Job Description

Junior Systems Administrator - Middleware

Location: Cardiff / Hybrid | Contract: Permanent | Salary: £30,000 - £35,000

Help power high‑availability systems for the financial services sector

At Target Group, we provide secure, high‑availability hosting and software solutions to some of the UK’s most recognisable financial services organisations. Our IT Support Centre Middleware team sits right at the heart of this mission — keeping critical systems running smoothly and supporting the platforms our clients rely on every day.

We’re now looking for a Junior Systems Administrator to join our team. This role is ideal for someone with strong technical depth, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine passion for solving complex problems in a fast‑paced environment.

The role

As a key member of our IT Middleware team, you’ll provide 3rd line support across Target Group’s internal and client infrastructure, alongside working on exciting new project work.

Your focus will include supporting IBM iSeries and IBM WebSphere environments hosted on Linux, along with Microsoft and VMware platforms. You’ll also be involved in administration, scripting, automation, and reporting — helping us continuously improve how we operate.

This is a hands‑on, varied role where no two days are the same, and where your expertise will genuinely make an impact.

What it’s like being part of the team

• We operate a 7am–7pm support window for 3rd line teams, working an average of 7.5 hours per day within those hours
• Occasional out‑of‑hours work may be required (with notice)
• While the role has a core focus on IBM iSeries and WebSphere, you’ll also support the wider technical estate
• You’ll receive regular feedback and recognition through 1‑to‑1s and our My Recognition platform
• We’re passionate about building a fun, inclusive culture, embracing innovation, and looking after your wellbeing
• You’ll have real opportunities to develop your skills and grow your career with us

What you’ll be doing

• Providing 3rd line support and resolving complex incidents and problems
• Acting as a mentor to 1st line support colleagues
• Working within defined service desk processes and client SLAs
• Managing and estimating your own workload, keeping stakeholders informed
• Automating processes where possible to improve efficiency
• Working with third‑party suppliers to resolve issues
• Maintaining and improving system documentation
• Analysing incidents and problems to identify root causes
• Communicating clearly with internal teams and external clients, including non‑technical stakeholders

Requirements

About you:

Essential:

• At least 3 years’ experience in a support or technical operations environment
• IT Service Desk and Technical Operations experience
• Windows Server 2019–2025
• PowerShell and Python knowledge
• IBM OS/400 and command line experience
• Exposure to IBM WebSphere
• FTP technologies
• Active Directory administration (or equivalent)

Desirable:

• Linux experience
• Bash scripting
• DevOps tools such as Jenkins

Benefits

Core Benefits

• Competitive salary of between £30,000 and £35,000 depending on experience
• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays – from day one
• Hybrid working policy
• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (employer matched up to 6%)
• Company‑paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind)
• Group Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Annual pay review

Flexible & Lifestyle Benefits

• My Flex benefits platform – access to a wide range of voluntary benefits
• Technology Buying Scheme (salary sacrifice)
• Gym Flex – discounted gym and health club memberships
• Dental Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Health Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Tastecard / Coffee Club
• Employee Discount Scheme across hundreds of retailers

Wellbeing & Support

• Wisdom Wellbeing – confidential health and wellbeing support, including EAP
• Free flu vaccinations and eye tests, plus contributions towards glasses
• Recognition Scheme celebrating successes across the business
• Free mortgage advice and support
• Charitable payroll giving
• Access to a GP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through GP24
• Everest Funeral Concierge
• Free Bereavement and Probate Advice and Support
• Enhanced parental leave

Why join Target Group?

We care about doing things the right way — for our clients and for our people. At Target Group, you’ll find a supportive environment where your ideas are valued, your contribution is recognised, and your development is taken seriously.

We’re committed to creating a Diverse & Inclusive culture through the execution of our D&I strategy, community relationships, our people & leaders.

Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a role where your technical skills will be challenged and appreciated, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help keep Target Group’s critical systems moving.