What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Windows System Administrator position at The University of Manchester?
Introduction
At the University of Manchester, our legacy of innovation stretches back to the very origins of modern computing. Our storied past inspires a forward-thinking culture where curiosity, technical excellence, and a passion for discovery drive every initiative. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of technological advancement while maintaining a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive community where every voice contributes to our collective success.
Why We Are Hiring
As our IT landscape continues to evolve, we are looking for a dynamic individual to lead our Windows systems in a way that not only supports but enhances the technological backbone of our institution. The Lead Windows Systems Administrator role has been created to ensure our core virtualisation and storage platforms remain robust, secure, and agile—whether hosted onsite or in the cloud. This permanent role is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about innovation, eager to mentor emerging talent, and motivated to drive continuous improvement within one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
About This Role
As the Lead Windows Systems Administrator, you will take charge of providing secure, end-to-end machine and storage solutions across our Windows environments. You will lead the technical efforts in establishing, maintaining, and troubleshooting both physical and virtual server infrastructures, ensuring seamless operations whether on-premises or in cloud environments such as Azure or AWS.
In this role, you will :
- Oversee the daily management and monitoring of our Windows server environments.
- Serve as a technical authority for server-related issues, employing your deep expertise to resolve complex challenges.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate automation, deployment, and management technologies like PowerShell, VMware vCentre, Docker, and Kubernetes.
- Drive the testing and certification of new Windows operating system versions to enhance integration with core business applications.
- Mentor and guide less experienced staff, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
What We Look For :
Key Information – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the University of Manchester, we believe that our diversity is our strength. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspective. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and offer flexible working arrangements alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal well-being.
If you’re ready to bring your technical expertise and leadership skills to a role where you can truly make a difference, we invite you to join our team and help shape the future of IT infrastructure at a world-leading institution.
The University of Manchester is an equal-opportunity employer. All appointments are made on merit. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
What can you expect in return
Our diverse job opportunities all include a top benefits package that includes many features that are hard to find in the private sector :
In fact, there are so many benefits available you can see more of them by clicking
Find out more about our organisation and values :
When completing the additional information section of your application, please ensure you make reference to the job description and person specification above, as this will form an integral part of the shortlisting process.