Lead System Administrator

National Grid plc; Warwick; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in energy transmission is seeking a Lead System Administrator. This role focuses on managing Operational Technology environments and developing cybersecurity measures for critical national infrastructure. Candidates should possess a strong background in infrastructure administration, scripting, and DevOps methodologies, alongside exceptional communication skills. The position offers a hybrid work model and a competitive salary.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus 8 statutory days

Generous contributory pension scheme

Financial support for professional memberships

Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan

Family care benefits including backup care service

Qualifications

• Experience with PowerShell, Ansible, and Terraform for automation.
• Knowledge of SQL database tools and operations like SSIS/SSRS.
• Awareness of OT systems and electrical power systems considered advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and design of cybersecurity countermeasures.
• Maintain and monitor IT infrastructure for critical national services.
• Support deployment of new infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code practices.

Skills

Proven experience in administering IT-like infrastructure

Understanding of DevOps methodologies

Management of Active directory and EntraID environments

Experience with programming and scripting languages

Strong knowledge of networking concepts

Basic understanding of web interface maintenance

Strong writing and presentation skills

Critical thinking and analytical skills

Job description

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Division: Network Control & Transformation

Job Type: Full Time

Requisition Number: 67328

Department: Electricity Transmission - Non-Operations

Job Function: Information Technology

National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is at the heart of energy in the UK. The electricity we provide gets the nation to work, powers schools and brings energy to life. Our energy network connects the nation, so it is essential that it is continually evolving, advancing, and improving.

We’re passionate about both operating our network safely and providing a highly reliable quality of supply for our customers. At the heart of achieving these outcomes is the effective control and operation of our network.

We are seeking a Lead System Administrator to work with NGET’s asset managers and IT administrators to maintain our Operational Technology (OT) environments. You’ll be leading on the development of specifications and design of cybersecurity countermeasures, assisting in producing documentation for regulatory requirements.

Maintaining and monitoring hosts and virtual machines associated with critical national infrastructure, you’ll support the deployment of new infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices to create and manage operational environments efficiently.

Keeping up to date with the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and technologies related to OT systems, you’ll assist in the maintenance and enhancement of web interfaces to ensure user-friendly access and functionality, participating in cybersecurity assessments and audits of the infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards.

You’ll contribute to the development and implementation of security specifications, procedures, andguidelines to safeguard critical systems and collaborate with cross-functional teams, to support the design of security controls and measures to protect OT systems from cyber threats.

This role is based in Warwick for 2 days per week and can be combined with hybrid working from home and occasional site visits.

What you'll need

• Proven experience in administering IT-like infrastructure, with a solid understanding of DevOps methodologies to leverage automation effectively.
• Management of Active directory and EntraID environments.
• Experience with programming and scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell, Ansible, Terraform) to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of networking concepts and protocols, with the ability to troubleshoot network-related issues.
• Basic understanding of web interface maintenance and SQL database tools and operations eg. SSIS/SSRS.
• Strong writing and presentation skills to communicate status, integrations, and usage to different audiences and stakeholders.
• Critical thinking with an analytical mind-set and adept at evaluating opportunities to reach goals, able to identify and address requirements from operational spaces.
• Awareness of OT, or industrial control systems (ICS), knowledge of electrical power systems and their operational requirements would be advantageous.

What's in it for you?

• A salary of £61,400 to £76,000 + Benefits package + Training and Development.
• 26 days annual leave plus 8 statutory days, with the option to buy additional or sell holiday days.
• Generous contributory pension scheme - we will double-match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. Overall 18%.
• Financial support to help cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, exam fees and time off for study leave – relevant to your role.
• Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
• Family care benefits including a back-up care service for when your usual care arrangements fall through (six paid days each year as standard with the option to purchase further days).
• Access to apps that support health, fitness and wellbeing.

More Information

This role closes at midnight on 3rd July 2025, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

This role is offered as a fixed term contract until 31st March 2026.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At National Grid, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So if you are excited about this role but your experience or qualifications do not match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the right person for our growing business in this role or another one.

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At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our goal is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives and business need. We are committed to building a workforce so we can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.