IT Techncal Manager

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

The IT Technical Managr role is to plan, direct and coordinate the design, installation and connectivity of IT systems and network infrastructure to ensure the stable operation of the SWR's IT assets. This includes developing, configuring, maintaining, supporting and optimizing all new and existing network hardware, software and communication links. This role is also responsible for the effective technical management of all data centre environments, security systems and other electronic infrastructure.

The role will require the post holder to manage and drive the IT Infrastructure team to achieve a high standard of work in order to ensure all IT systems are available at all times.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Maintain a high performing IT Infrastructure at SWR
• Implement short and long-term strategic solutions to network network and hardware capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies/procedures for all IT Infrastructure related tasks
• Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network components
• Provides “ownership” of third line technical issues through final resolution
• Installation of on-premise, cloud based and hybrid solutions for SWR
• Conduct research and make recommendations on IT Infrastructure products, services, protocols and standards in support of improving the IT Infrastructure at SWR
• Prepare scope of work reports and other documentation for IT projects and associated efforts
• Assess and administer all equipment, hardware and software upgrades
• Manage and ensure operational effectiveness of all servers and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software
• Manage and ensure optimal operation of all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, hubs, UPSs and any peripheral kit
• Manage and ensure effectiveness of security solutions, including firewalls, anti-virus solutions and intrusion detection systems
• Test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining network infrastructure
• Test server performance and provide network performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining server estate
• Provide guidance and mentoring to members of the wider IT team to encourage personal development
• Be an ambassador for IT, working across the business to provide effective communication on IT matters and build relationships with other teams to ensure effective dialogue between departments
• Contributes to departmental policy, procedures and practices on matters such as security, health and safety, environmental controls, service facilities and media storage
• Ensure full records for IT Infrastructure kit is maintained at all times
• Submits Requests for Change submissions as part of the Change Approval Board
• Work with internal and third party teams to ensure actions are taken and completed to protect and improve services
• Contributes to departmental policy, procedures and practices on matters such as security, health and safety, environmental controls, service facilities and media storage
• Participate in ad-hoc projects as and when required
• Take responsibility for management information and reporting required for South Western Railway.

You'll need to be:

• Able to demonstrate the ability to undertake the above responsibilities
• Legally able to work in the country in which the position is based
• A passion for technology
• Previous minimum 5 years' experience as an IT Senior professional
• Experience of managing 3rd parties and 3rd party delivered services
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to support and mentor junior staff
• Excellent customer facing/customer service skills
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Able to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility including shift and out of hours working
• Excellent organisational skills
• Able to manage sensitive and sometimes confidential information
• Self-motivation and able to take responsibility
• Able to manage and prioritise and tasks and time efficiently
• Able to demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to daily tasks
• Possess excellent problem solving skills

This description reflects the core activities of the role but is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties within the group/department may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work. Job descriptions will be reviewed regularly and where necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs. Any major changes will be discussed with the post holder.

About the location

South Western Railways HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well-known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport.

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days

Monday-Friday, office hours - On call cover part of a rota

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/