At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on IT support and manage Microsoft 365 services in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Riverway Foods, a leading producer of quality sausages for top UK retailers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and access to Grocery Aid support.
- Why this job: Transition from contract to permanent while making a real impact on IT operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT administration and strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 required.
- Other info: Collaborate with a supportive team in a fast-paced, rewarding workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Harlow (site-based role)
Working pattern: Monday to Friday
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Riverway Foods, part of the CPC Group, produces quality sausages using British pork sourced from high‑welfare farms. We supply leading UK retailers, including Aldi and Tesco. We are seeking an experienced IT Administrator to join our Group IT function on a contract‑to‑permanent basis, based at the site in Harlow. This role offers the opportunity to transition into a permanent position, subject to performance, business needs, and successful delivery of key IT objectives, including the Microsoft 365 modernisation programme.
You will act as the primary on‑site IT Administrator, delivering hands‑on 1st and 2nd line support while taking ownership of day‑to‑day system administration and local IT stability. You will work closely with the Regional IT Manager and wider IT teams, supporting both office and factory environments, including production and abattoir areas.
Key Responsibilities- Act as the on‑site IT Administrator and primary escalation point
- Provide 1st and 2nd line support to users across office and factory environments
- Resolve incidents end‑to‑end, escalating to group IT teams where required
- Administer and support Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Entra ID
- Support Microsoft 365 upgrade and modernisation activities, including user migrations and device readiness
- Manage user accounts, access permissions, mailboxes, security groups, and policies
- Install, configure, and maintain desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and peripherals
- Support and maintain local infrastructure, including switches, firewalls, Wi‑Fi, printers, and site‑critical systems
- Monitor system performance, backups, patching, and security controls
- Provide hands‑on user support during change activity, including floor‑walking where required
- Maintain accurate records of IT assets, licences, and configurations
- Support IT projects, deployments, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Work with site stakeholders to understand operational IT requirements and risks
- Ensure IT services support security, compliance, and business continuity
- Proven experience in an IT Administrator or senior IT support role
- Strong experience supporting Microsoft 365 environments
- Experience with Microsoft 365 upgrades or migrations
- Solid knowledge of Windows desktop and server environments
- Good understanding of networking fundamentals (LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, firewalls, switching)
- Experience supporting users in operational or manufacturing environments
- Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
- Clear communication skills and confidence supporting non‑technical users
- Ability to work independently on‑site and collaborate with remote IT teams
- Security‑focused mindset and familiarity with IT best practices
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- Contract‑to‑permanent opportunity
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays (pro‑rata during contract)
- Access to Grocery Aid for emotional, practical, and financial support
- Benefits and recognition hub, including colleague discounts
IT Administrator Contract to Permanent in Harlow employer: Riverway Foods
Contact Detail:
Riverway Foods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Administrator Contract to Permanent in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT field, especially those who might know someone at Riverway Foods. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Microsoft 365 knowledge. Since this role involves supporting and administering these services, being able to discuss your experience confidently will definitely impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your troubleshooting skills during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've resolved IT issues in the past, especially in operational or manufacturing environments, as this is key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to 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 IT Administrator Contract to Permanent in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Administrator role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft 365 and any hands-on support you've provided in similar environments. 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 the perfect fit for our team at Riverway Foods. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention your troubleshooting abilities. We love candidates who can think on their feet and resolve issues efficiently, especially in fast-paced environments like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone!
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverway Foods
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft 365 and its services. Be ready to discuss your experience with Exchange Online, Teams, and SharePoint, as well as any upgrades or migrations you've handled. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tools but can also contribute to their modernisation.
✨Showcase Your Troubleshooting Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've resolved IT issues in the past. Think about times when you provided 1st and 2nd line support, especially in operational environments. Highlight your problem-solving approach and how you communicate technical solutions to non-technical users.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research Riverway Foods and its operations. Knowing how IT supports both office and factory environments will help you tailor your answers. Be ready to discuss how you can ensure IT services align with business continuity and security needs, which is crucial for their operations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about the current challenges they face with their IT systems or how they envision the transition from contract to permanent. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.