Simon Cowen Email & Phone Number

Simon Cowen Skills

• Accountability: Accountable for the successful operation and management of enterprise-class IT infrastructure, including server farms, telephony, and cybersecurity. Maintained a strong focus on accountability, ensuring that all team activities aligned with organisational standards and objectives. Delivered on key performance metrics, driving operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Active Directory
• Citrix
• Delivery: Delivered complex IT projects, including the integration of 140 GP Practices into a unified Service Centre. Ensured the seamless delivery of operational support services, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of IT systems across the organisation. Managed the successful rollout of an enterprise-class ISP infrastructure supporting 300 schools.
• Financial Management: Managed budgets for large-scale technology projects, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while achieving project objectives. Monitored financial performance, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and timely allocation of resources. Implemented cost-saving initiatives that enhanced the financial efficiency of service delivery.
• ITIL
• Leading a Team: Successfully led multiple teams across different roles, from Senior Support Officers to IDS Technology Managers. Fostered a collaborative and high-performing team environment, driving continuous improvement and professional development. Mobilised and managed resources across multiple services to achieve key objectives, ensuring timely and effective project delivery.
• Microsoft Exchange
• Microsoft Servers
• Microsoft Technologies
• Novell
• Novell Netware
• Procurement: Led procurement activities for enterprise-class infrastructure projects, including telephony and networking systems. Ensured procurement processes adhered to budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality standards. Negotiated contracts and managed supplier relationships to optimise cost-efficiency and service quality.
• Recruitment and Building a Team: Conducted interviews and played a key role in the recruitment process, selecting candidates who aligned with the organisational culture and technical requirements. Built and developed high-performing teams, ensuring the right mix of skills and experience to meet project demands. Implemented training and development programs to enhance team capabilities and ensure long-term success.
• Responsibility: Held accountable for the operational support and management of critical infrastructure serving over 33,000 employees. Ensured the reliability, scalability, and security of IT services across multiple Leeds City Council departments. Took responsibility for service delivery, ensuring the continuous operation of critical systems with minimal disruption.
• SCCM
• Security
• Servers
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborated with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across Leeds City Council to ensure successful project delivery. Engaged with 140 GP Practices to onboard them into a comprehensive support agreement, ensuring tailored solutions that met each practice's unique needs. Acted as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organisational goals.
• Supplier Management: Managed procurement processes, securing quality components and services for large-scale infrastructure projects. Built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery within budget. Oversaw contracts and service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers to ensure compliance and performance.
• VMware Infrastructure
• Windows 7
• Windows Server
• XP