Platform Engineer in Reading

Overview: The Platforms Engineer post is a key technical position requiring a dedicated self-motivated capable individual ensuring the reliable and efficient support to our technical Digital Services infrastructure, comprising of Data Centre environment management, desktop, server, storage and backup systems, access and security systems, and Active Directory infrastructure. The role will require close liaison with Digital Services Service Delivery teams to ensure the Trust's published service level agreements are met.

The post holder must be self-directed and able to work autonomously with the ability to interpret technical policies. The individual will be dealing with and processing confidential Trust data, using VPN and two-factor authentication tokens to support and enforce existing Trust information security policies.

The post holder needs to be able to implement and support technical solutions across RBH, liaising with and managing third-party suppliers, short-term contractors and Trust staff as necessary. The postholder should have exposure to PRINCE2 project management and have a strong understanding of ITIL service management methodologies. The post holder will be expected to assist the Server Engineers and Server Specialist in designing, developing and implementing complex technical solutions. The post holder will directly support the Trust's Digital Services Service Delivery teams.

Main duties of the job

• Communication and Relationships: Stakeholder Collaboration; Documentation Creation and Training; Third-Party Supplier Management
• Research and Development: Research Innovative Solutions; Technical Evaluations; Continuous Improvement; Capacity Planning
• Technical Responsibilities: 3rd Line Support; Infrastructure Management; Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity; Backup Strategy Implementation; System Security
• Analytical and Judgement Skills: Problem Solving; Performance Management; Change Management
• Planning and Organisation: Project Management; Service Continuity; Capacity and Load Planning; Change Control
• Finance and Resource Management: Budget Oversight; Procurement; Asset Management
• Information and Data Management: Data Integrity Checks and Processes; System Documentation Creation and Validation; Security Compliance
• Physical and Technical Skills: Technical Expertise; Hardware Maintenance; Security Systems

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding. Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342. Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

1. Communication and Relationships: Collaborate closely with the Digital Services Service Delivery teams to ensure smooth operation of infrastructure services and timely resolution of issues. Act as a liaison between technical teams, external suppliers, and key Trust stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and ensuring service levels are met. Communicate highly complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical stakeholders, including Trust management and clinical teams. Provide expert advice and recommendations on infrastructure and system improvements. Develop user guides, technical documentation, and training materials for the use of internal teams. Conduct training sessions for Digital Services staff and other departments to enhance technical understanding and ensure best practices. Manage relationships with third-party suppliers and contractors, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are adhered to and projects are completed according to specification and within budget.
2. Research and Development: Research and evaluate emerging technologies and trends in digital services infrastructure. Provide recommendations for innovative solutions to improve system performance, security, and efficiency within the Trust. Evaluate proposed infrastructure developments and ensure they align with the Trust's Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) strategy. Assess technical compatibility, potential risks, and system stability when considering new implementations or changes. Lead initiatives to continuously improve the Trust's infrastructure, applying advanced diagnostic techniques to resolve complex issues. Ensure all changes are well-documented and implemented in line with Trust policies. Conduct research and forecasting for capacity and load management, ensuring that the Trust's infrastructure can meet future demands. Collaborate with other IT teams to plan for necessary infrastructure expansions or upgrades.
3. Technical Responsibilities: Provide third-line support for all critical infrastructure systems, including server, storage, network, and backup systems. Act as an escalation point for complex issues that cannot be resolved by the first and second-line support teams. Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Trust's data center, server, storage, and backup systems. Ensure the environment is optimized for performance, reliability, and security. Assist in the management and optimization of the Active Directory infrastructure. Develop and maintain disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans, conducting regular tests to ensure readiness. Provide recommendations for improvements based on test outcomes and evolving business needs. Design and implement effective backup strategies for critical data and systems, ensuring that recovery points are easily accessible and secure. Regularly review and optimize backup schedules to reduce potential data loss. Ensure robust security measures are in place across all digital platforms, including patch management, VPN, two-factor authentication (2FA), and anti-virus protection. Adhere to the Trust's information security policies and contribute to the development of new policies where needed.
4. Analytical and Judgement Skills: Act as a technical expert in diagnosing complex infrastructure issues. Use advanced analytical skills to interpret logs, performance data, and error messages to troubleshoot and resolve faults. Propose long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences. Use monitoring and diagnostic tools to assess the health of infrastructure systems. Analyse trends and performance metrics to make informed decisions on infrastructure improvements or expansions. Oversee the implementation of infrastructure changes, ensuring that they are thoroughly tested and follow the Trust's change management procedures. Evaluate the impact of changes on the wider digital infrastructure and ensure minimal disruption to services.
5. Planning and Organisation: Lead infrastructure projects using project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating resources and priorities as needed. Plan and execute preventative maintenance activities to ensure maximum uptime for critical systems. Regularly review and update business continuity plans to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Conduct capacity and load analysis, identifying future infrastructure requirements based on system usage trends and business forecasts. Ensure that the infrastructure can scale to meet increased demand. Manage infrastructure changes using formal change control processes. Ensure that changes are communicated to relevant stakeholders, planned carefully to avoid service disruptions, and documented thoroughly.
6. Finance and Resource Management: Manage budgets related to infrastructure upgrades, system purchases, and third-party service agreements. Ensure that all expenditures are within budget and aligned with Trust financial policies. Work with the procurement team to source new hardware, software, and services for the Trust's infrastructure. Obtain competitive quotes from vendors and ensure that all purchases provide value for money and meet the technical requirements of the Trust. Oversee the lifecycle of infrastructure assets, ensuring that hardware and software are maintained, upgraded, or replaced as needed. Keep accurate records of all assets, including warranties, licenses, and maintenance contracts.
7. Information and Data Management: Ensure the integrity of critical data within the infrastructure by maintaining secure and reliable systems for storage, backup, and recovery. Regularly review data retention policies and ensure they comply with Trust and national regulations. Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration settings, and disaster recovery procedures. Ensure that documentation is regularly updated to reflect changes in the infrastructure. Adhere to all Trust data protection policies, ensuring that the digital infrastructure complies with national data protection regulations, including GDPR. Ensure that sensitive data is protected through encryption, secure access controls, and regular audits.
8. Physical and Technical Skills: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in managing server and storage systems, virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and networking. Provide hands-on technical support for hardware installations, upgrades, and maintenance. Perform physical maintenance of infrastructure hardware, including the installation of servers, storage devices, and network equipment. Troubleshoot and repair hardware issues as they arise. Implement and maintain security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and access control systems. Ensure that security systems are regularly tested and updated to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.

Person Specification

• Qualifications: Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Relevant certifications in IT infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, VMware Certified Professional, CompTIA Security+). MCSA: Windows Server 2016 or Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate. PRINCE Project Management Qualification.
• Experience: Extensive experience in managing digital infrastructure in a complex, high-availability environment, including server, storage, and network systems. Microsoft Active Directory 2008 R2 and later including group policy design and troubleshooting. Server virtualisation technologies (e.g. VMware vSphere / Nutanix AHV). IT experience gained in Acute healthcare / NHS setting.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.