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- Tasks: Lead IT security and modernise systems while driving cloud strategy.
- Company: Join a top-rated college with outstanding Ofsted grades.
- Benefits: Enjoy 43 days holiday, gym membership, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with career growth and a commitment to safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on IT strategy in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in IT engineering, strong security background, and VMware knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle (primary), Stafford, Leek, IOT, Axia, Gradbach
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Competitive
Holiday: 43 Days, rising to 47 following 5 years’ service (Inclusive of Bank holidays and Christmas closure)
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is one of the very best colleges in the country. In October 2024 we became the first and only further education provider in England to achieve a full set of outstanding grades in consecutive Ofsted Inspections. This includes recognition of our strong contribution towards meeting Local Skills Needs under the latest version of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF). The inspection report praised all areas of the College’s provision and acknowledged NSCG’s ‘staff are professional, friendly, incredibly supportive and work tirelessly to meet the needs of learners’ ‘teachers improve their practice based upon the support they receive’ and ‘teachers create highly supportive, calm and highly aspirational environments in which learners and apprentices thrive’. In summary, NSCG is a great place to work and study.
The group is currently home to a population of over 6,500 full-time students with around 2000 adult learners and students on higher education programmes. We have over 1,500 apprentices where we work with over 850 individual employers. Our Sixth Form provision has a reputation for high academic achievement and excellence.
We are seeking an experienced Senior IT Engineer to play a key role in the strategic development, security, and modernisation of our IT environment. This position goes beyond day-to-day support and focuses on driving our cloud and security strategy, and delivering long-term infrastructure improvements aligned with business objectives. The role will lead critical initiatives including the migration from on-premises Exchange and file storage to Microsoft 365 and OneDrive/SharePoint, strengthening our cybersecurity posture, and the design, support, and evolution of VMware-based infrastructure and enterprise networking. The successful candidate will act as a technical authority and trusted advisor, balancing hands-on engineering with forward-looking planning, standards development, and continuous improvement. This is an ideal hands-on role for a senior engineer who enjoys influencing IT strategy, modernising legacy systems, and delivering secure, scalable solutions to reflect the requirements of the curriculum and College senior leadership team.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain security controls across on-premises and cloud environments
- Lead and support the migration from on-premises Exchange and MS Office suite to Microsoft 365 (O365)
- Assist with infrastructure upgrades and lifecycle management
- Troubleshoot complex multi-site network connectivity and performance issues
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex technical issues
Required Skills And Experience
- Strong background in IT security across on-prem and cloud environments
- 5+ years of experience in a senior IT engineering or infrastructure role
- Proven experience migrating Exchange on-prem to Microsoft 365
- Solid working knowledge and qualification in VMware VSphere 7, 8 or 9
- Strong working knowledge of PowerShell scripting and automation experience
- Excellent communication and documentation abilities
- Experience with Windows Server 2016-2025, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, SCCM
- HPE / Aruba Networking certification (current or latest equivalent)
What’s in it for you?
The College Offers An Excellent Benefits Package Which Includes:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 28 days annual leave rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service (plus Bank Holiday and Christmas closure)
- Subsidised Gym Membership
- Health-related benefits including a subsidised Health Scheme
- Excellent Training and Development Opportunities (supported with a dedicated budget)
- Free Parking
- On site restaurant and FREE early morning tea/coffee and toast
How To Apply
To apply for the role of Senior Systems Engineer, please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete an online application form. (If you are applying via a jobs board, you will receive an e-mail and link that will take you directly to our application form on the Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group website). The closing date for completed applications is 10th May 2026.
This college is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All college based positions are subject to enhanced DBS check and are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
Senior Systems Engineer employer: Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG)
Contact Detail:
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Systems Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, or join online forums. 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 by researching the company and its culture. Understand their IT strategy and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your knowledge of VMware, Microsoft 365, and cybersecurity. Being able to demonstrate your expertise during technical interviews can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at NSCG.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Systems Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Systems Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in IT security, cloud migrations, and any specific technologies mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with 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 this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with Microsoft 365 and VMware, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this position, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We appreciate candidates who can convey complex ideas simply!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around IT security, Microsoft 365 migrations, and VMware. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of complex technical issues you've tackled in the past. Highlight your troubleshooting process and how you approached multi-site network connectivity challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice explaining technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. Think about how you can convey your ideas effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group and their commitment to modernising IT environments. Be ready to discuss how your vision for IT strategy can support their goals and enhance the learning experience for students.