At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch technical support and manage customer incidents effectively.
- Company: Join a leading secure ICT services provider in the UK Defence sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth with exposure to various technologies.
- Why this job: Kickstart your IT career in a supportive and professional environment.
- Qualifications: Customer-focused mindset and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent (Onsite - 5 days per week)
Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 (dependent on experience)
Clearance: Eligible for SC Clearance
About the Opportunity
Sanderson Government & Defence is proud to be working with a leading secure ICT services provider supporting the UK Defence, Security, and Government sectors. Our client operates within highly secure environments, delivering critical IT services where reliability and customer service are key. We are seeking a motivated 1st Line Support Engineer to join their on-site Service Desk team in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in IT support within a structured, ITIL-driven environment.
The Role
As a 1st Line Support Engineer, you will act as the first point of contact for both internal and external customers, providing high-quality technical support and ensuring incidents and requests are managed effectively. You will play a key role in maintaining service standards while contributing to the continuous improvement of Service Desk processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for customers via phone and service portal
- Log, manage, and update incidents and service requests within the Service Management tool
- Ensure all tickets contain accurate and detailed information, including steps to reproduce issues
- Escalate incidents to appropriate resolver groups when required
- Provide timely updates to customers in line with agreed SLAs
- Build strong customer relationships and deliver a high level of customer satisfaction
- Escalate high-priority incidents to senior team members or management
- Contribute to and maintain knowledge base documentation
- Support daily Service Desk operations and priorities
- Collaborate with wider teams across the business to resolve issues effectively
About You
- Previous experience in an IT support or Service Desk environment (preferred but not essential)
- Understanding of ITIL processes (Incident, Problem, Change Management)
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Customer-focused mindset with a genuine desire to resolve issues
- A team player who thrives in a collaborative environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritise workload
- Adaptable, proactive, and eager to learn
Technical Awareness (Desirable)
- Windows 10 and Windows Server environments
- Office 365 and Active Directory
- VMware
- SharePoint
- Endpoint security tools (e.g. McAfee, Sophos)
- Hardware support (Dell & Lenovo devices)
Security Requirements
Due to the nature of this role, candidates must be eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC). This typically requires British citizenship or a minimum of five years' continuous UK residency. Please note that sponsorship is not available for this role.
Why Apply?
- Great entry point into secure Government & Defence IT environments
- Structured training and development opportunities
- Exposure to a wide range of technologies and ITIL processes
- Supportive team environment with clear progression pathways
If you're looking to build your IT career in a secure and professional environment, apply now or contact Sanderson Government & Defence for more information.
Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
1st Line Support in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Sanderson
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1st Line Support in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a 1st Line Support Engineer, you'll need to explain technical issues clearly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable with explaining complex concepts simply.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the team. Think about what you want to know regarding their ITIL processes or team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and keep you on their radar. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace 1st Line Support in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the 1st Line Support role. Highlight any relevant IT support experience and your understanding of ITIL processes to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about IT support and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of how you've resolved issues in the past to show us your problem-solving skills.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
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 in Stoke-on-Trent!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson
✨Know Your ITIL Basics
Familiarise yourself with the key ITIL processes like Incident, Problem, and Change Management. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you understand the framework within which the company operates.
✨Practice Customer Interaction Scenarios
Since you'll be the first point of contact for customers, practice handling common support scenarios. Think about how you'd explain technical issues in simple terms and how to keep customers updated on their requests.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully resolved issues. Highlight your thought process and how you prioritised tasks, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the fast-paced environment of a Service Desk.
✨Research the Company and Its Values
Take some time to learn about the secure ICT services provider and its role in supporting UK Defence and Government sectors. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a candidate.