Technical Assistant / Administrator (Enfield, UK)
(1 year fixed term contract for maternity cover)
Metaswitch Networks (previously Data Connection Ltd) is one of the world’s leading communications technology
companies. Our leading-edge software and hardware products are used by some of the biggest names in the
telecommunications and IT industry, such as BT, Microsoft and Cisco.
As well as providing our customers with world-class products and services, we pride ourselves on providing our
employees with an excellent work environment and outstanding benefits. For the past six years we have consistently
been in the top ten companies in The Sunday Times '100 Best Companies To Work For'.
Started in 1981, we have grown from the seven founders to 500 people, retaining the flexibility and vibrancy of a
small organisation. Our main office is in Enfield Town (on the edge of North London), and we also have offices in
Chester, Edinburgh, San Francisco and Washington DC.
Our success derives from four fundamental beliefs that guide our culture: Quality Engineering, Reliability,
Exceptional Support and Innovation. At first glance, these values may not seem that special – many companies
would have a similar list. But as you explore each of these values, we hope you will come to see how
Metaswitch uniquely embodies these values - in how we develop products, how we support our customers,
and ultimately how we create a successful, enduring organisation.
We are a remarkably stable and profitable organisation. Revenue has grown every year, with profit always
exceeding 15% of revenue. In our last financial year we achieved a profit of £9.2M on revenue of
£62M.
Metaswitch develops and markets the most challenging and complex communications products
in the technology industry. To achieve this, we look for recruits with outstanding talent
and the potential to be successful in key roles throughout our organisation.
We have a highly expert IT Support team who are responsible for configuring and supporting
the IT infrastructure in our very demanding environment. We are now looking to recruit a
Technical Assistant / Administrator, reporting to the Technical Resources Manager, to join
this experienced team in supporting our infrastructure.
Our infrastructure currently consists of
- a complex network including LANs at each of our five office locations (Enfield, Chester,
Edinburgh, San Francisco, and Washington, DC), inter-office VPNs, secure RAS servers, firewalls,
Internet proxies, and connections into customer LANs
- over 1000 systems running a variety of Unix and Microsoft Operating Systems, including
Windows 7, XP, Server 2003, Server 2008, Solaris, HP-UX, AIX and Linux, as both
development machines and test environments
- corporate services including Active Directory, Exchange 2007 email systems,
SQL database servers, IIS web servers, data backup systems, automated patch management,
file and print services, secure authentication, and DNS
- state of the art hardware, using the latest processors and technologies.
The role is extremely varied. As the successful candidate, you will be able to carry out
a wide range of administrative and support tasks necessary for the smooth running of our
IT infrastructure, such as
- supporting our IT helpdesk team by performing routine maintenance tasks
- carrying out routine IT support tasks, such as software and hardware installation on PCs
- keeping our essential documentation up to date
- interfacing and negotiating with suppliers to manage the purchase, return or repair of equipment
- Microsoft Windows and Exchange administration
- assisting with routine support items such as CD and DVD cutting, document scanning, cabling
- administration and support of our modern phone system
- frequent communication with individuals throughout our organisation.
This position is a one year fixed term contract to cover maternity leave, however there may be
the opportunity for the contract to be extended or become permanent. The role will be full-time
and the hours of work are Monday to Friday, 9am – 5.30pm with one hour for lunch each day.
The job of the Technical Assistant/Administrator will initially involve an intensive period
of hands-on learning, which will be followed by continued personal and technical development.
For this position, we need someone who
- has good A levels and ideally a degree
- has the aptitude to perform the technical responsibilities described above
- has the enthusiasm and motivation to develop
- can integrate quickly into our team and make a contribution
- is a good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
- is highly organised.
No experience is necessary, but we are looking for someone who is bright with an interest
in technology and administration. The post is suitable for a school or college leaver,
or someone who has worked in administration for 1-2 years.
The way that we portray ourselves as a company is very important, and as Technical
Assistant / Administrator, you will have a significant role to play in maintaining company standards.
We expect excellence and the highest level of professionalism from everyone.
Your performance and development will be discussed regularly with your manager.
We believe in and encourage, free and open communications, exchange of ideas and mutual help.
Our salaries are above the normal range to ensure that we attract candidates of exceptional quality.
We will offer a very competitive starting salary of £20-23k (which will depend upon
the training and experience of the person appointed).
Salaries are reviewed regularly on the basis of performance; we believe that we are one of
the few companies who really do pay employees in accordance with their contribution.
As a contractor, you will benefit from four weeks’ paid holiday each year, as well as
statutory holidays.
There are various out-of-hours activities including an active squash league and other
sports and social events. We have corporate membership of the local tennis/squash/health
and golf clubs.
In terms of personal development, we offer the opportunity to do an interesting and
demanding job in a well-managed and very successful company. Despite being established
for over 28 years, we are a dynamic organisation with an outstanding record of getting
the best out of people – which is why our staff retention is exceptionally high.
Recruitment at Metaswitch is designed to be thorough and tough,
yet informative and friendly.
You will normally be asked to come for two visits. The first will be an interview at our
Enfield Office when you will be asked to complete a number of short exercises. If you are successful,
we will invite you back for a full day session to meet more people and complete a number
of further exercises to assess your suitability for the role.
To apply for this position, please send a
- comprehensive CV (including all academic grades)
- covering email telling us about yourself and why you are interested in, and suited to, the role
to our email address
.
If you have any further questions please contact Kay Crosbie at the same address or on
020 8366 1177.
Metaswitch is an equal opportunities employer.