Junior Systems Administrator - Middleware
Location: Cardiff / Hybrid | Contract: Permanent | Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Working hours: hours Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm ( OR - 7pm)
Help power high‑availability systems for the financial services sector
At Target Group, we provide secure, high‑availability hosting and software solutions to some of the UK’s most recognisable financial services organisations. Our IT Support Centre Middleware team sits right at the heart of this mission — keeping critical systems running smoothly and supporting the platforms our clients rely on every day.
We’re now looking for a Junior Systems Administrator to join our team. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical depth, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine passion for solving complex problems in a fast‑paced environment.
The role
As a key member of our IT Middleware team, you’ll provide 3rd line support across Target Group’s internal and client infrastructure, alongside working on exciting new project work.
Your focus will include supporting IBM iSeries and IBM WebSphere environments hosted on Linux, along with Microsoft and VMware platforms. You’ll also be involved in administration, scripting, automation, and reporting — helping us continuously improve how we operate.
This is a hands‑on, varied role where no two days are the same, and where your expertise will genuinely make an impact.
What it’s like being part of the team
1. We operate a 7am–7pm support window for 3rd line teams, working an average of hours per day within those hours
2. Occasional out‑of‑hours work may be required (with notice)
3. While the role has a core focus on IBM iSeries and WebSphere, you’ll also support the wider technical estate
4. You’ll receive regular feedback and recognition through 1‑to‑1s and our My Recognition platform
5. We’re passionate about building a fun, inclusive culture, embracing innovation, and looking after your wellbeing
6. You’ll have real opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career with us
What you’ll be doing
7. Providing 3rd line support and resolving complex incidents and problems
8. Acting as a mentor to 1st line support colleagues
9. Working within defined service desk processes and client SLAs
10. Managing and estimating your own workload, keeping stakeholders informed
11. Automating processes where possible to improve efficiency
12. Working with third‑party suppliers to resolve issues
13. Maintaining and improving system documentation
14. Analysing incidents and problems to identify root causes
15. Communicating clearly with internal teams and external clients, including non‑technical stakeholders
Requirements
About you:
Essential:
16. At least 3 years’ experience in a support or technical operations environment
17. IT Service Desk and Technical Operations experience
18. Windows Server 2019–2025
19. PowerShell and Python knowledge
20. IBM OS/400 and command line experience
21. Exposure to IBM WebSphere
22. FTP technologies
23. Active Directory administration (or equivalent)
Desirable:
24. Linux experience
25. Bash scripting
26. DevOps tools such as Jenkins
Benefits
Core Benefits
27. Competitive salary of between £30,000 and £35,000 depending on experience
28. 30 days holiday plus bank holidays – from day one
29. Hybrid working policy
30. Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (employer matched up to 6%)
31. Company‑paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
32. Group Life Assurance
33. Group Income Protection
34. Discretionary annual bonus scheme
35. Annual pay review
Flexible & Lifestyle Benefits
36. My Flex benefits platform – access to a wide range of voluntary benefits
37. Technology Buying Scheme (salary sacrifice)
38. Gym Flex – discounted gym and health club memberships
39. Dental Insurance
40. Critical Illness Cover
41. Health Cash Plan
42. Cycle to Work scheme
43. Tastecard / Coffee Club
44. Employee Discount Scheme across hundreds of retailers
Wellbeing & Support
45. Wisdom Wellbeing – confidential health and wellbeing support, including EAP
46. Free flu vaccinations and eye tests, plus contributions towards glasses
47. Recognition Scheme celebrating successes across the business
48. Free mortgage advice and support
49. Charitable payroll giving
50. Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
51. Everest Funeral Concierge
52. Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
53. Enhanced parental leave
Why join Target Group?
We care about doing things the right way — for our clients and for our people. At Target Group, you’ll find a supportive environment where your ideas are valued, your contribution is recognised, and your development is taken seriously.
We’re committed to creating a Diverse & Inclusive culture through the execution of our D&I strategy, community relationships, our people & leaders.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a role where your technical skills will be challenged and appreciated, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help keep Target Group’s critical systems moving.