About Company
Provident Financial Group is a leading UK financial services group with a rich history spanning over 140 years. Headquartered in Bradford, we are dedicated to providing credit products and financial inclusion to customers across the country. Our commitment extends beyond finance; we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where innovation is encouraged, and employees are empowered to grow. With a strong focus on digital transformation and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of financial services while maintaining our core values of responsibility and customer focus. Join a company that values its people and makes a real difference in the communities it serves.
Job Description
Are you an experienced and visionary Systems Engineer with a deep passion for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust, scalable, and secure IT infrastructures? Do you thrive in an environment where your expertise directly impacts critical business operations, and you value the flexibility to manage your work-life balance? Provident Financial Group, a distinguished financial services provider with over 140 years of heritage in the UK, is actively seeking a talented and dedicated Senior Systems Engineer to join our dynamic technology team based in Bradford. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where innovation flourishes, and every colleague feels empowered.
At Provident Financial Group, our technology is the backbone of our operations, underpinning everything from our customer-facing digital platforms to the sophisticated systems that manage our extensive financial products. As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will be a key contributor to this vital function, playing a pivotal role in the architecture, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of our critical server, storage, network, and cloud-based systems. This isn’t merely about day-to-day operations; it’s about leading initiatives, optimizing existing infrastructure, and strategically evolving our technological landscape to meet the demands of a rapidly changing financial sector. You will be instrumental in ensuring high availability, performance, and security across our diverse technology stack.
You will tackle a broad spectrum of challenges, from troubleshooting complex, multi-layered technical issues and enhancing system performance to collaborating closely with development and operations teams on strategic projects that will define our future capabilities. We believe in providing our team members with the autonomy to excel, supported by a highly collaborative culture, continuous professional development opportunities, and access to cutting-edge technologies. If you are looking for a role where your technical acumen is highly valued, where you can make a tangible difference in a respected institution, and where you can benefit from flexible hours to achieve a better work-life blend, then we strongly encourage you to apply. Join Provident Financial Group and contribute to a legacy of financial inclusion and technological innovation, right here in the vibrant city of Bradford.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain scalable and secure server, storage, and virtualisation infrastructure (Windows, Linux, VMware).
- Administer and optimize cloud environments (e.g., Azure, AWS), including IaaS and PaaS services.
- Perform advanced troubleshooting and resolution of complex system issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Develop and implement automation scripts (PowerShell, Python, Bash) to streamline operational tasks.
- Lead and participate in infrastructure projects, from concept to deployment, ensuring adherence to best practices and security standards.
- Monitor system performance, capacity, and security, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.
- Collaborate with development, network, and security teams to ensure seamless integration and operational efficiency.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing within the team.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures.
Required Skills
- 5+ years of experience in systems engineering or a related IT infrastructure role.
- Expertise in Microsoft Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy.
- Strong proficiency in Linux operating systems (e.g., Red Hat, Ubuntu).
- Demonstrable experience with virtualisation technologies, particularly VMware vSphere.
- Proven experience with at least one major cloud platform (Azure or AWS).
- Solid understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, firewalls, load balancing).
- Proficiency in scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, or Bash.
- Experience with storage solutions (SAN, NAS) and backup/recovery strategies.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- Relevant industry certifications (e.g., MCSE, Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, VCP).
- Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Ansible.
- Familiarity with containerisation technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
- Knowledge of ITIL frameworks and practices.
- Experience in a regulated industry, such as financial services.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and annual bonus scheme.
- Generous pension contribution.
- Private medical insurance.
- Flexible working arrangements and support for work-life balance.
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell additional days.
- Comprehensive health and wellbeing programs.
- Extensive learning and development opportunities, including support for professional certifications.
- Employee assistance programme.
- On-site facilities including subsidised canteen.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting Senior Systems Engineer opportunity, please click on the application link below. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and learning more about how your expertise can contribute to our team at Provident Financial Group.