Senior IT Technician (Support Services)

Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent forging company in Sheffield is seeking a proactive Senior IT Technician to ensure effective IT infrastructure support. The role involves managing technical issues, providing user support, implementing security measures, and participating in improvement projects. Ideal candidates should possess strong skills in Windows Server, networking, and Microsoft 365, along with relevant experience in IT support. The organization offers a supportive environment and competitive benefits including annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

5% employer pension contribution

Performance-related bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Windows Server and Active Directory.
• Experience with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPN configurations.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 administration and virtualisation platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support across the business, managing user access.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues across all devices.
• Deliver network support and ensure security compliance.

Skills

Windows Server

Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)

Microsoft 365 administration

Virtualisation platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V)

Database management (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL)

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
• A 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 680 000ft² 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.