Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Communication and Relationships

Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Digital Services Service Delivery teams to ensure smooth operation of infrastructure services and timely resolution of issues. Act as a liaison between technical teams, external suppliers, and key Trust stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and ensuring service levels are met.
Complex Technical Information: Communicate highly complex technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical stakeholders, including Trust management and clinical teams. Provide expert advice and recommendations on infrastructure and system improvements.
Documentation and Training: Develop user guides, technical documentation, and training materials for the use of internal teams. Conduct training sessions for Digital Services staff and other departments to enhance technical understanding and ensure best practices.
Third-Party Supplier Management: Manage relationships with third-party suppliers and contractors, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are adhered to and projects are completed according to specification and within budget.

2. Research and Development

Innovative Solutions: Research and evaluate emerging technologies and trends in digital services infrastructure. Provide recommendations for innovative solutions to improve system performance, security, and efficiency within the Trust.
Technical Evaluation: Evaluate proposed infrastructure developments and ensure they align with the Trust’s Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) strategy. Assess technical compatibility, potential risks, and system stability when considering new implementations or changes.
Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to continuously improve the Trust’s infrastructure, applying advanced diagnostic techniques to resolve complex issues. Ensure all changes are well-documented and implemented in line with Trust policies.
Capacity Planning: Conduct research and forecasting for capacity and load management, ensuring that the Trust’s infrastructure can meet future demands. Collaborate with other IT teams to plan for necessary infrastructure expansions or upgrades.

3. Technical Responsibilities

3rd Line Support: Provide third-line support for all critical infrastructure systems, including server, storage, network, and backup systems. Act as an escalation point for complex issues that cannot be resolved by the first and second-line support teams.
Infrastructure Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Trust’s data center, server, storage, and backup systems. Ensure the environment is optimized for performance, reliability, and security. Assist in the management and optimization of the Active Directory infrastructure.
Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Develop and maintain disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans, conducting regular tests to ensure readiness. Provide recommendations for improvements based on test outcomes and evolving business needs.
Backup Strategy Implementation: Design and implement effective backup strategies for critical data and systems, ensuring that recovery points are easily accessible and secure. Regularly review and optimize backup schedules to reduce potential data loss.
System Security: Ensure robust security measures are in place across all digital platforms, including patch management, VPN, two-factor authentication (2FA), and anti-virus protection. Adhere to the Trust’s information security policies and contribute to the development of new policies where needed.

4. Analytical and Judgement Skills
Problem Solving: Act as a technical expert in diagnosing complex infrastructure issues. Use advanced analytical skills to interpret logs, performance data, and error messages to troubleshoot and resolve faults. Propose long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.
Performance Management: Use monitoring and diagnostic tools to assess the health of infrastructure systems. Analyse trends and performance metrics to make informed decisions on infrastructure improvements or expansions.
Change Management: Oversee the implementation of infrastructure changes, ensuring that they are thoroughly tested and follow the Trust’s change management procedures. Evaluate the impact of changes on the wider digital infrastructure and ensure minimal disruption to services.

5. Planning and Organisation
Project Management: Lead infrastructure projects using project management methodologies, such as PRINCE2, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating resources and priorities as needed.
Platforms Engineer
Service Continuity: Plan and execute preventative maintenance activities to ensure maximum uptime for critical systems. Regularly review and update business continuity plans to ensure they remain relevant and effective.
Capacity and Load Planning: Conduct capacity and load analysis, identifying future infrastructure requirements based on system usage trends and business forecasts. Ensure that the infrastructure can scale to meet increased demand.
Change Control: Manage infrastructure changes using formal change control processes. Ensure that changes are communicated to relevant stakeholders, planned carefully to avoid service disruptions, and documented thoroughly.

6. Finance and Resource Management
Budget Oversight: Manage budgets related to infrastructure upgrades, system purchases, and third-party service agreements. Ensure that all expenditures are within budget and aligned with Trust financial policies.
Procurement: Work with the procurement team to source new hardware, software, and services for the Trust’s infrastructure. Obtain competitive quotes from vendors and ensure that all purchases provide value for money and meet the technical requirements of the Trust.
Asset Management: Oversee the lifecycle of infrastructure assets, ensuring that hardware and software are maintained, upgraded, or replaced as needed. Keep accurate records of all assets, including warranties, licenses, and maintenance contracts.

7. Information and Data Management
Data Integrity: Ensure the integrity of critical data within the infrastructure by maintaining secure and reliable systems for storage, backup, and recovery. Regularly review data retention policies and ensure they comply with Trust and national regulations.
System Documentation: Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration settings, and disaster recovery procedures. Ensure that documentation is regularly updated to reflect changes in the infrastructure.
Security Compliance: Adhere to all Trust data protection policies, ensuring that the digital infrastructure complies with national data protection regulations, including GDPR. Ensure that sensitive data is protected through encryption, secure access controls, and regular audits.

8. Physical and Technical Skills
Technical Expertise: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in managing server and storage systems, virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and networking. Provide hands-on technical support for hardware installations, upgrades, and maintenance.
Hardware Maintenance: Perform physical maintenance of infrastructure hardware, including the installation of servers, storage devices, and network equipment. Troubleshoot and repair hardware issues as they arise.
Security Systems: Implement and maintain security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, and access control systems. Ensure that security systems are regularly tested and updated to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.