The Technical Systems Specialist reports to the Infrastructure Manager and takes responsibility for the provision of 'third level' IT services within the Trust. These systems will include but are not limited to Server and Storage Hardware and Software, Microsoft server and desktop operating systems and applications, server, desktop and application virtualisation technologies, Storage (SAN, NAS,DAS) and storage protocols, Security products (Anti-Virus, port control, e-mail and Web filtering) and backup products.

The post holder will take project management responsibility for the technical aspects of infrastructure initiatives and programmes working closely with the Project Management Office and technical support teams.

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of the Trust's vision and core values, providing a clear sense of direction, optimism and purpose. They are responsible for assisting the Customer Services Manager to achieve the service levels (e.g. fault response and fix times).

They will work with other IT colleagues, strategic partners and external suppliers to provide advice and guidance, which ensures that the Trust's IT strategy meets both national and local demands.

To demonstrate a positive can do attitude at all times and drive the 'can do' attitude across the IT team.

They will, as experts within their field, be expected to form part of the Trust's out-of-hours 'on-call' technical support team.

Main duties of the job

A position has arisen within the IT Infrastructure Team for a Technical Systems Specialist. This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic team of engineers working on a well-run, high quality, resilient and modern Infrastructure.

As an active member of the team, your main focus will be designing, implementing and supporting IT Infrastructure services across multiple datacentres. You will also be involved in collaborative working with other engineers, suppliers, partners and NHS Trusts to deliver and support wide range of IT related projects and services.

The role requires comprehensive experience in supporting and implementing Microsoft server operating systems and applications. A minimum level of MCSA or VCP qualification is expected however MCSE level skills will be required to perform parts of the role.

We are looking for a candidate who can quickly learn the current systems and respond to a variety of support requirements. You must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills, a practical approach to dealing with inquiries and efficiency at resolving problems.

Due to the significance of this role and the importance in selecting the right candidate there will a 30 minute technical test as part of the interview process.

About us

We are an acute hospital based on the scenic Norfolk coast, with easy access to the bustling city of Norwich. Onsite parking is available, and with many staff travelling from Norwich, car sharing (within COVID restrictions) is a possibility.

When you accept a job here, you will be supported within your specialist team by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff, with a strong ethos of supervision and supporting staff well-being.

You will receive specific training to help you achieve your competencies for the role, alongside Trust mandatory training and in-house courses. We value individuals and encourage you to get the most out of your personal development and career, which in turn supports the hospital in delivering high quality health care.

We have the beautiful Norfolk and Suffolk coastline on our doorstep with the beach within walking distance from the Trust. Norwich is a city of history, culture and entertainment only 20 miles away and the Norfolk Broads appeal to anyone wishing to escape the hustle and bustle. It really does suit all tastes!

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main duties and Responsibilities

Providing specialist advice to senior management in areas of data processing, security and the Trusts Infrastructure. The post holder must be able to communicate highly complex technical system matters to senior non-technical staff clearly and in a manner whereby they are able to fully understand the issues. They will also be required to negotiate at a senior level and be a major influence in the decision making processes.

• Using specialist technical expertise and experience, the post holder will be responsible for the design, planning, development, implementation and documentation of new IT systems for the Trust. Interpretation of requirements is key to this process so candidates must be able to communicate with users at all levels within the Trust. They must be able to explain very complex IT issues and theories in a nontechnical manner to a variety of internal and external audiences.
• In conjunction with and under the guidance of the Project Management Office, plan the installation and extension of systems in a manner that is compatible with the clinical and nonclinical needs of the Trust. They are required to be able to write business cases to justify any technical resources needed for completion of projects under the guidance and project management of the Project Management Office.
• The post holder will be required to contribute to the formation of Trust-wide operational policy for the safe use of Information Systems. This will require working closely with senior managers to ensure that the policies meet the needs of the business and also of safe operation.
• To resolve third level infrastructure problems and queries which have been escalated by the Infrastructure Manager or the Service Desk through analysis and use of their specialist knowledge, expertise and experience. This will include, but is not limited to, technical systems problems, security breaches, complex application issues, and the interpretation of user requirements to design solutions in line with the Trusts strategy.
• The role requires the generation, collection and analysis of complex data used to provide detailed comprehensive reporting on, but not limited to, storage capacity, growth trends, infrastructure loading and data integrity. These reports are a requirement of the role and will be used to plan and advise on the Trusts infrastructure capacity, growth rates and integrity. Reporting will be used as evidence to prove compliance with local and national audit requirements, and help drive further financial investment in the Trusts infrastructure.
• The role requires active participation in the planning, development and implementation of the lT Departments working methods, while helping to develop the service to ensure that changing business needs continue to be met.
• The post holder is expected to keep up to date with current and future developments of infrastructure technology.
• Plan, develop, implement, document and review procedures and processes to improve third level technical functionality and store in an easily accessible central repository.
• Promote, champion and drive the use of IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) best practices across the IT function. This will include the responsibility for owning and developing some of the ITIL processes.
• To work closely with the Infrastructure Manager to drive the Trusts infrastructure improvement program, through monitoring, testing and adaptation of existing applications and hardware.
• Responsible for ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to meeting changing and increasing demands identified via support trends or in reference to the IT Strategy.
• Responsible for the development and maintenance of their own Personal Development Plans (PDP). To ensure that the appraisal meetings are conducted at fixed, regular intervals in co-ordination with their line manager.
• To develop, test and improve the performance of the IT Service Continuity, disaster recovery systems and processes and ensure adherence to the processes developed.
• Setting standards throughout the Trust that allow for the provision of IT services based on best practices and ensure that efficient resolution of faults and customer feedback are addressed as a matter of priority.
• Develop and implement strategies to provide infrastructure support in line with best practise methodologies. Within this responsibility, make recommendations and plan for future strategic direction within the specialist area of expertise.
• To provide specialist advice, where appropriate, to clients within the Trust on the efficient use of infrastructure systems.
• Ensure compliance with, and enforce the Information Governance legislation (e.g. GDPR, Data Protection Act 1998 and the Computer Misuse Act 1998) at all times.
• Work in conjunction with the Customer Services manager to facilitate the development of the Incident/Problem/Change Management function in order to manage the Service Desk against defined service level agreements and improve call resolution times.
• To be a technical point of reference/subject matter expert for specific areas of the Trusts IT Infrastructure.
• To continually increase technical expertise and knowledge in areas of technology supporting and leading the Trusts strategy.
• To be aware of, and to adhere to, all Trust policies and procedures.
• To act as a mentor to less experienced members of staff and disseminate their specialist knowledge as required to the wider Support Teams. They will also be required to train less experienced members of the department in specialist technical skills and provide training material where applicable.
• Any other duties which may be reasonably delegated.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• A Degree and/or relevant experience within the IT field
• One of the following vendor certifications: MCSE/MCITP (2003 onwards) VCP CCA

Desirable

• Prince2 project management qualification
• ITIL (ITSM) Foundation certificate

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• At least 3 years' experience of working within a server related role

Desirable

• Experienced in developing and designing IT infrastructures based on business needs and requirements.

Skills, abilities & competencies

Essential

• High level understanding and experience of: server hardware, Microsoft server and desktop operating systems.
• Extensive theoretical and practical experience of Microsoft Active Directory and Office 365
• A thorough knowledge and experience of working with storage area networks and virtualisation
• Understanding and practical experience of storage protocols such as Fibre Channel and iSCSI
• Experience implementing and maintaining security products such as Anti-Virus, Web control and e-mail filtering.
• Experience working in a multi VLAN networking environment
• Able to make decisions at the appropriate time without referral, taking into account the needs of the situation, priorities, constraints and the availability of necessary information.
• Able to keep up to date to retain status as a expert / leader in the field.
• Ability to deal with highly complex problems and situations that require both controlled and sensitive resolution.
• Proven record of innovation within current role.
• Ability to work within a high pressure/demanding environment.
• Proven record of producing clear and concise documentation.
• Building Customer Service - able to provide Stakeholders with a positive experience of the service delivered.
• Competent in dealing with senior management and business owners to realise technical solutions to business needs.

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS working practices across a wide range of disciplines including information governance, information management and data quality
• Thorough understanding of the ITIL Process framework.
• Knowledge and experience working with the Microsoft Systems Center suite (SCCM/VMM/SCOM)
• An understanding of networking design principles
• Practical experience implementing and maintaining high availability technologies such as clustering and load balancing
• Application and desktop virtualisation experience
• Understanding of Microsoft licensing

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

177-CORP-5308980