System Administrator

Actica Consulting; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Actica Consulting is seeking a Systems Administrator to join the IT team in Guildford. The role balances hands-on tasks with learning opportunities, ideal for graduates or those with IT support/system administration experience.

You will work with Microsoft environments, networking, security and virtualised infrastructure, taking ownership of daily tasks and growing into advanced responsibilities with mentorship and development paths.

Qualifications

• Background in Computer Science, IT, or related discipline.
• Experience in a Microsoft-based environment (commercial or academic).
• Exposure to IT support, system administration, or infrastructure support.
• Willingness to obtain UK Government Security Clearance.
• Proactive, self-motivated problem-solving mindset.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining and supporting company information systems.
• Providing 1st and 2nd Line Support and escalating issues as needed.
• Working with IT suppliers and third‑party partners.
• Attending IT meetings and providing status updates.
• Monitoring systems for performance, availability, and security.
• Maintaining firewall and gateway security policies.
• Assisting with security alerts and incident response.
• Supporting development, testing, and rollout of new systems and services.

Skills

Microsoft environments

IT support mindset

Problem solving

Stakeholder engagement

Adaptability

Education

Background in Computer Science/IT or related discipline

Tools

Active Directory

Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

Microsoft Exchange 2019

Cisco firewall management (FMC/CLI)

Azure

VPN configuration

Group Policy

PowerShell

Job description

As a Systems Administrator, you will be part of the Actica IT Team, supporting and developing our technology environment. This role offers a balance of hands‑on responsibility and ongoing learning, making it suitable for graduates as well as candidates who have already worked in IT support, systems administration, or similar roles.

You will gain experience across a range of technologies, including Microsoft environments, networking, security, and virtualised infrastructure. Depending on your experience, you will take ownership of day‑to‑day tasks while being supported to grow into more advanced responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

As part of the Actica IT Team, you will be responsible for:

• Maintaining and supporting company information systems
• Providing 1st and 2nd Line Support, escalating issues where appropriate
• Working with IT suppliers and third‑party partners
• Attending IT meetings and providing status updates
• Monitoring systems to ensure performance, availability, and security
• Maintaining firewall and gateway security policies
• Assisting with security alerts and incident response alongside the System Security Officer
• Supporting the development, testing, and rollout of new systems and services

Training and Development

We recognise that candidates will come with varying levels of experience. You won't be expected to know everything from day one, but we do value curiosity, initiative, and a strong problem‑solving mindset.

You will benefit from:

• On‑the‑job training tailored to your experience level
• Mentorship from senior IT team members
• Opportunities to gain certifications and hands‑on experience in:
• Active Directory
• Microsoft 365
• Networking
• Cybersecurity
• Virtualised infrastructure
• A clear development pathway to progress into a fully‑fledged Systems Administrator role

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

We are looking for someone who has:

• A background in Computer Science, IT, or a related discipline
• Experience working in a Microsoft‑based environment (commercial or academic)
• Exposure to IT support, system administration, or infrastructure support
• A proactive, self‑motivated approach and willingness to learn
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to think creatively
• The ability to adapt and keep pace with a fast‑moving IT environment

Primary Technical Skills You'll Develop:

• Proficiency in Active Directory;
• Secure Information Systems;
• IT Security Policy knowledge;
• Principles of Networking (DNS/DHCP/Layer 3 Firewalls/Routing);
• Ability to learn and test new technologies and integrate with existing systems.
• Proficiency in the M365 Platform including Azure
• MDM
• Ticket Management

Secondary Technical Skills You'll Develop:

• Windows Server 2016/2019/2022;
• Microsoft Exchange 2019;
• Scripting of tasks through Windows PowerShell;
• Cisco firewall management (FMC or CLI);
• VPN configuration and management;
• Microsoft Group Policy;
• Security Incident handling;
• API Integration

Additional Requirements:

• Must be eligible and willing to obtain UK Government Security Clearance. Find out more information about the Security Clearance (SC) process and requirements here.

Key Attributes for Success:

• Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders, including resolving issues and identifying new opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Adaptability to a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment.

Working Arrangements:

• Hybrid working model, with a head office based in Guildford, Surrey.

A Mentor will be on hand to provide support and guidance throughout your journey with Actica. You will also work with a Performance and Development Manager, often outside of your project line of control, who will conduct regular reviews based on project feedback to set career objectives and identify training courses which are both relevant to your current project work, and aligned with your planned career progression.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Actica aims to nurture a diverse workforce through inclusive working practices, promoting equality in our recruitment activities, and by employing candidates on the basis of merit. Discrimination against individuals on the grounds of protected characteristics is not permitted and we take steps to ensure that our staff are made aware of their legal responsibilities when making hiring decisions.

We offer a competitive suite of benefits