Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
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James Howland

James Howland

Tunbridge Wells,Kent

Summary

Currently working as IT Manager at Lenham Storage which consists of multiple sites and warehouses. I have extensive knowledge within IT Infrastructure, Cloud Computin, Networking, Cybersecurity and Telephony. My currently role consists of Projects and Managing the Service Desk ensuring compliance and security across systems. I have a high level of knowledge within M365, Azure & Cisco Meraki.



Certifications and courses

CMI Level 3

SC900- Microsoft Security & Compliance Fundamentals

AZ900- Azure Fundamentals

MS900- M365 Fundamentals

ECMS1- Meraki Solutions

Vmware Vsphere

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

IT Manager

Lenham Storage
08.2023 - 08.2025
  • Implemented Intune across all sites to enhance mobile device management.
  • Introduced Autopilot to speed up deployment of IT Hardware
  • Continuous improvement to security hardening measures
  • Established conditional access policies to restrict Microsoft 365 access from risky locations.
  • Replaced approximately 160 computers to ensure compatibility with Windows 11.
  • Configured new Sittingbourne site infrastructure, including internet, firewall, switches, and access points.
  • Deployed PRTG for real-time monitoring of firewalls, switches, and servers.
  • Migrated file shares to SharePoint for improved document management.
  • Managed timely resolution of support tickets using Zendesk, addressing major service outages.
  • Ensured secure data management with robust cybersecurity measures.
  • Facilitated smooth communication between technical and non-technical departments, fostering mutual understanding of processes and requirements.
  • Liaised with third-party vendors for necessary hardware and software acquisitions, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or functionality.
  • Maintained updated inventory of all IT assets; facilitated efficient asset management.
  • Monitored network performance regularly with proactive troubleshooting steps taken at signs of instability or potential failure points identified in advance, ensuring uninterrupted service provision throughout the organisation's operation hours.
  • Implemented comprehensive disaster recovery plan, resulting in minimal disruption during outages.
  • Updated legacy systems, reducing maintenance costs significantly while improving reliability and efficiency.
  • Managed IT resources to ensure optimal performance and reduce downtime.

Incident Manager

Infinity Group
03.2022 - 08.2023
  • Progressed from Escalation Team Leader to Incident Manager, overseeing a team of 11 engineers.
  • Met departmental KPIs by implementing strategic training initiatives.
  • Managed high priority tickets and major service outages effectively.
  • Developed and tested comprehensive incident response plans.
  • Served as escalation point for complex tickets and issues.
  • Optimised resource management through on-call coordination.
  • Mentored junior team members to enhance skill development.
  • Facilitated root cause analysis for major incidents.
  • Coordinated disaster recovery strategies, reducing downtime significantly.
  • Escalated high-impact incidents swiftly for rapid problem solving.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills in managing a cross-functional incident response team.
  • Delivered timely incident management by coordinating with relevant teams.
  • Liaised with stakeholders to ensure smooth communication during incidents.

2nd Line IT Engineer

Watchfinder LTD
01.2020 - 03.2022
  • My role at Watchfinder was a 2nd Line IT engineer which consisted of providing support internally and actioning projects set out for the team.
  • Ensuring network issues and outages are dealt with and reported to the relevant people.
  • Working within a team to ensure tickets are actioned when needed.
  • Supporting End users when needed worldwide and ensuring tickets passed by first line are dealt with in a timely manner.
  • Working on Projects and liaising with relevant third parties.
  • Monitor Systems performance.
  • Deployment of kit such as telephony, Laptops, desktops.
  • Creating and maintaining Cisco Meraki networks.
  • Ensuring Daily Checks are completed.
  • Recommending and Actioning changes to ensure systems and security are kept up to date.
  • Migrating from Hybrid to Pure Azure AD- This was one of the main projects I have worked on at Watchfinder, this was built up of many steps such as shifting on prem fileshares to SharePoint, enrolling devices into Azure Ad and converting Azure AD accounts to cloud only.
  • HQ site move- The Maidstone HQ was based across three offices which we migrated onto one site at Kings hill.
  • New Boutique opening- Last year we opened a new Boutique in Paris, for this I created a new network within our Cisco Meraki environment.
  • Improving Microsoft secure score- when I first started on this project our Secure score was 23% and I managed to raise this to 73.32%.
  • Covid/Working from Home- Due to Covid we had a real push to ensure users could all work remotely.

Aqualisa Products LTD
05.2013 - 01.2020
  • Carry out preventative maintenance on company computer systems and ensure overnight and other periodic tasks are correctly completed.
  • Ensure Veeam overnight backups run correctly, and tapes are stored in fireproof safe.
  • Look after and maintain Sophos Cloud virus updates on all machines (including laptops).
  • Ensure maintenance contract records are kept up to date.
  • Maintain existing Business Systems software and bug fix and amend software to reflect changes to their business procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records of all software licensing.
  • To assist with any other duties and tasks of the Computer Department as directed, including cover for other members of staff as required.
  • 1st /2nd line support of all IT systems.
  • Monitor system / database performance.
  • Respond to all user requests for assistance.
  • Carry out upgrades / patch applications as required.
  • Manage software rollout planning and implementation.
  • Document support functions.
  • Deployment of PCs, laptops, PDA's, internal phones and Mobiles.
  • Setting up access to Onedrive and sharepoint.
  • Keep record of Assets.

Education

Higher National course in IT - IT

K College
09.2012 - 09.2014

Edexcel Btec Level 3 Extended Diploma - IT

K College
09.2010 - 07.2012

Skills

  • Service delivery coordination
  • Staff mentoring and training
  • Cybersecurity principles
  • Hardware procurement
  • IT infrastructure planning
  • Budget management
  • Security compliance
  • Networking expertise
  • Information security
  • Cloud computing
  • Technical leadership

Timeline

IT Manager

Lenham Storage
08.2023 - 08.2025

Incident Manager

Infinity Group
03.2022 - 08.2023

2nd Line IT Engineer

Watchfinder LTD
01.2020 - 03.2022

Aqualisa Products LTD
05.2013 - 01.2020

Higher National course in IT - IT

K College
09.2012 - 09.2014

Edexcel Btec Level 3 Extended Diploma - IT

K College
09.2010 - 07.2012

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