In the Bolton office
About Us
At Outcomes First Group, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment for success. As one of the world’s leading providers in our sector, we deliver exceptional, research-led education tailored to each individual, with smaller class sizes and personalised learning plans. Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning, our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity, and our promise is simple: we listen, we work together, and we are accountable to one another to make the remarkable happen.
Job Purpose
With a key focus on customer service, you’ll be part of a team of engineers responsible for the support, maintenance upgrade, and expansion of infrastructure services across Outcomes First Group’s large estate of schools an offices.
You will be responsible for planned improvements as well as day-to-day support and management of the servers, network and cloud services across the group including resolution of complex issues, working on projects and supporting the business ensuring the company infrastructure is fit for purpose.
As a member of the Infrastructure Team, you’ll also be involved in strategic developments and improvements to our Microsoft 365 tenant, Active Directory, Azure services and WAN/LAN networks – the foundations used by colleagues and students across the Group.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Supervise and participate in the implementation of technologies and platforms supporting a complex corporate network infrastructure.
2. Ensure high availability of on-premises platforms that support internal employee business functions and external customer contact.
3. Troubleshoot and remediate escalated and infrastructure level issues impacting the operation of the business.
4. Provide direction and supervision of resellers and partners on the design and support of systems in local and remote offices.
5. Assist the planning and implementation of new or improved network integrations following business acquisition or expansion.
6. Serve as one of the primary points of contact for suppliers and service providers.
7. Manage and monitor the business server infrastructure based primarily on Microsoft and Hyper-V technologies.
8. Manage and monitor the business network infrastructure based primarily on Meraki and Ubiquiti products.
9. Manage the configuration and monitor the Wide Area Network and network devices
10. Assist the planning and delivery of improvements to the way we operate Microsoft 365 across the group including tenant to tenant consolidation and the use of cross-tenant configuration enabling colleague collaboration
11. Document the design, operation and troubleshooting of technology platforms and procedures.
12. Mentor, educate and knowledge transfer to members of the IT team.
13. Perform all activities in keeping with established change management and approval procedures.
14. Manage the Infrastructure license provision.
15. Support the business and the information security team in its cyber security improvements.
16. Other special projects and technology initiatives as required.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications:
Essential
17. Between 3 to 5 years in a 3rd line/Infrastructure role experience within a technical support desk or MSP.
18. Holds a professional qualification (Microsoft Stack, Azure, MCSA, CCNA etc) or an IT Degree or working towards one.
19. Strong knowledge of working within an ITIL framework.
20. Strong understanding of IT infrastructure.
21. Demonstrated efficient and effective use of problem-solving and task prioritization to solve complex challenges.
22. Demonstrated history in supporting technical projects
23. Strong customer service skills.
24. Strong attention to detail, the ability to follow processes and procedures and take ownership of tasks or issues.
25. Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
26. Ability/willingness to learn, prioritize workload and meet tight deadlines.
27. Ability to work on own initiative, tackle tasks proactively, address and resolve problems and able to follow a methodical approach to service issues.
28. Contributes to, supports, and works within the team.
29. Ability to work well with challenging customers and under pressure.
30. Experience in supporting Windows Server 2016-2025 and Windows 10/11
31. Experience in managing Active Directory
32. Experience in managing Microsoft 365 services such as Exchange, Sharepoint and Purview
33. Experience in supporting EntraID/InTune managed solutions
34. Experience in supporting firewalls
35. Extensive knowledge and troubleshooting experience of enterprise networks, VLANs, routing, switching and IP addressing.
36. Understanding of virtualization
37. Solid understanding of LAN/WAN technologies
38. Experience of managing Apple devices in the Enterprise
Desirable
39. Experience of JAMF MDM
40. Cisco Meraki Experience
41. Azure Infrastructure experience
42. VOIP/Telephony solutions
43. Experience of managing educational web content filtering solutions
Please be aware you wouldwill be expected to travel to schools and office locations in the UK when required and potentially stay overnight.
Why join Outcomes First Group?
About the Group
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.
Our Vision
Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world-class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.
Our Mission
We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.
Our Promise
We Listen.
We never assume.
We work together.
To make the remarkable happen.
We are accountable.
To each other and for one another.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
44. Life Assurance
45. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
46. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
47. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
48. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
49. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
50. Cycle to Work Schemes
51. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
52. Critical illness cover
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.
All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Please note: 4DWW is subject to successful completion of your probation period and is not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.