Senior Network & Systems Engineer

Cheshire College South & West; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire College South & West in Crewe is seeking a Senior Network and Systems Engineer to design, implement and maintain our IT infrastructure, ensuring reliable networks and systems to support business-critical activities.

The role requires expertise in Windows Server, AD, VMware/Hyper‑V, and M365/Azure administration, with a DBS check required for safeguarding. Based in Crewe, you may travel to Ellesmere Port and Chester campuses as needed.

Qualifications

• Level 4+ qualification in Computing, Networking or related discipline.
• GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent.
• Proven network and systems administration experience incl. LAN/WAN/VLAN, firewalls and VPNs.
• Experience with Windows Server, Active Directory and virtualization (VMware/Hyper‑V).
• Experience with M365/Azure Administration.
• Ability to handle confidential data responsibly.
• Strong digital literacy and MS 365 collaboration tools.
• Understanding of equality and inclusion in work and learning environments.
• Up-to-date occupational experience; Enhanced DBS check.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality support for learners, visitors, customers and staff.
• Design, implement and maintain network and systems infrastructure.
• Monitor and resolve security issues in Windows/365/Azure estate.
• Maintain documentation and inventory of systems.
• Support voice and data infrastructure development and operation.
• Implement security protocols and disaster recovery plans.
• Promote welfare and safeguarding of children and young people.

Skills

LAN/WAN/VLAN administration

Firewalls and VPNs

Windows Server & Active Directory

M365/Azure administration

Cyber Security awareness

Documentation & asset management

Disaster recovery planning

Education

Level 4+ Computing/Networking

GCSE Maths & English (C/4+)

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Active Directory

Azure

Microsoft 365

Job description

Senior Network and Systems Engineer (EL522)

Salary: £32,579 - £36,656 (per annum)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 per week

Location: Crewe

Are you passionate about designing, maintaining, and optimising IT infrastructure? We’re looking for a skilled professional to ensure our networks and systems run seamlessly, supporting business-critical operations. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy solving complex technical challenges, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

This is a Crewe‑based role, but as part of a dynamic department, the post‑holder will also work flexibly across our Ellesmere Port and Chester campuses when needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and assist in the provision of quality support for learners, visitors, customers and staff;
• Design, implement, and maintain network and systems infrastructure (hardware, peripherals and software) to ensure they are functioning effectively, in accordance with agreed service standards;
• Cyber Security Aware - Proactively monitor the security status of the Windows/365/Azure estate and work with the team to resolve security issues as they arise;
• Manage and maintain accurate documentation and inventory;
• Manage the development and technical support of the technology infrastructure for both voice and data;
• Implement and maintain security protocols and disaster recovery plans; and
• Promote the welfare of children and young people

Key Person Specification Requirements:

• Level 4 or higher qualification in Computing, Networking or related discipline;
• GCSE Grade C(4/5)inMathsand English(or equivalent);
• Proven experience in network and systems administration, including configuration and troubleshooting of LAN/WAN/VLAN, firewalls, and VPNs;
• Experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, and virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper‑V);
• Experience with all aspects of M365/Azure Administration;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data appropriately;
• High level of digital literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft 365 and collaboration tools;
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion in work and the learningenvironment;
• Up‑to‑date occupational experience; and
• Enhanced DBS check.

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for further details.