Lead System Administrator

University of Derby; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern university in Long Eaton is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to provide comprehensive support for the institution's enterprise and academic systems. Responsibilities include managing system upgrades and ensuring reliability and security across diverse applications. The ideal candidate should possess strong administration skills and a commitment to innovation. Benefits include generous annual leave, a pension scheme, wellness support, and opportunities for personal development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Holistic wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts

Discounted onsite gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working environment

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Proficiency in administration and maintenance of enterprise solutions.
• Ability to deliver within tight deadlines.
• Drive for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Own the strategic direction and governance of system upgrades.
• Ensure seamless transitions during upgrades and changes.
• Manage performance, reliability, and security of systems.

Skills

System administration

Cross-functional alignment

Application lifecycle management

Attention to detail

Innovation encouragement

Tools

Blackboard

Oracle Finance

SharePoint

Power Platform

Job description

Lead Systems Administrator – University of Derby

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground‑breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We provide an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, giving all help and encouragement to build a rewarding career with many opportunities to enhance your skills. The Digital Solutions & Services team is responsible for providing the digital platform to enable the best possible service to staff, students and stakeholders across the University and beyond. The Lead Systems Administrator provides comprehensive functional and operational support for the University's enterprise and teaching & learning systems, ensuring the performance, reliability and security of a diverse systems portfolio that includes Blackboard, Oracle Finance, HR systems, Library, Timetable, Academic Tools, ProSuite, Hall systems, SharePoint, and Power Platform.

• Own the strategic direction and governance of system upgrades, patches, and deployments, ensuring supplier roadmaps are proactively shaped and embedded within long‑term Digital Solutions and Services planning.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the administration, implementation and maintenance of global integrated enterprise and academic solutions.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment and change leadership, orchestrating stakeholder engagement to deliver seamless transitions with minimal business disruption.
• Deep understanding of application lifecycle management and managing multiple enterprise applications.
• Ability to deliver within tight deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Attention to detail and determination for excellence.
• Strives for continuous improvement and encourages innovation.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers.
• Discounted onsite gym.
• Holiday purchase.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• A flexible working environment.
• A commitment to personal and professional development.
• This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, subject to UKVI criteria and salary thresholds for the Skilled Worker route.