Systems Engineer

Rolls-royce; Long Eaton; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK university in Long Eaton is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to support the digital transformation of its enterprise systems. You will ensure the performance and security of critical applications, lead system release management, and collaborate with various departments to implement innovative solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing complex systems and a commitment to continuous improvement. Generous benefits include extensive annual leave and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts

Discounted onsite gym

Flexible working arrangement

Qualifications

• Experience managing a large and complex solutions landscape.
• Proficiency in the administration and implementation of integrated enterprise solutions.
• Ability to deliver within tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end release management lifecycle.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to drive service improvement.
• Support procurement and development of academic applications.

Skills

System upgrades management

Enterprise application administration

Cross-functional alignment

Attention to detail

Continuous improvement mindset

Job description

About the College/Department

Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for providing the digital platform to enable the best possible service to staff, students and stakeholders across the University and beyond. We take a collaborative approach to developing strategic goals to provide a diverse range of information technology and business services designed to support learning, teaching and research at the University of Derby. Digital Solutions & Services are responsible for ensuring that the University's IT capability is fit for purpose, future focused and able to protect, support and enhance the full breadth of services that will be delivered either on campus or digitally online with contributions across the department. We aim to assist students, teaching staff, support departments and collaborative partners to ensure we are making an impact on the University's current and future digital landscape.

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.

About You

The ideal candidate will have experience of implementing innovative solutions that are customer and future focused and along with significant experience of managing a large and complex solutions landscape. This will include:

• 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 arrangement.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Nick Hinckley, Associate Director Digital Solutions & Services via [e-mail].

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail].

Important Information: This role is eligible for sponsorship by the University, however, your individual circumstances must meet the criteria set out by UKVI; this includes 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). If the role is eligible, but the offered salary is less than the going rate for the role, you may still be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if:
• Your job is on the Immigration Skills List
• You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training
• You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job
• You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education
• Please note that the University cannot confirm your eligibility for sponsorship until an offer is made and your individual circumstances have been considered.

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.