At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of enterprise infrastructure and hybrid platforms in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the vibrant IT Services team at the University of Manchester.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, well-being programme, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education tech while collaborating with top industry professionals.
- Qualifications: Strong VMware experience and scripting skills; open to developing talent.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About IT Services
IT Services at the University of Manchester is a vibrant and fast-moving department; we focus on delivering excellent customer service and quality services for our staff, students and researchers.
Grade: 7
Contract Duration: Permanent
Directorate: IT Services
Division: Campus Technology Services
The Team
The Virtualisation Engineering Team within the Engineering function provides the foundational infrastructure that powers the On-Prem hybrid ecosystem.
Role
We’re looking for an experienced engineer who has a broad understanding of VMware, and a deep understanding of at least one major supporting operating system. You will collaborate closely with the wider engineering & development teams, architects and colleagues in Research to deliver exciting digital programmes in the education sector. The University has a clearly defined IT digital roadmap and as an experienced Senior engineer, you'll work in the Virtualisation Engineering team alongside developers, architects, UX designers, analysts and product owners to deliver automation and VMWARE with opportunities to deliver an OpenStack infrastructure. You’ll work especially closely with our colleagues in Research, helping to define and develop self-service infrastructure, supporting implementations and accelerating the pace of moving from ideation to active research. We encourage continuous learning, so as well as the opportunity to work with some of the brightest and best in the industry, and evaluate the latest technologies, we’ll encourage online training for obtaining certifications. Even if you don’t meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply as we can develop you into the role using a training plan and career path.
The Person
You’ll have the expertise and confidence to lead the definition, delivery and support of enterprise infrastructure and hybrid platforms in complex environments, typically working in multi-disciplinary teams. The successful candidate will need to be able to demonstrate the below skills and experience:
- Strong experience supporting VMware, OpenStack and hybrid infrastructure environments
- Administration and support of Linux and Windows Server operating systems
- Scripting skills using technologies such as PowerShell, Python or Bash
- Experience with infrastructure automation and Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform, OpenTofu and Ansible
- Knowledge of enterprise virtualisation, storage and networking technologies
- Experience with code repository management tools
- Understanding of platform security and compliance frameworks
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and technical documentation skills
Desirable Criteria
- Experience with monitoring and logging platforms such as Zabbix & Grafana or similar
- Experience integrating infrastructure platforms with ServiceNow or similar ITSM tooling
- Familiarity with Atlassian products such as Jira and Confluence
- Strong collaborative working and stakeholder management skills
What You Can Expect In Return
- Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure
- Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family
- Well-being programme with counselling, fitness and leading sports facilities
- Learning and development opportunities
- Season ticket loans for public transport
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Workplace nursery scheme
- Staff recognition schemes
- Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Blended working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries: Please contact our IT Resource Management Team: Email: it.resource@manchester.ac.uk
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Virtualisation Engineer in Manchester
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what The University of Manchester values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges The University of Manchester might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at The University of Manchester!
✨Direct Apply to The University of Manchester
Let's not forget to apply directly through the The University of Manchester website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Virtualisation Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at The University of Manchester.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at The University of Manchester. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
