At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic development and security of our IT environment while driving cloud initiatives.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking FE College in the West Midlands with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28-32 days annual leave, subsidised gym membership, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Onsite role with no remote work; great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising IT infrastructure and enhancing cybersecurity.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior IT roles, strong IT security background, and VMware expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Rate Recruitment have partnered with an FE College in West Midlands who are looking to appoint a Senior Systems Engineer on a permanent basis. The Senior IT Engineer will 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.
Main Duties And 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?
- 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
The starting salary is £45-55k with generous holiday entitlement and pension contributions. The role requires 5 days a week onsite with no remote working. Please apply or get in touch to find out about location and further details, and feel free to share. Unfortunately, my client can't offer sponsorship for this position. Rate Recruitment Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, applicants, and clients to share this commitment. Any appointment will be made subject to strict vetting and screening checks and receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. In accordance with the DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
Senior System Engineer employer: RATE RECRUITMENT LIMITED
Join a forward-thinking FE College in the West Midlands as a Senior Systems Engineer, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our IT infrastructure. With a strong emphasis on employee development, we offer excellent training opportunities, generous annual leave, and health-related benefits, all within a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life environment.
