At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 3rd line support and work on exciting projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Target Group, a leader in secure hosting for financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days holiday, hybrid working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Embrace a fun, inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 3 years in support roles, knowledge of Windows Server, PowerShell, and IBM systems.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Help power high‑availability systems for the financial services sector. At Target Group, we provide secure, high‑availability hosting and software solutions to some of the UK's most recognisable financial services organisations. Our IT Support Centre Middleware team sits right at the heart of this mission – keeping critical systems running smoothly and supporting the platforms our clients rely on every day. We’re now looking for a Junior Systems Administrator to join our team.
The role
- As a key member of our IT Middleware team, you’ll provide 3rd line support across Target Group’s internal and client infrastructure, while working on exciting new project work.
- Your focus will include supporting IBM iSeries and IBM WebSphere environments hosted on Linux, along with Microsoft and VMware platforms.
- You’ll also be involved in administration, scripting, automation, and reporting – helping us continuously improve how we operate.
- This is a hands‑on, varied role where no two days are the same, and where your expertise will genuinely make an impact.
What It’s Like Being Part Of The Team
- We operate a 7am‑7pm support window for 3rd line teams, working an average of 7.5 hours per day within those hours.
- Occasional out‑of‑hours work may be required (with notice).
- While the role has a core focus on IBM iSeries and WebSphere, you’ll also support the wider technical estate.
- You’ll receive regular feedback and recognition through 1‑to‑1s and our My Recognition platform.
- We’re passionate about building a fun, inclusive culture, embracing innovation, and looking after your wellbeing.
- You’ll have real opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career with us.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Providing 3rd line support and resolving complex incidents and problems.
- Acting as a mentor to 1st line support colleagues.
- Working within defined service desk processes and client SLAs.
- Managing and estimating your own workload, keeping stakeholders informed.
- Automating processes where possible to improve efficiency.
- Working with third‑party suppliers to resolve issues.
- Maintaining and improving system documentation.
- Analysing incidents and problems to identify root causes.
- Communicating clearly with internal teams and external clients, including non‑technical stakeholders.
Requirements
About you
- Essential: At least 3 years’ experience in a support or technical operations environment.
- IT Service Desk and Technical Operations experience.
- Windows Server 2019‑2025.
- PowerShell and Python knowledge.
- IBM OS/400 and command line experience.
- Exposure to IBM WebSphere FTP technologies.
- Active Directory administration (or equivalent).
- Desirable: Linux experience.
- Bash scripting.
- DevOps tools such as Jenkins.
Benefits
Core Benefits
- Competitive salary of between £30,000 and £35,000 depending on experience.
- 30 days holiday plus bank holidays – from day one.
- Hybrid working policy.
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (employer matched up to 6%).
- Company‑paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind).
- Group Life Assurance.
- Group Income Protection.
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme.
- Annual pay review.
Flexible & Lifestyle Benefits
- My Flex benefits platform – access to a wide range of voluntary benefits.
- Technology Buying Scheme (salary sacrifice).
- Gym Flex – discounted gym and health club memberships.
- Dental Insurance.
- Critical Illness Cover.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Tastecard / Coffee Club.
- Employee Discount Scheme across hundreds of retailers.
Wellbeing & Support
- Wisdom Wellbeing – confidential health and wellbeing support, including EAP.
- Free flu vaccinations and eye tests, plus contributions towards glasses.
- Recognition Scheme celebrating successes across the business.
- Free mortgage advice and support.
- Charitable payroll giving.
- Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24.
- Everest Funeral Concierge.
- Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support.
- Enhanced parental leave.
Why join Target Group?
We care about doing things the right way – for our clients and for our people. At Target Group, you’ll find a supportive environment where your ideas are valued, your contribution is recognised, and your development is taken seriously. We’re committed to creating a Diverse & Inclusive culture through the execution of our D&I strategy, community relationships, our people & leaders.
Junior Systems Administrator in Cardiff employer: Target Group
At Target Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values innovation and employee wellbeing. As a Junior Systems Administrator in our Cardiff office, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to high-availability systems that power the financial services sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment where your skills are recognised and developed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Systems Administrator in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry on LinkedIn or at local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its tech stack, especially around IBM iSeries and WebSphere. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who’s genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle some technical scenarios during interviews. Brush up on your PowerShell and Python knowledge, as they might throw some real-world challenges your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our awesome team at Target Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Systems Administrator in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Systems Administrator role. Highlight your experience with IBM iSeries, WebSphere, and any scripting skills you have. We want to see how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can help us improve our systems. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise! Mention your experience with Windows Server, PowerShell, and any other relevant tools. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Target Group
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IBM iSeries, WebSphere, and the Linux environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with Windows Server and scripting languages like PowerShell and Python. Showing that you can talk confidently about these technologies will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've resolved complex incidents in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you approached them. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the 3rd line support responsibilities effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, especially for non-technical stakeholders. Clear communication is key in this role, so be ready to showcase your ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Mentoring
Since you'll be acting as a mentor to 1st line support colleagues, highlight any past experiences where you've supported or trained others. This shows that you're not just technically skilled but also a team player who values collaboration and growth.
