Senior IT Technician (Support Services)

Independent Forgings and Alloys; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in the UK seeks a Senior IT Technician to manage and enhance their IT infrastructure. The successful candidate will provide expert support to users, troubleshoot various hardware and software issues, and ensure security compliance across systems. This full-time position requires strong knowledge in Windows Server and network management, with opportunities for professional development. A proactive approach and ability to work under pressure are essential, along with a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

5% employer pension contribution

Performance-related bonus

Westfield Health Cash Plan

Access to local gyms

Free workwear and PPE

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Windows Server (Active Directory, Group Policy, PowerShell).
• Networking experience including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, VLANs, and firewall management.
• Microsoft 365 administration experience required.
• Experience with virtualization platforms like VMware and Hyper-V.
• Familiarity with database management (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL) is essential.
• Strong security awareness regarding patch management and disaster recovery.
• Outstanding communication skills to support users at all levels.
• A keen attention to detail with good documentation skills.
• Effective time management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• 1-3 years of experience in IT support/helpdesk roles highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support to colleagues across the business.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
• Manage user account creation and permissions through Active Directory.
• Deliver network support including diagnosing Wi-Fi and VPN issues.
• Maintain IT assets, including purchasing and upgrading hardware.
• Implement security policies and ensure compliance with GDPR.

Skills

Windows Server

Networking experience

Microsoft 365 administration

Virtualisation platforms

Database management

Security awareness

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

IT support/helpdesk experience

Job description

This is a full-time, days-based role working 37 hours per week, with occasional flexibility required to support system work outside core hours.

We are looking for a proactive, technically skilled Senior IT Technician to join our team at Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA), a leading provider of high-integrity, critical components to global industries including Aerospace, Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Off Highway and Industrial Processing.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving organisation that places our people at the heart of decision-making and continues to invest significantly in technology, innovation, and operational excellence as we work towards our ambition to become the greatest forge in the world.

The Senior IT Technician will play a key role in ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of our IT infrastructure, supporting users across site, and contributing to continuous improvement projects that enhance the efficiency and resilience of our operations.

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single‑sited forge with open‑die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed‑die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging in the world. Over recent years, substantial investment and rapid growth have allowed us to double our turnover, and we are committed to strengthening our IT capability as part of our next phase of development.

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the IT Manager, you will provide expert technical support to colleagues across the business, managing user access, resolving hardware and software issues, maintaining systems, and contributing to IT improvement projects.

A typical day may include:

• Supporting colleagues via onsite and remote access, resolving first- and second-line IT issues
• Managing user account creation, permissions and access through Active Directory and related systems
• Setting up and maintaining IT access for all users, including devices, software, and connectivity
• Troubleshooting hardware and software issues across desktops, laptops, printers, mobile devices and common business applications
• Providing support and configuration for Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, Business Central and other business‑critical systems
• Delivering network support including diagnosing Wi‑Fi, VPN and connectivity issues
• Managing and maintaining IT assets, including purchasing, upgrading and replacing hardware
• Assisting with server installation, configuration, patching and maintenance (Windows, Linux or cloud-based)
• Working with external IT providers as required
• Supporting business improvement projects requiring IT input
• Ensuring robust network security through firewall management, endpoint security, patching and threat monitoring
• Implementing security policies and ensuring compliance with standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001
• Identifying vulnerabilities and contributing to disaster recovery and backup planning
• Logging and tracking incidents in line with ITIL best practice
• Creating user documentation and delivering basic training to enhance user competence and productivity
• Operating in line with the company's Operating System, supporting visual management and providing timely updates on workload and system status

Qualifications / Skills

Essential:

• Strong knowledge of Windows Server (Active Directory, Group Policy, PowerShell)
• Networking experience including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, VLANs and firewall management
• Microsoft 365 administration experience
• Experience with virtualisation platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V)
• Database management (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL)
• Strong security awareness: patch management, endpoint protection, backup and disaster recovery
• Excellent communication skills, supporting users at all levels
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills
• Good time management and ability to work under pressure
• 1–3 years experience in IT support/helpdesk roles
• Full UK driving licence is advantageous due to occasional travel between areas of the site

About Independent Forgings

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is one of Britain's leading independent aerospace and industrial forgers. The unique feature about IFA is the combination of open and closed‑die forging while also undertaking the whole production process from raw material to the finished product in one location. Operating from a (Apply online only) ft² facility in Sheffield, we manufacture high‑integrity, open‑die and closed‑die forged components in nickel alloy, titanium, stainless steel and carbon alloys for customers and tier‑one suppliers within the aerospace, nuclear, power generation, marine as well as oil and gas sector.

Why work for us?

At IFA we pride ourselves on being a great place to work. As one of the UK’s leading forge manufacturing companies we want to ensure that we attract, motivate and retain the right people to deliver a world class service to the company and our customers.

We offer you:

• Holidays: 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Pension Scheme: We are committed to helping you plan for the future, with a 5% employer contribution to your pension.
• Bonus Scheme: Performance‑related bonus linked to both team and company achievements.
• Westfield Health Cash Plan: Level 1 cover, including access to a wide range of discounts and special offers from gyms and fitness centres to online, high street, and grocery retailers.
• Wellhub: Access to local gyms and a variety of fitness and wellbeing apps to support a healthy lifestyle.
• Free Workwear and PPE: (role‑appropriate) All necessary clothing and protective equipment provided.
• High Quality Professional Development: Genuine opportunities for training, growth, and career progression within the business.

We are a community built on expertise, respect, and a shared commitment to making a difference through the work we do. If you take pride in supporting others, solving problems, and driving continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.