Infrastructure Engineer

Here at Gorkana Group we are on a journey to be the indispensible resource for media intelligence, connecting communicators with the people, the information and customised services they need.

Gorkana Group brings together the UK’s most recommended Media Database, Multi-channel Media Monitoring and PR Measurement services for PRs and marketers representing all kinds of organisations.

OVERVIEW:

The Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of all Gorkana Groups’ IT systems. They will be responsible for the installation and modification of all systems and providing support to Gorkana Groups’ internal users and where appropriate Gorkana Groups’ customers.

The role will entail a base 37.5 hour week, hours worked on rota basis to provide cover from 08:00 – 18:30 Monday to Friday. It will require occasional out of hours working on a planned and unplanned basis to resolve serious issues affecting provision of service and to facilitate system upgrades. The role will also entail participating in a 1 week in 6 on call rota to provide support from 18:30 to 08:00 Monday to Thursday and 18:30 Friday to 08:00 Monday.

At all times when on call, telephone calls must be responded to within 10 minutes. Between 22:00 and 08:00 the role will require the ability to be VPNed into the Gorkana Groups IT infrastructure within a further 10 minutes. At other times when on call the ability to be VPNed in will be within a further 60 minutes.

Principal responsibilities include;

• Provide 1st, 2nd and 3rd line Infrastructure support to Gorkana Groups’ internal users
• Provide 3rd line application support to Gorkana Groups’ internal users
• Enterprise level Linux expert w/ experience in load –balanced web servers.
• MySQL administration and tuning. Preferred experience with, replicated DB environments and MySQL Percona distribution.
• Provide support to Gorkana Groups’ customers as required
• Respond to calls logged on the Service Desk in a timely manner in accordance with the SLA, keeping detailed records of actions and closing details.
• Observe and respond as a matter of priority to alerts from the monitoring systems
• Administer, maintain and support existing bespoke PHP developed applications\systems flows
• Liaise with 3rd party suppliers and manufacturers to escalate and resolve issues as required
• Specify and install new standard software/hardware as required
• Ensure compliance with the Gorkana Groups’ IT Acceptable Use Policy
• Undertake regular reviews of all system logs and resolve any issues identified
• Make any system changes in accordance with Gorkana Groups’ change management procedures
• Ensure all relevant documentation is updated as required
• Create and maintain automated software installation processes
• User account administration
• Ensure all applicable security updates (patches, anti-virus updates etc) are tested and rolled out in a timely manner.

To succeed in this role, candidates will need the ability to pick up new technologies, programming languages and platforms. In depth experience of the following technologies is also required;

• Primary Technical: Lamp Stack – Detailed Linux (Redhat\Ubuntu) server administration and experience within a mixed computing environment, Tomcat, MySQL, PHP, Apache etc. Subversion/Git Admin.
• Secondary Technical: ITIL, Computer related Degree, Mac, Formal Linux training/Member of Linux Professional Inst, or equivalent professional experience, Windows server Administration skills and experience, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Checkpoint Firewalls, Cisco switching and routing, Microsoft Exchange, Load balancers, short haul data circuits, IPT, software build technologies, Citrix XenApp, Cisco IronPort, NetApp/Data OnTap, Varnish, Elastic Search, Messaging Queuing.
• Communication: Good verbal and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Business Awareness: Thorough knowledge of the full business process, production tasks and the range of services offered. Commercially sensitive.
• Organisation & Planning: Able to plan and organise human and physical resources effectively
• Problem solving: Logical problem solver, can work on own initiative

In addition to the above technical skills, you will need to demonstrate the following key qualities;

• Open: Encourages effective two way communication at all levels
• Flexible: Reacts positively to new ideas and suggestions
• Responsive: Seeks to meet changing requirements within commercial parameters, works with urgency and speed and ensures deadlines are met
• Professional: Develops and maintains high standards of performance, conduct and behaviour personally and across the team
• Committed: Demonstrates company values and champions achievement of business objectives

Alongside a competitive salary of £48,000 – £54,000 p/a we also offer the following excellent benefits: Pension Scheme (up to 5% company contribution), 25 Days Holiday + 8 BH, Subsidised canteen, Denplan (single cover paid for by company), Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme and Subsidised gym membership

The Gorkana Group is an equal opportunities employer and all applicants who are eligible to work full time in the UK are welcome. The Gorkana Group is fully committed to treating all job applicants and employees fairly and equally regardless of their race, religion or belief, gender, sexuality, age or disability