At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and support internal IT systems while ensuring security and compliance.
- Company: Established tech organisation that values innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Onsite role in Cheltenham with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of IT operations and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in 3rd line support with Linux and Microsoft systems is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (Onsite)
Package: £35,000 - £55,000 + Meaningful Bonus + Benefits
Eligibility: Must be able to obtain and maintain UK Government SC clearance - ILR or British Passport
Must Have:
- Heavy 3rd Line Support
- No Sponsorship Available
Due to time constraints you will need to be available to start ASAP (4 weeks maximum).
Please only apply if you have commercial experience with all of the following:
- Managing internal IT systems across desktop, server, network and cloud environments
- Administering both Linux and Microsoft operating systems
- Using network and systems management tools
- Implementing and maintaining strong security controls across an IT estate
- Installing, configuring and troubleshooting hardware, operating systems, networks and applications
- Producing clear, accurate technical documentation and procedures
Required Tech Stack:
- Microsoft Azure & Azure Active Directory / Entra ID (3rd line support level - essential)
- Microsoft 365 & Intune (MDM)
- Windows Server & Linux (Debian/Ubuntu/RHEL or similar)
- Active Directory & Group Policy
- Firewall & network security technologies (e.g. Fortinet, Cisco, Palo Alto or similar)
- VPN and remote access solutions
- Ticketing and ITSM platforms (e.g. ServiceNow, Jira, Freshdesk or similar)
- Virtualisation (e.g. VMware, Hyper‑V)
The Role:
This is a hands-on System Administrator/Head of IT position in a well-established technical organisation that values innovation, quality and team culture. You'll own internal IT operations end-to-end in an onsite environment, managing infrastructure and security while supporting both internal staff and client-facing technical remediation work.
Must-Haves:
- Experience managing internal IT systems (end-user, server, network and cloud)
- Hands-on administration of Linux and Microsoft environments
- Knowledge of network security and firewall technologies
- Experience with ticketing systems and knowledge-base tools
- Experience with MDM platforms
- Ability to install, configure and troubleshoot hardware and software
- Excellent communication skills and proactive, service-focused approach
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Manage and support internal IT systems, monitor health/stability, respond to alerts
- Implement security controls and maintain compliance with internal standards
- Assist clients in implementing technical fixes following assessments
- Produce documentation, procedures and supporting materials
- Support colleagues with day-to-day IT requirements
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
Hands-On Experience With:
- Office, desktop, server and network administration
- Linux and Microsoft operating systems
- Infrastructure-as-a-service cloud platforms
- Network security and firewall technologies
- VPN / remote access solutions
- Ticketing and knowledge-base systems
- Mobile device management tooling
- Hardware, operating system and network configuration
Bonus Experience:
- Exposure to delivering technical remediation for clients
- Experience with ISO-aligned processes (e.g. ISO27001)
- Microsoft desktop or cloud certifications
- Experience supporting or mentoring junior team members
Important Notes:
- This is a fully onsite role in Cheltenham
- Candidates must be eligible for and capable of holding UK Government Security Clearance (SC)
- A hands-on role with active ownership of internal IT systems
If you match the above criteria and would like a confidential discussion about the role, please get in touch.
System Administrator | Head of IT in Cheltenham employer: Optimal
Join a well-established technical organisation in Cheltenham that prioritises innovation and quality, offering a collaborative work culture where your contributions are valued. As a System Administrator/Head of IT, you'll have the opportunity to manage critical IT operations while benefiting from a competitive salary, meaningful bonuses, and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land System Administrator | Head of IT in Cheltenham
✨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 Optimal 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 Optimal 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 Optimal!
✨Direct Apply to Optimal
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Optimal 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 System Administrator | Head of IT in Cheltenham
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 Optimal.
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 Optimal. 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 Optimal
✨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.
