I.T Infrastructure Specialist

Newsquest Media Group; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote Working

Contributory pension

Opportunities for team building and training days

25 days’ paid holiday

Discounted gym membership

Mental health support via Lifeworks

Job summary

A leading local media publisher in Southampton seeks an associate to design and manage infrastructure services in a remote-first environment. The successful candidate will work with Microsoft Azure, 365 E5 Security, and manage both on-premises and cloud infrastructures. Responsibilities include improving threat protection, optimizing workflows, and providing system management. The role offers competitive compensation between £35,000 and £45,000, along with multiple benefits including remote working options and a contributory pension plan.

Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Defender solutions for threat protection.
• Practical knowledge of Azure services and security controls.
• Ability to troubleshoot Linux platforms efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage infrastructure services across on-premises and cloud.
• Improve Microsoft Defender solutions for threat protection.
• Provide system management for IT infrastructure services.

Skills

Microsoft 365 E5 Security

Microsoft Azure

Linux administration

MySQL database management

Networking concepts

Education

IT-related degree or equivalent practical experience

Tools

Microsoft Windows Server

Active Directory

MS SQL Server

Job description

Job Description

Join Newsquest Group Infrastructure Services (GIS), the technology backbone of one of the UK’s leading local media publishers, and play a central role in securing, modernising, and optimising the infrastructure that powers our digital and print operations. You’ll help shape how we deliver resilient services at scale, with a strong emphasis on Microsoft Azure cloud computing, Microsoft 365 E5, including the E5 Security suite.

In this role, you will design and deliver robust, scalable solutions across cloud computing, data centre, network, identity, and end‑user platforms. You’ll work hands‑on with MS Azure Cloud Computing services, Microsoft Windows server, Linux systems, MS SQL and MySQL databases, strengthening our security posture, streamlining workflows, and ensuring high availability for teams across the business. You will collaborate with knowledgeable engineers and partners in a fast‑paced environment where technical excellence and continual improvement are valued. This is a remote‑first role with regular visits to our Southampton office, occasional visits to our London office, data centres, and other UK offices.

Job Details

• Application Deadline: 10 January 2026
• Department: Technology and Development
• Location: Southampton
• Compensation: £35,000 - £45,000 / year

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage infrastructure services across on‑premises and cloud, with a focus on Azure and Microsoft 365 E5 Security.
• Operate and improve Microsoft Defender solutions (e.g., Defender for Endpoint and Defender for Office 365) to strengthen threat protection.
• Provide system management for IT infrastructure services and deliver within defined service levels.
• Act as escalation support for the Infrastructure Support team, including out of hours on‑call cover.
• Maintain secure identity and device management, including Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP.
• Support, optimise, and troubleshoot Linux platforms and associated services.
• Administer and tune database services, including MySQL, and contribute to broader SQL server management.
• Advise on new products and innovations in cloud, security, networking, and storage.
• Work effectively with external providers to deliver and support services.
• Mentor GIS colleagues in recognised areas of infrastructure and security expertise.
• Provide cover for the Infrastructure Systems Administrator and/or Infrastructure Support Supervisor during absence.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Tech Stack

• Strong experience with Microsoft 365 E5 Security (e.g., conditional access, advanced auditing, threat protection) and Microsoft Defender solutions.
• Practical knowledge of Azure services and security controls across hybrid environments.
• Thorough understanding of Microsoft Windows Server and desktop operating systems.
• Good knowledge of Linux administration and troubleshooting.
• Database skills including MySQL administration, performance, and backup/recovery.
• Networking concepts and technologies, particularly LAN and WAN.
• NAS and SAN storage technologies.
• Experience supporting IT services and working with external support providers.
• Understanding of on‑premises, outsourced, and cloud IT services, and delivering complex multi‑server workflow systems.

Desirable

• Experience with other operating systems (macOS, additional Linux distributions).
• Ability to manage Extreme Networks and Juniper LAN, WAN, and security systems.
• Experience managing Dell and HP SAN/NAS, Fibre Channel, and iSCSI.
• Competence in Microsoft SQL Server management.
• Knowledge of best practice in IT service delivery and management (e.g., ITIL).
• Understanding of newspaper and digital media publishing systems.

Personal Attributes

• Fast learner who enjoys researching and solving problems independently, and can quickly assimilate new tools and practices.
• Positive, collaborative team member who thrives in a specialist team, contributing to a challenging and fun environment.
• Able to prioritise and manage tasks, and stay calm under pressure.
• Strong time management, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and multitask without compromising quality.
• Clear, professional communicator who builds trust with stakeholders and colleagues.
• An IT‑related degree (or equivalent practical experience) would be advantageous.
• Within a commutable distance to our Southampton office.

Job Benefits

• Remote Working
• Competitive salary
• Contributory pension
• On Call allowance
• Perks and discounts with numerous retailers and organisations
• Opportunities for team building and training days
• 25 days’ paid holiday, plus statutory bank holidays
• An extra day off on your birthday
• Holiday purchase schemeStructured career progression, ongoing training, and personal performance reviews
• Discount vouchers
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Mental health support via Lifeworks
• Eye test vouchers, plus £50 towards the cost of new glasses
• Annual volunteer or charity day
• Staff referral scheme

Commitment to Equality and Diversity

Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities. As part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will take into account any adjustments that could help you.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Information Technology

Industries

Newspaper Publishing