Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic
Craig Smith

Craig Smith

Abingdon-on-Thames,Oxfordshire

Summary

Driven IT professional with knack for strategic planning and team leadership. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills, fostering collaboration and delivering exceptional service. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and driving impactful IT solutions.

I am highly ambitious, so always looking to progress, test myself and always learn, improve and make a difference.

I understand the potential IT can bring to a business, and how it can unlock great things, its a real passion and I want a role where i can make this impact.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education

Work history

Education IT Service Delivery Manager

Sweethaven Computers Ltd
Remote
2025.02 - Current
  • Promoted into role from previous positon
  • Managed IT service delivery to improve customer satisfaction/Stakeholder management
  • Conducted regular system audits, maintained optimal performance levels - i.e. Patching, Asset databases, Audio Visual and network audits
  • Covered 30+ sites
  • Carried out system upgrades regularly, kept up-to-date with latest technologies.
  • Implemented innovative solutions for enhanced operational efficiency - E.g. clear escalation pathways for tasks and jobs
  • Designed and created a clear and easy knowledge base
  • Coordinated cross-departmental teams to facilitate smooth execution of change strategies.
  • Oversaw budget management to control expenditure and boost savings. - Schools have minimal budgets so cost savings and clear strategies are a must
  • Developed team skills with regular training sessions.
  • Remained hands-on technical, willing to be involved with teams and outlining clear expectations
  • Used AutoTask and ConnectWise to track support tickets and document actions.
  • Designed clear Personal Development Plans (PDP's) for staff recruited.

Senior On-site Engineer

Sweethaven Computers Ltd
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
2023.05 - 2025.02
  • Managed the on-site IT infrastructure for four schools within a trust
  • Handled an on-prem migration to MS Azure/Cloud
  • Delivered projects within deadline by efficiently managing resources and personnel.
  • Collaborated effectively with design teams refining plans as per ground realities.
  • Performed regular audits on IT systems identifying areas of improvement.
  • Managed large-scale software deployments resulting in seamless transition periods.
  • Led a team of junior engineers in various projects, promoting teamwork and skill building.
  • Installed high-performance hardware to boost processing speeds.
  • Implemented cybersecurity measures, ensuring data safety. - MfA, Expiring Passwords and Windows Hello
  • Management of third parties - Lenovo, Sharp, Dell etc
  • Documented support calls and resolutions for professional records.
  • Answered user questions about hardware and software operation to help resolve problems.
  • Carried out new hardware installations and updates, keeping systems functional and secure.
  • Prepared equipment for staff use, installing cables, operating systems, and software.
  • Tracked computer system and network performance to identify root causes of issues.
  • Distilled complex technical information into easily digestible instructions for end-users.

IT Systems Administrator

UK Plumbing Supplies Ltd
Oxford, Oxfordshire
2019.02 - 2023.05

UK Plumbing Supplies Ltd / Plumbase was a divisons of Grafton Merchanting GB Ltd which was spun off into a separate company

  • Managed vendor relationships for procurement of hardware and software products ensuring cost-effective purchases.
  • Field based - Would travel the country attending branches resolving IT Issues
  • Evaluated new technology options and recommended appropriate upgrades to meet business needs.
  • Created comprehensive disaster recovery plans to minimise downtime during critical incidents.
  • Provided round-the-clock technical support to staff, enhancing user experience and productivity.
  • Collaborated on IT projects with cross-functional teams, delivering innovative solutions - Often dealing with new plumbing branches that opened designing networks, cabinet locations etc with estates team
  • Trained end-users on safe computing practices, reducing instances of security breaches. - Would hold lunch and learn sessions over teams for staff across the country
  • Led server maintenance activities for company systems to keep critical functions operational.
  • Tested installations and updates on test servers before deployment to live environments.
  • Controlled access to computer network, setting up accounts and access levels.
  • Established and improved IT governance processes to keep pace with changing demands.

1st Line Team Leader

Grafton Merchanting GB Ltd
Oxford, Oxfordshire
2018.05 - 2019.03
  • Increased team cohesion by implementing regular feedback sessions.
  • Coordinated daily tasks, ensuring smooth workflow within the team.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews to identify areas of improvement for each team member.
  • Developed strategies for improved performance level across the team.
  • Reduced staff turnover with an effective motivation strategy - Gamification
  • Resolved conflicts effectively, promoting harmony within the workforce.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through close collaboration with the team.
  • Supported team to overcome new challenges by forecasting knowledge and skills gaps.
  • Upskilled team members by planning and delivering training workshops.
  • Led team of [8] to achieve KPI targets and successfully complete assigned projects.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between technical and non-technical departments, fostering mutual understanding of processes and requirements.
  • Installed new technologies without disrupting workflow.

2nd line IT Support Engineer

Grafton Merchanting Gb Ltd
Oxford, Oxfordshire
2017.05 - 2018.05
  • Provided efficient customer service through the installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware and software systems.
  • Managed helpdesk requests effectively reducing downtime experienced by employees.
  • Picked up tasks that were escalated from 1st Line
  • Maintained, supported and resolved issues with in-house Trading System (Kerridge)
  • Supported over 200 branches
  • Began creating knowledge base for staff to use to reduce escalations
  • Rectified IT issues by liaising with clients and troubleshooting software problems.
  • Supported various operating systems and server technologies.
  • Recommended equipment and resource upgrades to improve network capabilities.
  • Escalated problematic tickets to relevant departments ensuring swift resolution.
  • Delivered top-notch customer service whilst handling IT queries.

1st Line Support Engineer

Grafton Merchanting GB ltd
Oxford, Oxfordshire
2016.06 - 2017.05
  • Liaised between customers and the company's internal IT department for quicker issue resolution.
  • Actively participated in weekly team meetings, resulting in more coordinated efforts among team members.
  • Maintained detailed records of all reported incidents and their resolutions for future reference.
  • Managed helpdesk queries for efficient and effective resolution.
  • Provided first line support to users, facilitating improved productivity levels.
  • Conducted routine system checks for maintaining optimal performance levels.
  • Prioritised urgent tickets to ensure swift problem resolution.
  • Troubleshot hardware problems, reducing downtime significantly.
  • Supported remote users via phone or email, ensuring they received timely assistance.
  • Answered user questions about hardware and software operation to help resolve problems.
  • Organised workspaces for employees with computer, monitors and associated cabling or equipment.

IT analyst

Retail Active
Harwell, Oxfordshire
2014.02 - 2016.06
  • Supported a network of "Mystery Shoppers" to ensure they could access our online system called prophet
  • Designing and publishing surveys for Mystery Shoppers to carry out
  • Handled procurement of office hardware (mainly PC's at the time)
  • Worked with senior technicians to install new edge switching
  • Implemented Cisco Meraki AP's and edge switching
  • Managed database systems effectively, ensuring data integrity and access control.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams for project success.
  • Formulated IT policies in line with industry best practices.
  • Resolved technical issues swiftly, enhancing user satisfaction.
  • Outlined needs to meet end-user requirements.

IT Technician

Rutherford Appleton Laboratories (RAL)
Harwell, Oxfordshire
2013.11 - 2014.02

Temp Position

  • Troubleshot network connectivity issues, restoring normal operations quickly.
  • Delivered excellent customer service by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
  • Assisted end-users to enhance their understanding of software applications.
  • Installed, maintained, and repaired hardware components, ensuring optimal functionality.
  • Maintained IT inventory effectively keeping track of all equipment in use.
  • Provided IT support to staff members, improving overall operational efficiency.

Education

Diploma of Higher Education - IT

Abingdon and Witney college
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
2011.03 - 2012.03

GCSEs -

John Mason School
Abingdon, Oxfordshire
/2006 - /2011

Skills

    I Have used a number of technologies, systems, vendors and have a number of capabilities

  • Intune device management
  • InTune proficient
  • Microsoft Azure suite
  • Azure Active Directory
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft servers
  • Microsoft 365
  • Apple Business Manager (ASM)
  • Apple repairs
  • Hardware replacements/repairs
  • Microsoft Purview
  • Xero
  • Cisco Meraki
  • HP Aruba
  • Microsoft Server Maintenance, Patching and upgrades
  • Audio Visual (boards, projections calibration)
  • IT applications management
  • IT infrastructure
  • Customer Service

Affiliations

  • Music Gigs
  • Allotment Keeping
  • Football

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Education IT Service Delivery Manager

Sweethaven Computers Ltd
2025.02 - Current

Senior On-site Engineer

Sweethaven Computers Ltd
2023.05 - 2025.02

IT Systems Administrator

UK Plumbing Supplies Ltd
2019.02 - 2023.05

1st Line Team Leader

Grafton Merchanting GB Ltd
2018.05 - 2019.03

2nd line IT Support Engineer

Grafton Merchanting Gb Ltd
2017.05 - 2018.05

1st Line Support Engineer

Grafton Merchanting GB ltd
2016.06 - 2017.05

IT analyst

Retail Active
2014.02 - 2016.06

IT Technician

Rutherford Appleton Laboratories (RAL)
2013.11 - 2014.02

Diploma of Higher Education - IT

Abingdon and Witney college
2011.03 - 2012.03

GCSEs -

John Mason School
/2006 - /2011
Craig Smith