IT Field & Helpdesk Technician
Location: Lancashire, field-based across the North West
Salary: £26,000 - £29,000 depending on experience
Start Date: August 2026
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
About Centra Systems
Centra Systems is a growing managed IT services company supporting schools and SMEs across the North West.
We provide day-to-day helpdesk support, on-site technical support, infrastructure support, cloud services, cybersecurity, device management, and practical IT problem-solving.
This is our first dedicated technical hire, so the right person will have a real opportunity to help shape how the technical side of the business develops as we grow.
The Role
You will split your week between on-site visits to schools and SME clients across Lancashire and one remote helpdesk day from home.
On-site, you will support staff, headteachers, business managers, and end users with the technology they rely on every day. This may include laptops, desktops, iPads, classroom displays, printers, Wi-Fi, networking, servers, and general support requests.
Remotely, you will manage support tickets, provide remote support, update clients, document fixes, and help keep the ticket queue moving.
You will cover around 5-8 school sites and work closely with the founding team, while operating with a good level of independence.
Working Pattern
4 days on-site: 9:00am - 4:00pm
1 day remote helpdesk: 8:30am - 5:00pm
An end-of-day report is completed after each site visit.
What You Will Be Doing
On-site support:
- Check in with the site contact, IT lead, headteacher, or business manager
- Review open tickets and current issues
- Complete a walkround to identify issues staff may not have logged
- Troubleshoot devices, printers, classroom AV, interactive displays, Wi-Fi, and peripherals
- Diagnose basic network, router, firewall, DNS, DHCP, web filtering, and connectivity issues
- Run baseline maintenance checks
- Flag recurring issues, risks, or future work
- Keep clients informed and complete visit notes
Remote helpdesk:
- Manage and resolve remote support tickets
- Provide remote support using tools such as Atera, Splashtop, or TeamViewer
- Support Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, user accounts, devices, and access issues
- Keep ticket notes and client communication up to date
- Maintain documentation and contribute to the knowledge base
- Escalate larger issues where required, with clear notes and initial troubleshooting completed
Tools, Platforms, and Equipment
You do not need to be an expert in everything below, but experience with some of the following would be useful:
- Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, Entra, Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Google Workspace
- Active Directory, Windows Server, Hyper-V, virtual machines, and hybrid environments
- Atera, Splashtop, TeamViewer
- Intune, Jamf, Lightspeed, Mosyle
- Sophos, Netsweeper, Senso, web filtering, endpoint protection, and firewall basics
- UniFi, Aruba, routers, switches, wireless access points, VLANs, DNS, DHCP, patching, and basic network infrastructure
- Apple School Manager, DEP, Apple Managed Distribution
- Windows laptops, desktops, iPads, printers, scanners, projectors, CTouch, SMART, Promethean, and Newline displays
What We Are Looking For
Essential:
- At least 2 years’ experience in a field IT support, helpdesk, MSP, school IT, or similar technical support role
- Solid working knowledge of Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, and Active Directory
- Good understanding of networking fundamentals, including DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi, switches, routers, firewalls, and web filtering
- Confidence troubleshooting common on-site hardware, classroom technology, printers, AV, and end-user device issues
- Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical users
- Self-motivated and organised, with the ability to manage your own day and own issues through to resolution
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle
Preferred:
- Previous MSP or school IT experience
- Experience with RMM tools such as Atera
- Experience with MDM platforms such as Intune, Jamf, Lightspeed, or Mosyle
- Familiarity with Apple School Manager and DEP
- Basic experience with Windows Server, Hyper-V, virtual machines, and on-prem Active Directory
- CompTIA A+, Network+, ITIL Foundation, Azure/Microsoft Admin, or equivalent certification
What We Offer
- Salary of £26,000 - £29,000 depending on experience
- Company pension
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Your birthday off each year
- One scheduled remote helpdesk day per week
- Mileage reimbursed for all site travel
- All essential tools and equipment provided
- Funded certification and exam support
- Investment in your professional development
- A genuine opportunity to shape how the technical side of the business grows
Salary Range
We have advertised a salary range because candidates come in at different levels.
Someone who needs some development to get fully up to speed will usually sit toward the lower end of the range.
Someone who can operate confidently from day one, manage their own sites, flag issues proactively, communicate clearly, and take ownership without needing close supervision is likely to sit toward the top end of the range.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short note about the kind of work you have been doing, and what appeals to you about joining a small, growing MSP, to:
[email protected]
The vacancy is open until 31 July 2026, with a target start date of August 2026.
We may close the vacancy early if we find the right person.
Pay: £26,000.00-£29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free or subsidised travel
- Work from home
Experience:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Preston (Lancashire, North West Region)
