Stock & Systems Administrator

University of Derby; Beeston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern university in the UK is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to support their enterprise and teaching systems. You will lead the management of system upgrades, collaborate with experts to implement enhancements, and ensure the security and reliability of diverse applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in system administration, experience with cloud platforms, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Additional benefits include generous leave, a pension scheme, and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discounts

Discounted onsite gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in managing enterprise applications.
• Experience with cloud-based platforms and systems.
• Ability to deliver projects within tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead system upgrades and patches.
• Ensure performance, reliability, and security of systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for service improvement.

Skills

Proficiency in system administration

Change leadership

Attention to detail

Continuous improvement mindset

Tools

Blackboard

Oracle Finance

SharePoint

Power Platform

Job description

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 have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the Role As part of an innovative team delivering modern digital solutions, the Lead Systems Administrator provides comprehensive functional and operational support for the University's enterprise and teaching & learning systems. This role ensures the performance, reliability, and security of a diverse systems portfolio, which includes applications alongside a growing suite of cloud‑based platforms such as Blackboard, Oracle Finance, HR systems, Library, Timetable, Academic Tools, ProSuite (Further Education student record system), Hall systems, SharePoint, and Power Platform. You will lead the end‑to‑end release management lifecycle, including planning, coordination and execution of upgrades and updates across production and non‑production environments. You will collaborate with functional Subject Matter Experts to research and implement new features and fixes, ensuring continuous improvement and successful delivery of enhancements. Working across departments and with wider University stakeholders, you will help drive a culture of continuous service improvement and digital transformation. You will support the procurement, development and maintenance of corporate and academic applications that underpin teaching, learning and operational excellence – maximising value and minimising risk. With a strong focus on security, accessibility and data protection, the role also involves exploring emerging technologies to enhance student and staff services, reduce system dependencies and optimise the University's digital ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Recruitment and Sponsorship

This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University. However, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI, including meeting the English language requirement and earning a salary that meets the highest of either the going rate for the SOC code or the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

Equal Opportunities

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern. Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy.