Technical Services Analyst

Job Introduction

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greetings cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland. In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a technology-enabled Omni-channel retailer. This strategy sees significant investment into our IT team with a number of opportunities available to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our IT and digital journey. Our vertically integrated business will provide candidates the opportunity to work across multiple technology disciplines and to provide innovation for the next phase of our growth. If you are passionate about technology and how that can deliver real business value, now is the time to join Card Factory and be part of our exciting journey! 

Job Purpose   

The Technical Services Analyst will ensure the availability and suitability of technology and provide support for all Card Factory IT infrastructure. You will assist in implementing network and infrastructure changes that will support current and future requirements to ensure a secure network.  

Main Responsibilities

• Be an escalation point to the Service Desk on BAU Incidents and mentor the IT Infrastructure Team Members.  

• Problem management and root cause analysis.  

• Identify and suggest operational improvements.  

• Work on key projects and rollout programs for new technology implementations.  

• Produce documentation of systems, configurations, and changes as required.  

• Provide support for;  

  • Windows Server 2008 - 2019  
  • Microsoft Server Technologies including but not limited to: Active Directory, Exchange, Remote Desktop Services, Group Policy, & WSUS.  
  • Virtualisation Technologies – VMWare & Hyper V  
  • AV – Sophos Cloud  
  • SAN – Dell / EMC / NetApp  
  • Networking – Cisco/Dell/HP/Aruba  

• Integration Support from a Technical perspective   

• Ensuring that the Groups Backup Technologies are running efficiently and are tested regularly.  

• Ensure that AV and Firewall technologies are fit for purpose and operating correctly.  

• Maintain existing systems using the infrastructure monitoring tools.  

• Support the drive towards leveraging more Cloud-based and Automation Technologies where appropriate.  

• Deputise for Technical Services Manager as required.  

The Ideal Candidate

Required  

•  Extensive Microsoft client and server administration experience.  

• Strong skills and experience with virtualisation technologies including backup.  

• Server and Network Hardware skills.  

• Network infrastructure implementation and maintenance experience.  

• Experience with VMware vSphere products.  

• Enterprise shared storage management experience.  

• Experience designing and implementing changes and improvements.  

• Experience in mentoring and coaching other team members.  

Desired  

• AWS / Azure-based infrastructure.  

• Cisco/Sonicwall Firewalls.  

• Dell Compellent / EMC Unity / NetApp SAN configuration and administration.  

• Configuration Hardening.  

• Foglight Monitoring.  

• Infrastructure Automation Skills.  

• Rapid Recovery / Netvault / Qorestor Backup  

• Sophos Cloud AV.  

• Microsoft MCSE / MCITP certification or demonstrable equivalent experience.  

Other  

•  Strong technical aptitude, with a passion for learning new skills.  

• Able to operate in a fast-paced environment.  

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.  

• Highly organised, able to manage multiple issues and projects concurrently.  

• Able to interact with users and stakeholders at all levels.  

• Strong communication skills.  

• Ability to discuss complex technical issues with a non-technical audience.  

• Full clean driving license.  

This role may involve out-of-hours and weekend working to support the business needs and the ideal candidate will hold a full clean driving license as travel between group sites will be required. 

About The Company

In return we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

• 33 days annual leave entitlement (inc public / bank holidays)
• Save as you Earn scheme
• 15% Staff Discount
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• O2 open mobile contracts
• Salary Finance
• Pension 
• Discounted Car Leasing
• Employee Care
• Flex My Day
• Card Factory Foundation
• MyCardFactory App: discounts at leading retailers

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

For any questions email: vacancies@cardfactory.co.uk (we do not accept CVs/Applications via email) 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly. 

No agencies please.