At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 3rd line support and resolve complex incidents in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Target Group, a leader in secure hosting for financial services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a fun, inclusive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your technical skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 3 years of experience in IT support and knowledge of Windows Server and scripting.
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. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical depth, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine passion for solving complex problems in a fast‑paced environment.
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, alongside 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
- 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.
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.
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.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re looking for a role where your technical skills will be challenged and appreciated, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help keep Target Group’s critical systems moving.
Junior Systems Administrator in Cardiff employer: Target
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 Cardiff, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and numerous benefits including hybrid working options and professional development opportunities, all while contributing to high-availability systems for the financial services sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment where your skills are recognised and your career can flourish.
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 by practising common questions and scenarios related to systems administration. We recommend setting up mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve worked on any projects or have relevant experience, create a portfolio or a GitHub repository. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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! Share your passion for solving complex problems and how you can contribute to our Middleware team. Keep it concise but engaging — 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 directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Target
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IBM iSeries, WebSphere, and the various operating systems mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with Windows Server, PowerShell, and Python, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex problems you've solved in previous roles. Think about specific incidents where you provided 3rd line support or automated processes to improve efficiency. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, especially for non-technical stakeholders. During the interview, be prepared to showcase your communication skills, as this role involves liaising with both internal teams and external clients.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers!