Mid-Range Systems Administrator

We are looking for a new Mid-Range Systems Administrator to support and maintain the Linux platforms running on IBM Power-VM and VMWare ESXi virtualisation layers.

A permanent opportunity based from our office on Brackmills in Northampton working onsite 4 days per week with 1 day working from home.

What you will be doing

• Installation, configuration, documentation and ongoing maintenance of Linux servers, and any underlying management platforms, as per any build or compliance policies
• Proactively monitor and report on the capacity and performance of Howdens platforms.
• Participate in and, where required, lead in IS projects providing expert support and guidance in delivering solutions to meet business needs.
• Provide detailed 2nd / 3rd level design and documentation in support of Linux and IBM-Power platforms
• Ensuring system availability, resolving any service effecting issues and escalating as appropriate
• Ensure projects and introduction of new Mid-Range platforms are delivered in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Ensures adoption of best practise for Linux platforms and any underlying hardware to satisfy capacity, performance, availability and security requirements
• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and partners

What we need from you

• Demonstrable experience designing, implementing and supporting Linux systems (including but not limited to RHEL and SLES)
• RedHat satellite server experience
• Shell scripting (Bash and Korn)
• Familiar with the principle of server performance analysis and tuning
• Monitoring, alerting and dashboarding using tools such as Zabbix and Grafana
• Automation technologies (including, but not limited to, Ansible, Terraform)
• Technologies such as Docker, GIT, Kubernetes, Azure DevOps
• Ability to travel to other Howdens locations and to work outside of normal hours
• 37.5 hour week contract with a support rota for “Out of Hours” cover.

Applicants with experience in the following is highly desirable

• IBM Power, AIX, VIO, NIM and CMC / HMC administration
• Delivering and supporting high availability architecture and solutions
• Virtualisation and containerisation technologies
• Delivery and support of cloud services in Azure and/or AWS
• Redwood Cronacle/RunMyJobs
• Project Management Methodologies (SAFe Agile, Prince II, ITIL)

What we can offer you:

• Grade 5
• Competitive salary and annual company bonus
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

How to apply

Good luck with your application.  Before you apply, please speak to your manager, so that they are aware of your interest in this role.  You will also need to attach a CV and Cover Letter as part of your application.  Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.  If you have any questions or need further support or information, please contact the Hiring Manager Jack Norris, or Holly Gibbins, Recruitment Advisor.