Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
8442
Job title:
Head of Host Systems
Reports to:
Assistant Director, IT Infrastructure
Salary:
£46,846 - £52,706
Terms and conditions:
Academic related staff
Grade:
9
Duration of post:
2 year fixed contract
Working hours:
Full Time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
Midday 4 December 2012
Type of application form accepted:
Long version with CV
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Glynis Bailey
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
MAIN PURPOSES OF THE ROLE
The Open University is looking for an experienced infrastructure manager to lead the Hosting
Infrastructure team. The team consists of 13 Systems Engineers who support the host
operating system and system applications on over 600 servers. The team also manages the
virtual infrastructure, backup system and storage systems for the University’s IT estate.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
 Lead the Hosting Infrastructure team providing staff development, prioritisation and
effective utilisation of resources to ensure team objectives are achieved.

Oversee the operation of hosting infrastructure to deliver agreed availability and
performance targets. Identify components that need renewal and opportunities to
optimise.

Manage the team response to incidents in conjunction with the Incident Manager.

Manage the provision of hosting infrastructure within project work packages to defined
standards within agreed timescales

Develop, monitor and optimise configuration standards and the configuration
management toolset to deliver consistent and reliable infrastructure.

Ensure that effective monitoring and documentation is in place for hosting
infrastructure, that it meets security standards and that it is appropriately tested

Sit on the Change Advisory Board and ensure that all team work adheres to change
management procedures.

Drafting appropriate operational policy and procedures and ensuring they are adhered
to.

Develop vendor relationships, administer third-party support arrangements and
manage consultants and contractors as required.

Operate an out of hours on-call rota.

Oversee budgets to provision the systems under your control.
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January 2010
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3. Person specification
Key Skills and experience required
Essentials

Proven success managing a group of technical staff within a large organisation

Demonstrable experience of effective performance management

A good understanding of IT service management best practice (ITIL)

Comprehensive experience managing the delivery and operation of virtual
infrastructure

Familiarity with hosting web applications using Apache, Java and IIS

Knowledge of configuration management and enterprise monitoring solutions

Knowledge of backup and recovery methodologies and technologies
Desirables

An appreciation for common project management methodologies

Experience in managing systems running Linux, Windows Server and Solaris

Experience of provisioning critical business applications such as CRM, HR and
payroll.

An understanding of storage systems and network technologies

Previous experience in administering an out of hours on-call support rota

Experience leading in an 24*7 environment

Experience in dealing with IT supplies and negotiating contracts
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
N/A
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January 2010
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5. About the unit/department
INFORMATION ABOUT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
Information Technology provides and supports all central University IT services and is
responsible for the institution's Technical Infrastructure. In addition to this service and
support provision, it develops systems to support the business requirements of the
organisation.
Information Technology comprises six sections – Curriculum Planning, Finance and
HR, Sales & Marketing, Learner Services, CRM & Business Intelligence, Assessment,
Qualification and Research, System Architecture and Business Process Consultancy.
The system development function in Information Technology is responsible for the
development and maintenance of the University's key operational applications. The
main systems support Student and Customer Administration, Course Development and
Production, Finance and Staff. Teams of Analysts and Developers are responsible for
developing and maintaining systems for particular business areas. There are also
specialised teams responsible for Data Administration, Transaction Processing and
communication facilities, including for printing and emailing.
While much of the software is developed in-house, there are a number of packages.
These include applications from the Siebel Customer Relationship Management suite,
EMC Documentum’s Content Management as well as Finance Ledger, Payroll and
Stock Control packages. In-house developed software includes transactional websites
to provide self service facilities for students and staff; information websites; decision
support; workflow and student and staff records management.
The Higher Education sector in England will undergo dramatic change in the next three
years as institutions adjust to serious reductions in state funding for teaching and as
students bear more of the cost of their education. As well as these cost drivers, the
entry of more private providers to the sector and the increasing consumer power of high
fee-paying students will put a premium on service delivery and cost efficiency. In turn,
this will throw emphasis on the development of robust, efficient, enterprise-scale IT
systems to increase efficiency and customer choice.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Adrian Wells on or email Adrian.Wells @open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Glyn Bailey on
01908 653285 or email g.bailey@open.ac.uk
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: Midday 4 December
2012
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January 2010
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Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Glyn Bailey Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Information Technology
Address:
The Open University
Walton HAll
Berrill South Level 2
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: IT-Recruitment@open.ac.uk
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel and dates for interviews are to be arranged.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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January 2010
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