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 improve quality of life, by bringing people together to get the most out of life. SWR is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport. About the job: The IT Technical Analyst role is to learn how to implement complex IT systems and network infrastructure to ensure the stable operation of the SWR's IT assets. This includes learning how to develop, configure, maintain, support and optimize all new and existing network hardware, software and communication links. The post holder will learn about all aspects of IT Infrastructure at SWR and be trained to the highest standard. The role will require the post holder 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 with focus on IT security 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 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 (installation of on-premise, cloud based and hybrid solutions for SWR) 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 & server estate 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 Contributes to departmental policy, procedures and practices on matters such as security, health and safety, environmental controls, service facilities and media storage Predominately deliver the migration to SD-WAN from existing network As a minimum, you will need to have: 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 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 About the location: Basingstoke Train Station is an essential hub in the South Western Railway network. It offers a convenient link between the Southwestern counties of Bournemouth, Portsmouth & Southampton to London, Reading and Birmingham. It is a busy station with 5 platforms and is the home of Inspiration Junction, out Customer Experience training centre. It is also a short walk to Basingstoke Campus, a state-of-the-art training facility and office space shared with Network Rail. Working pattern: Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days - standard office hours 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 employee Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependant) 75% discount on many other train operating companies Full training and support with development Large range of exclusive retail offers Excellent pension scheme We all belong at SWR. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, 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. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. 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/