Server & Storage Engineering Lead

Carnival UK is seeking a dynamic and experienced Server & Storage Engineering Team Leader to play a pivotal role in shaping their technological future and fostering a high-performing team. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead the deployment, configuration, and operational management of critical IT infrastructure across both ship and shore environments.

If you are passionate about driving technological excellence, mentoring engineers, and contributing to the seamless operation of a world-renowned cruise line, this role offers a unique blend of technical challenge and leadership growth. Carnival UK is committed to creating unforgettable holiday happiness for their guests, and this position is central to achieving that mission through robust and innovative IT infrastructure.

Key Advantages and Considerations for Candidates:

This role presents several compelling advantages for career advancement and personal development:

• Leadership and Team Development: You will have the opportunity to lead, guide, and mentor a team of engineers. This includes setting clear priorities, providing coaching, and fostering career growth, aligning with Carnival UK's "Empowers" and "Communicates" behaviors. Creating an inclusive, growth-focused team culture where individuals can perform at their best is a core aspect of this position.
• Broad Technical Scope: The role encompasses a wide range of essential IT infrastructure components. You will be responsible for managing hypervisors, data storage, and the entire lifecycle of systems and system components – from installation and testing to decommissioning.
• Innovation and Process Improvement: A key responsibility is to investigate and manage the adoption of new tools, techniques, and processes, including automation, to enhance the management of systems and services. This encourages a forward-thinking approach and continuous improvement.
• Strategic Impact: As a leader in Server & Storage Engineering, your contributions will directly support Carnival UK's technological direction. You will be instrumental in ensuring the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of IT platforms.
• DevOps and Automation Focus: The role emphasizes modern IT practices, including demonstrated experience in DevOps methodologies, CI/CD pipeline management, infrastructure as code, and automation systems like Ansible, Terraform, or VMware Aria. Experience with Kubernetes is also highly valued.
• Career Growth and Recognition: Positioned at a CUK08 level within Carnival UK's grading structure, this role signifies a significant level of responsibility and offers clear pathways for career progression.
• Hybrid Work Environment: Carnival UK offers a hybrid work model, allowing for up to two days of remote work, providing a good work-life balance.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Beyond the technical and leadership aspects, Carnival UK offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being. This includes:
  • Employee discounted cruising for yourself, friends, and family.
  • Annual bonus opportunities.
  • A welcoming and supportive onboarding process.
  • Regular office events and social activities.
  • Generous leave entitlement (minimum 25 days) with holiday trading options.
  • Employee Assistance and Wellbeing programs.
  • Contributory pension scheme, private medical and dental insurance, and life assurance.
  • Access to employee share plans and a discount portal.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

To thrive in this role and make a significant impact, candidates should consider the following:

• Leadership Philosophy: Candidates should possess a strong leadership style that emphasizes empowerment, communication, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and growth-oriented team environment. The ability to model "Speaks up," "Empowers," "Respects & Protects," and "Listens & Learns" behaviors is crucial.
• Technical Depth: A solid foundation in server and storage technologies is essential. Specifically, strong experience with Storage Area Networks (SANs), hypervisors, and system lifecycle management will be key.
• Adaptability and Modern Practices: A proactive approach to adopting new technologies and methodologies, particularly in automation and DevOps, will be vital. Familiarity with container orchestration (Kubernetes) and infrastructure as code principles is a significant asset.
• Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to investigate, manage, and resolve operational issues efficiently is paramount. This includes developing and maintaining up-to-date operational procedures and documentation.
• Data Protection and Disaster Recovery: Experience in developing standards and guidelines for data protection and disaster recovery functionality will be a valuable contribution.
• Communication and Collaboration: As a team leader and an escalation point, strong communication skills are necessary to effectively interact with engineers, colleagues across the Technology department, specialists, users, and managers.

This Server & Storage Engineering Team Leader position at Carnival UK is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual to lead a critical function within a vibrant and customer-focused organization. It offers a chance to leverage your technical expertise and leadership skills to drive innovation and contribute to the success of unforgettable holiday experiences.