At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical operations for secure and resilient server infrastructure at the University.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive community at the University of Lancashire.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, 24/7 online GP access, and continuous skill development.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that champions diversity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while evolving your tech skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in enterprise server and cloud technologies with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.
About the role: Learning and Information Services (LIS) provides the digital platforms, infrastructure and services that support learning, teaching, research and business operations across the University of Lancashire. We are seeking an experienced Principal Server Operations Engineer to provide technical leadership for our virtual infrastructure and server operating system platforms, ensuring they remain secure, resilient and fit for the future. You will work collaboratively across our Operations teams to support, develop and continually improve the University's server estate across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. Alongside maintaining robust and reliable services today, you will help shape the future direction of infrastructure operations through automation, observability, AIOps and modern operational practices. You will also play a key role in strengthening service management, operational governance and continual improvement processes, helping the University mature its infrastructure services whilst maintaining a strong focus on reliability, security and user experience.
About you: You will be an experienced infrastructure professional with extensive knowledge of enterprise server, virtualisation, storage and cloud technologies, coupled with a strong track record of delivering secure, resilient and high‑performing services. You will be recognised as a trusted technical expert, capable of providing technical leadership, mentoring colleagues and influencing technical direction across a collaborative team environment. You will have experience operating within structured service management frameworks, with a strong understanding of incident, problem, change and continual improvement processes. Comfortable balancing innovation with operational discipline, you will be able to ensure infrastructure services remain secure, supportable and aligned with governance and service delivery best practice. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical outcomes. Alongside a strong operational focus, you will demonstrate a passion for emerging technologies and continuous improvement, helping the University evolve its infrastructure capabilities through greater automation, intelligent operations and modern service delivery practices. A relevant business or systems-based undergraduate degree or equivalent experiential learning is required for this role.
What we can offer you: We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP. Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.
About us: We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.
Principal Server Operations Engineer in Preston employer: Lancashire
The University of Lancashire is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities and support for professional advancement, all while contributing to meaningful initiatives that enhance community safety and resilience. Located in a vibrant academic setting, our culture prioritises inclusivity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Server Operations Engineer in Preston
✨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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire 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 Lancashire!
✨Direct Apply to Lancashire
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Lancashire 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 Principal Server Operations Engineer in Preston
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 Lancashire.
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 Lancashire. 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 Lancashire
✨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.
