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Job summary

Main area
Information Technology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
202-77324633
Employer
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Exeter or St. James
Town
Exeter
Salary
£37,338 - £44,962 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
14/08/2025 23:59

Employer heading

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust logo

Data Centre Engineer

NHS AfC: Band 6

Job overview

The Data Centre Engineer will assist the Cloud & Server Architect and Technology Manager with the on-going maintenance and stability of the core Data Centres and comms rooms across the trust. 

The role encapsulates both the physical structure of the facilities as well as the IT hardware that resides within, and requires an expert with knowledge of operating system, server, storage and networking technologies. A good working knowledge of resilient electrical systems, and all other data centre support systems is also required. 

As well as being an experienced Data Centre Engineer the role is a “hands on” technical role which requires experience of:

- Cloud platforms & architecture 
- On-premise, Compute & Storage Infrastructure
- Virtualisation infrastructure environments including Microsoft Hyper-V & VMWare
- Microsoft Windows Server Roles (e.g. Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, WSUS, DFS, Group Policy etc)
- Microsoft 365
- Mail & Web filtering tools
- VPN solutions such as Microsoft Direct Access or Always on VPN
- Remote Desktop Services & VDI Solutions
- Backup & Recovery Solutions
- Cyber Security & Antivirus Solutions (e.g. SOPHOS, Microsoft Defender of Endpoint)

The post holder will require strong proven communication and influencing skills and the ability to develop effective relationships across all levels of the organisation.

A valid UK driving license is required for this post. The role requires managing physical assets at multiple locations, so regular travel is expected.

Main duties of the job

The Post holder will:

- Have shared responsibility/ownership of the physical server estate alongside the Technology manager and will be directly involved in coordinating any installs, moves, changes, break/fix and decommissioning of physical assets
- Be responsible for co-coordinating regular maintenance & repairs for Data Centre systems such as UPS servicing, fire suppression, cooling systems etc..
- Create, implement and develop Data Centre improvements.
- Work closely with Server & Network Engineers to assist in the mentorship of the wider DDaT Teams and create efficient and effective documentation as well as ensuring all team members can support the solution both in and out of hours post go live.
- Ensure the delivery of core services and projects which have a physical on-premise component are delivered within agreed quality standards for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) and are delivered to agreed timelines.
- Deliver to all Service Definitions (Service Level Agreements (SLA’s), Service Levels: providing accurate RTO/RPO and Technical Documentation.
- Act as one of the out of hours (24*7*365) “Cloud and Server Engineer on Call” to support DDaT out of hours activities, typically this 1:3 or 1:4 weeks/month including bank holidays, etc. and is additionally remunerated to basic salary.

Where SC clearance is refused or rescinded, the Trust reserves the right to terminate the contract of employment.

Working for our organisation

Working for us is an experience like no other.  We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England of 10,000 square miles and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

 

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.  

 

At the heart of our beautiful and diverse region we employ over 6000 people and are supported by over 575 volunteers.

 

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.

 

In return we will equip you with the skills, resources and development you need to thrive in your role.

 

You will have opportunities to progress to roles at a higher pay grade and enjoy continuous professional development.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive NHS salary
  • A standard working week of 37.5 hours
  • Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
  • Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
  • Generous Pension Scheme
  • Career and salary progression
  • Car leasing scheme
  • Free parking across Trust sites
  • Cycle-to-work and other salary sacrifice schemes
  • Staff networks
  • Access to a wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.

 

For secondments please add the below as well;

PLEASE NOTE: Internal candidates are asked to seek approval from their current SWASFT line manager prior to applying for this secondment opportunity.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Degree, HNC, HND with a Distinction or equivalent qualification in a relevant IT/ technical discipline.
Desirable criteria
  • A Prince II Practitioner with or without a lapsed accreditation.
  • Current ITIL v4 Foundation/Practitioner certificate or a lapsed ITIL v3

Previous experience (Paid/ Unpaid relevant to job)

Essential criteria
  • Experience in supporting the design of highly resilient systems.
  • Experience of supporting enterprise level critical Cloud & Server infrastructure.
Desirable criteria
  • Technical support and implementation experience in the NHS as well as experience either Public or Private sector.
  • At least five years Business Continuity experience supporting large, complex ICT installations.
  • Experience of being the technical lead of Organisational/ Departmental level projects.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveDisability confident leaderInvestors in People: GoldImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Armed Forces Covenant

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
James Crichton
Job title
Technology Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07745038912
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