IT Desktop and Server Manager

Job Description

BUSINESS FUNCTION: IT
GRADE: ML2/SB2
SALARY: £59,056 to £69,101 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
HOURS: 37

Location: York, Leeds, Manchester

Every day, thousands of colleagues rely on the technology you’d be responsible for keeping secure, stable, and moving forward as our Desktop and Server Manager.

As part of our IT Operations team, you’d take management of the desktop, server, and core infrastructure services that thousands of colleagues rely on every day. This is a role with real reach – from end-user devices and on-premise servers to cloud services and large-scale transformation. You’ll lead a skilled technical team, steady the ship in a legacy environment, and help shape what modern IT looks like at Northern.

This isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about moving us forward – improving resilience, reducing downtime, and making technology easier and more reliable for everyone who uses it.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading and developing a team of application, systems, and infrastructure specialists, setting clear priorities and helping people grow.
• Owning the delivery of desktop and endpoint services – from laptops and operating systems to applications, upgrades, and asset lifecycles.
• Managing physical and virtual server environments, including patching, backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
• Overseeing core services such as Active Directory, group policies, and file services.
• Driving the transition of on-prem services to the cloud, balancing transformation with day-to-day service delivery.
• Making sure security, performance, and compliance standards are met across desktop and server environments.
• Acting as an escalation point for complex incidents and working closely with stakeholders to keep services on track.
• Leading and contributing to infrastructure projects, from server migrations to new technology rollouts.
• Embedding ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) best practice across incident, problem, and change management.

About you

Solid technical leadership, a calm head, and the ability to bring people with you – that’s what will set you up for success here.

You’ll bring:

• Experience leading IT infrastructure or systems teams in a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of server technologies such as Windows Server, Linux, virtualisation platforms like VMware or Hyper-V, and Active Directory.
• Hands-on understanding of desktop operating systems, enterprise applications, and endpoint management tools.
• Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Confidence working in a mixed environment – keeping legacy systems running while delivering meaningful change.
• The ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Experience of working within an ITIL framework ) and a genuine interest in improving how IT services are delivered.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North - connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe - and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date, if high volumes of applications are received.