructure and networking. Acting as a senior technical specialist, you will resolve complex issues while contributing to standards, best practice and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Implementing and maintaining security across cloud and on-premise systems
- Leading migration to Microsoft 365 and modern workplace tools
- Supporting infrastructure upgrades and lifecycle management
- Troubleshooting complex, multi-site network issues
- Acting as an escalation point for technical challenges
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer who enjoys modernising systems, influencing strategy, and delivering secure, scalable solutions.
What you'll need to succeed:
In order to be successful in securing this position, you must possess significant IT experience in either a Senior IT or Infrastructure role, working across both on-prem and cloud environments. You will have a strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 with migration experience, as well as Windows Server experience and, finally, HPE/Aruba networking experience. Please note, although this role is predominantly based at the Newcastle-under-Lyme site, you must drive and have access to your own vehicle as it will be based across multiple sites in the Staffordshire area.
What you'll get in return:
In return, you will be paid a highly competitive salary of between £45,000 and £55,000 dependent on experience, as well as an excellent benefits package. This package will include 43 days holiday (including bank holidays, rising to 47 with service) and access to an attractive local government pension scheme. In addition, you will also be entitled to a subsidised gym membership, health-related benefits, free parking, access to the on-site restaurant and various training and development opportunities.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Senior Systems Engineer in Sunderland employer: Hays
This esteemed further education provider in Newcastle-under-Lyme is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to staff development and a supportive work culture. With a focus on continuous improvement and high-quality teaching, employees enjoy generous benefits including 43 days of holiday, a local government pension scheme, and various training opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful educational outcomes for over 6,500 students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Engineer in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who work in education or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your past projects, especially those related to cloud migration and cybersecurity. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, or webinars to keep your knowledge fresh. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Engineer in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Systems Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft 365 migrations, Windows Server, and HPE/Aruba networking. 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 passionate about modernising IT systems and how you can contribute to our supportive learning environment. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples of how you've tackled complex technical challenges in the past. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to review your application quickly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and HPE/Aruba networking. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and how you've successfully implemented or migrated systems in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of complex issues you've resolved in previous roles. Highlight your troubleshooting process and how you approached multi-site network challenges, as this will demonstrate your capability as a senior technical specialist.
✨Understand the Organisation's Goals
Research the college's mission and values, especially their focus on skills development and continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss how your role as a Senior Systems Engineer can contribute to these goals, particularly in terms of modernising IT infrastructure.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the IT team's current projects, future initiatives, and the college's approach to cloud adoption and cybersecurity. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
