Infrastructure Engineer

First Central Services; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and innovative insurance company as an Infrastructure Engineer, where your expertise will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the IT infrastructure. This position offers the opportunity to work flexibly, balancing remote work with occasional office visits. You'll engage in vital tasks like system administration, security management, and disaster recovery planning, all while collaborating with a passionate team. If you're eager to learn and grow in a supportive environment that values your contributions, this role could be your perfect fit. Embrace the challenge and make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes its people.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Health Care Benefits

Employee Discounts

Team Building Activities

Remote Work Options

Pension Scheme

Wellness Programs

Paid Time Off

Performance Bonuses

Qualifications

• 5+ years in IT roles focusing on infrastructure and security.
• Strong understanding of network and server configurations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and monitor IT infrastructure for reliability.
• Support disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Skills

Windows Server Administration

Azure Cloud Infrastructure

Network Security

Cyber Security

Problem-Solving

Agile Methodologies

Communication Skills

ITIL Best Practices

Education

Relevant IT Degree

Cyber Security Accreditation

Tools

Microsoft Azure

VMware

CISCO Switches

SQL Server

Job description

We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.

Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.

We’re on the lookout for a skilled Infrastructure Engineer to bolster our Infrastructure team.

This role is pivotal in achieving IT Support and Corporate Services’ strategic goals, as well as deploying IT Services that align with the company’s infrastructure requirements and growth targets. The ideal candidate will oversee the continuous monitoring and maintenance of our system’s health, utilizing advanced tools and alert systems. You’ll ensure robust service management and will provide essential support for critical applications, contributing to the reliable and resilient performance of our IT infrastructure. Additionally, you’ll aid in the execution of our technology business strategy and champion a culture of ‘security by default’ throughout our tech framework.

Working flexibly, you'll spend most of your time working from home, with occasional trips to the office (so living within a commutable distance to Haywards Heath, West Sussex, Salford Quays, Manchester, or Guernsey would be perfect). But of course, it’s your choice - if you prefer to be in the office more - that's good with us too.

We'd love an Engineer in our team who's:

• Passionate about learning and keeping up with latest technologies.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a wider team across the technology pillar.
• Has a keen interest in keeping the infrastructure protected in terms of cyber security and vulnerability management.
• Worked with teams and projects that have used Agile principles and methods.
• Looking for a fun yet hard working environment in which to develop and share skills & knowledge.

What’s involved:

• Engage in the support and delivery of a resilient infrastructure that supports the business needs across all jurisdictions and platforms.
• Maintain knowledge of information governance standards for Cyber Security, legal and regulatory compliance, and an understanding of its application in practice.
• Standard system administration duties including server install, System/Application install and patch management, Windows problem determination and resolution, log analysis, penetration testing remediation etc.
• Support out of hours upgrades/implementations and testing in conjunction with Business Change, Technology, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in the creation, maintenance, testing, and execution of the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans.
• Work within agreed processes to deliver the business plan in line with IT policies.
• Ensure the provision of appropriate security systems and policies.
• Work to agreed KPI’s and SLA’s.
• Support the planning, development, documentation, implementation and testing of the corporate Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity processes and procedures.
• Assist in the development of a schedule of planned infrastructure replacement to support business needs.
• Assist in software auditing ensuring compliance.
• Provide support to all other departmental staff and ensure delivery of requested services.
• Identify and feedback any potential improvements to the IT systems and infrastructure.
• Engage in regular performance reviews.
• Liaise with suppliers and contribute to building the company’s relationship with them.
• Support and engage in the design, installation, upgrading, operation, control, maintenance and effective use of the network, server, voice and desktop infrastructures.
• Responsible for ensuring all system & procedural documentation is accurate, effective, and up to date.
• Provide regular updates and reports on workloads, planned or unplanned outages, system improvements and any other IT related issues that may affect business operation.
• Identify opportunities and develop skills to meet changing technologies.
• To ensure compliance with company and other relevant standards/ regulations (FCA, TCF, DPA and H&S) always.
• Engage in Requirement gathering and workshop facilitation.
• Collaborate with solutions and enterprise architects.

Experience & knowledge

• Strong understanding of at least 3 of the following 4 core technology areas (Network, Server, Security & Telephony) including their configuration (excess of 5 years’ experience).
• In depth understanding, experience and working knowledge of the build, configuration and support of Microsoft technologies, SharePoint, PC, server, and network systems (CISCO Switches & Servers, Firewalls), anti-virus packages, Virtualisation (VMWare and/or Hyper-V).
• In depth understanding of Telephony systems.
• Experience in Penetration and Vulnerability test remediation.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure cyber security technologies such as Sentinel, AIP, DLP etc.
• Excellent analytical & problem-solving skills, identifying root causes and offering solutions.
• Good organisational skills.
• Strong time management and self-discipline skills.
• Good understanding of IT Best practice such as ITIL and/or SDI.
• Good understanding of Availability Management.
• Good understanding of Capacity Management.
• Knowledge of FCA requirements (including TCF).
• Experience in supplier management with a view to the successful support of 3rd party applications.
• Ability to communicate with and inspire others.
• Experience of compiling reports detailing activity and progress along with project plans to within accurate timescales.
• Ability to prioritise multiple projects.
• The ability to explore new service or business possibilities.
• Good understanding of project management and methodologies.
• Ability to Interpret complex business issues into IT requirements and complex IT requirements into business terms.
• Extensive knowledge of, and experience in the private line’s insurance business, the aggregator marketplace, and the core business functions of a general insurance provider.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong administration of Windows Domains and Windows Server technologies.
• Strong administration of Azure Cloud and Data Centres infrastructure.
• Strong network and firewall knowledge.
• Strong Information Security and IT security / Cyber controls.
• 5 years’ experience in comparable roles.
• Reasonable administration of IIS and SQL Server.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Azure and cyber security accreditation preferable.

Behaviours

• Security by default approach to delivery.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• A quick thinker with a ‘can do’ attitude and an aptitude for creativity.
• An organised and pro-active approach.
• Demonstrates an ability to help others and is approachable.
• Experienced at building relationships with internal customers.
• Takes initiative to make decisions.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.

Ambitious team players can make their mark here. Sound like you? You’ll fit right in.

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here.