Alan Findlay

Professional Summary: Alan Aird Findlay is an accomplished IT Infrastructure Specialist and Systems Engineer with over a decade of experience in leading IT infrastructure design and management. Specializing in enterprise, educational, and e-commerce systems within the food production industry, Alan’s expertise encompasses Microsoft technologies, Aruba, WINTEL, UNIX, and Linux systems. His background is solidified with virtualization, cloud platforms like Docker and AWS, and public cloud services. Known for leading small, skilled engineering teams, Alan has a proven track record in high-stakes environments, delivering customer-facing services to large user bases. His strength lies in developing solutions that balance performance, stability, and security, backed by excellent communication skills that ensure effective collaboration with engineers, PMs, stakeholders, and C-suite executives.

Career History:

Senior IT Systems Analyst Debenham High School (March 2023 – Present)

• Led 1st to 3rd line support for infrastructure and endpoint systems, improving operational efficiency.
• Supported various devices using Intune, .NET, SQL Server, AZURE, and Office 365.
• Maintained servers and web services, guaranteeing performance and security.
• Complete site rebuild after suffering a Ransomware attack

Infrastructure Manager (Contract) Computer Futures (November 2022 – February 2023)

• Managed IT infrastructure, including Cisco Switches, Routers, and FortiGate Firewalls.
• Installed and configured Ruckus Wi-Fi systems and Microsoft 2019 Server.

IT Systems Engineer (Permanent) Baker Ross, Harlow Essex (November 2021 – November 2022)

• Delivered 1st to 3rd line support for office and warehouse systems.
• Implemented Cisco HSRP in the warehouse, boosting system reliability.
• Configured VMWare Site Recovery Manager, ensuring business continuity.

Senior Infrastructure Engineer (Permanent) ForFarmers Limited, Bury Saint Edmunds (March 2019 – October 2021)

• Directed a factory modernization project, integrating Azure cloud services and Office 365.
• Transitioned to 60 VMware VMs and upgraded the phone system to MS Teams.

Infrastructure Manager (Permanent) CCCG London (October 2015 – October 2018)

• Led a team for Azure cloud migration and Office 365 implementation.
• Managed LAN infrastructure and rebuilt a data center post-electrical fire.

Senior Engineer (Contract) Westminster and Kingsway College London (April 2015 – September 2015)

• Maintained Veeam backup services and a virtual server farm.
• Supported Cisco switched LAN and WLAN/WAN across multiple sites.
• Upgraded from Exchange to Office 365 hybrid email system.

Senior Engineer (Contract) Sense (International Charity) London (April 2014 – March 2015)

• Upgraded to a Cisco ASA5512 Firewall for enhanced security.
• Engineered a VMWare multi-host environment with high availability.
• Developed a 120TB SAN for improved storage and data management.

Key Achievements:

• Expert in enhancing IT systems’ performance, stability, and security.
• Skilled in cloud services, virtualization, and infrastructure management.
• Successful in leading teams and projects that optimize IT operations.

Alan’s career demonstrates a commitment to excellence in IT infrastructure, with a focus on innovative solutions and effective team leadership. His diverse roles and achievements reflect a deep understanding of the technological needs of modern organizations, making him a valuable asset in any IT management role.

Personal Information

Nationality:
Dual - British & South African

Languages:
Fluent in English, German, Zulu, and Afrikaans

Driving License:
Full - Categories AM, A, B, BE, B1, C, CE, C1, C1E, CE

Mobility:
Open to relocation

Interests:
Passionate about family time, climbing, and endurance sports. Active competitor in triathlon events, including Ironman and Challenge series. Certified triathlon coach, contributing to club coaching and event management. Member of Bishops Stortford Running Club, Dunmow Triathlon Club, England Athletics, and British Triathlon Federation.

Volunteering:
Dedicated volunteer at a local animal rescue shelter, providing DIY and building maintenance, and constructing new facilities for the cattery. Volunteer manager at rural YHA hostels in the Lake District, responsible for DIY, building maintenance, and client management.

Employment History:
Extensive IT career spanning from 1984 to 2001 in South Africa, transitioning to the UK where I have continued in both permanent and contract roles within IT, focusing on London and rural UK areas.

Education

• GDPR in Enterprise, 2018
• Achieving Results through People, 2017 - 2018
• Management Training, London, 2016 - 2017
• Microsoft Identity Manager, 2017
• Post-Graduate Diploma in IS Project Management, University of Cape Town, 1998
• Diploma in Theology, Irene Theological College, 1984 - 1987
• Diploma in Telecommunications, Durban Technical College, 1984 - 1988
• Diploma in Electronics, George Campbell Technical High School, 1979 - 1983

Professional Certifications

• Containers Docker, 2023
• Azure and AWS, 2021 - 2023
• DEI Certification, 2021
• AWS and Aruba Certified ClearPass Associate, 2019 - 2020
• Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, Microsoft WDS and MDT, 2014 - 2018
• VMWare VCP 5, Iris Accounting, Optitime, Intelicim CRM, 2012 - 2013
• MS Dynamics, Quantum Tape Library, DELL and HP Servers, 2012
• CSCS, Fluke, DELL NAS & SAN, Cisco ASA and ARS, 2011 - 2012
• Avaya, Mitel, Netapp OnTap 7, VMWare VCP 4, Xen Server, 2010 - 2011
• Cisco CIPT1, Microsoft 2008 Server, VMWare VCP 3, Centos, 2006 - 2009
• CCNA, CCNP, CCNV (incomplete), 2004 - 2005
• Checkpoint NG, Debden Linux, Red Hat Linux, 2003 - 2004
• Microsoft SMS, 2001 - 2002
• Avaya IP Office, ACAC, 2000 - 2001
• IBM RS6000 and AIX, 1999 - 2000
• Oracle PL/SQL, 1998 - 1999
• Microsoft MCSE, Cisco CCNA, A+ N+ Microsoft Windows for Workgroups Novell Certification (CNA, CNE, MCNE, CNI), 1984 - 1997