IT Systems Infrastructure Engineer

About us

Gardners is one of the world's largest wholesalers of physical and digital English language books, as well as gifts and stationery.

Based primarily from our Eastbourne premises, we are proud to be a family-run business with our staff at the very heart of what we do.

Our departments and teams' combined effort ensures we offer a first-class service to our global customer base, combined with a fast delivery service.

At Gardners, we recognise that our people are our strength, and the diverse talents they bring to our collaborative workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunities employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion across all departments.

Job Opportunity

At Gardners , technology sits at the heart of everything we do. From supporting major online retailers and publishers to keeping our busy warehouse and distribution operations running smoothly, our IT infrastructure is critical to our success.

We're looking for an experienced IT Systems Infrastructure Engineer to join our growing technical team. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a large-scale enterprise environment, supporting over 2,000 devices, extensive Microsoft and VMware infrastructure, business-critical e-commerce platforms, warehouse systems, and networks that keep our operation moving 24/7.

If you're passionate about infrastructure, security, problem-solving, and emerging technologies, this role will give you the chance to make a real impact while continuing to develop your technical expertise. Gardners is recruiting an experienced IT Systems Infrastructure Engineer to help develop, maintain, support and secure its IT infrastructure and services.

You’ll join a busy technical team supporting a large Microsoft and VMware environment, more than 2,000 devices, networks, warehouse systems and business-critical e-commerce and distribution platforms.

What You'll Be Doing

As a key member of our Infrastructure team, you will:

• Design, develop and maintain Windows Server solutions within VMware environments
• Help build and support secure, reliable and scalable infrastructure
• Manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networking technologies, routers and firewalls
• Contribute to infrastructure improvements, automation and technical best practices
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation
• Support the rollout of new applications and business systems
• Evaluate and implement new technologies to drive continuous improvement
• Mentor and support junior members of the IT team

What we offer:

• Paid overtime
• 20 days’ holiday, increasing with service
• Training and time for continuous professional development
• Varied work across a substantial technical environment

Additional Information:

Some flexibility is required during busy periods. The role includes occasional Friday night maintenance, normally with time off in lieu, and may include participation in the out-of-hours support rota. Applicants must live within easy commuting distance of Eastbourne.

Essential Skills

Essential experience

• At least 3 years’ IT support experience, including helpdesk work
• Microsoft Server operating systems
• Microsoft 365, Entra and Intune
• Security and compliance management
• Strong troubleshooting and communication skills
• Full UK driving licence

Experience with VMware, Exchange, PowerShell, Azure, Veeam, SQL Server, Linux, networking, ISO 27001 or PCI-DSS would be beneficial, but is not essential.