Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Karen Ellerington

Karen Ellerington

Turvey,Bedford

Summary

Experienced IT Engineer with a strong background in network and system administration, dedicated to ensuring the seamless operation and optimal performance of IT systems. Proficient in troubleshooting and creative problem-solving, with a track record of maintaining high availability for critical systems. Well-versed in both Windows and Linux environments. Additionally, demonstrated entrepreneurial skills through the successful management of a cake decorating business during a career hiatus while raising a family.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Owner

Cottontail Cakes
Farnham, Surrey
01.2014 - 07.2023
  • Prepared exceptional cakes and desserts for both local markets and restaurants.
  • Handled phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders and ordering conflicts.
  • Maintained and updated online brownie and cookie shop and fulfilled online orders
  • Organised, baked and ran monthly market stall.
  • Designed, baked and decorated bespoke celebration cakes.

IT Consultant

Partners in IT
Bracknell, Berkshire
03.2008 - 01.2014
  • Part of a 1-2 person team who maintained the entire company IT infrastructure from the floor ports and network to desktops, phone systems and remote datacenters.
  • Liaised professionally with team members at all levels, adapting communication style to communicate technical ideas.
  • Offered flexible assistance to resolve major system issues outside of normal working hours.
  • Set-up new users with IT systems and equipment, offering further support and guidance to new starters.
  • Created and supported virtual test/prototype environments for consultants and pre-sales using VMWare vSphere and Hyper V
  • Handled overall IT governance, managing supplier selection and sourcing strategies to improve operational resilience.
  • Resolved technical faults across varied technologies, including servers, routers and hardware.
  • Presented system changes and improvements during staff meetings.
  • Asset management and documentation control
  • Set annual IT budget and presented it to Management for approval.

Infrastructure Analyst

EDS Defence (Now HP Enterprises)
Hook, Hampshire
06.2004 - 03.2008
  • Used Batch scripting to run unattended installs for both off the shelf applications and enterprise software on servers and desktops
  • Developed in-depth knowledge of both Windows server operating systems and desktop operating systems.
  • Rotated through various roles reflecting different parts of the SDLC including Testing
  • Worked with secure systems
  • As a Graduate Representative, worked with graduates across the business to re-launch the Graduate Scheme.

Procurement Administrator

National Grid Transco
Warwick, Warwickshire
06.2003 - 06.2004
  • Managed staff travel arrangements to identify best available options.
  • Drafted, printed and compiled important commercially sensitive documentation for large gas infrastructure projects. Processed replies to tender according to strict guidelines.
  • Basic SAP administration.

Education

MPhys Astrophysics - Physics and Astronomy

Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
Cardiff
09/1999 - 06/2003

A-Levels -

The Rochester Grammar School
Rochester
09/1997 - 06/1999

Skills

  • Systems Analysis
  • System configuration
  • VMWare vSphere 41
  • Hyper V
  • Active Directory
  • MS Exchange 2003/2007
  • Desktop Support (Windows Vista/7)
  • CISCO Switch and Firewall configuration
  • Problem Solving
  • IT Hardware Support
  • IT Infrastructure Management
  • Software Development Life Cycle
  • Documentation
  • Customer and Supplier Communication

Timeline

Owner

Cottontail Cakes
01.2014 - 07.2023

IT Consultant

Partners in IT
03.2008 - 01.2014

Infrastructure Analyst

EDS Defence (Now HP Enterprises)
06.2004 - 03.2008

Procurement Administrator

National Grid Transco
06.2003 - 06.2004

MPhys Astrophysics - Physics and Astronomy

Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)
09/1999 - 06/2003

A-Levels -

The Rochester Grammar School
09/1997 - 06/1999

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Karen Ellerington