Alistair Crust

Experience

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  Blue Anchor Leisure Ltd

  Jul 1998 - Jun 2008

  Engineer, Cashier and Ride Operator

  Full and part time position. Diagnosing electronic and mechanical faults and repairing as appropriate. Being responsible for large cash floats and fruit machine cash boxes. Operating heavy machinery.

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  Tong Engineering

  Aug 1999 - Sept 2000

  Assistant

  Work experience while studying, leading to temporary paid employment. Sheet metal fabrication using plasma cutters and heavy machinery. Final fit assembly of conveyor systems and rubber coverings for hopper sides. Stock checks, CAD design, manual data input and issuing parts/kit lists.

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  Skegness Grammar School

  Jun 2005 - Jul 2009

  IT Technician/Linux Technician/Network Manager

  Administering Linux, Windows and Apple based servers, laptops and thin clients with 900+ users and split across multiple sites. The role included servicing, maintaining and fault finding all IT hardware as well as. designing, implementing and managing hardware and software projects, undertaking training where necessary (including the schools video conferencing suite and replacement wifi networks). Whilst there I also delivered a presentation to an international conference on the implementation and use of Open Source Software at the school. Show less

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  Spilsby Internet Solutions

  Jul 2007 - Mar 2013

  Freelance Data Centre Engineer

  Data center equipment installation/re-location/decommissioning and smart remote hands for clients around the UK. Primarily jobs were relating to copper and fiber cabling, termination and splicing. multi-drop IT delivery logistics and required a high level of field engineering skills.

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  Derek Lee Gunsmiths

  Jul 2009 - Jan 2013

  IT Technician

  Managing all IT hardware and network/telecoms infrastructure for a country clothing, accessories and Registered Firearms Dealer with online presence. Included product photography, firearm/shotgun stock control, management of collections and shipments both from telephone sales and online sales. Bespoke web design and consultation.

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  ST. HUGH'S SCHOOL (WOODHALL SPA) LIMITED

  Nov 2012 - Jul 2016

  ICT Technician

  My biggest achievement was designing and implementing a overhaul to the aging wireless network using Ubiquiti Unifi UAP and a cloud based wireless control and hot spot portal. This saw a cost saving to the co-educational preparatory school of over £15k when compared to quotes from 3rd parties.Experience of RM CC4 network, Windows server, was instrumental in the roll out of Google apps for education, device management, and web development with Joomla. I was also responsible for designing and implementing network monitoring using cacti, zabbix, and running a linux based digital signage project. Show less

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  Digital Space

  Mar 2013 - Nov 2021

  critical role in digital spaces growth through several mergers and acquisitions. Firstly as a Data centre engineer and then as Data centre manager and Head of Data Centres for the UK. I was instrumental in retaining iso27001 accreditation for the data center estate, and working with project managers to deliver large scale projects within the DCs and Exchanges. I worked with specialist suppliers and internal stake holders to ensure the smooth management of 3 owned data centre facilities and multiple colocation sites around the UK, while ensuring value for money to give a commercial edge, especially during dc consolidation projects. I also provided remote hands, hardware support, fibre and copper installation and testing, access control installation including cctv, operation staff supervision and management, or even just simple things like fixing a leaky tap. Bringing attention to detail and technical experience I've been able to push continual improvements. My heart will always be in high availability facilities, getting my hands dirty, learning new technologies, training and sharing knowledge to improve the customer experience. Show less

  • Head of Data Centers

    May 2019 - Nov 2021

  • Senior Data Centre Engineer

    Mar 2013 - May 2019
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  Lincoln Minster School

  Dec 2021 - Aug 2022

  Systems and Network Manager

  Managing a distributed campus hybrid onprem/M365 and linux network. Bringing ITIL, security focus and enterprise experience, as well as fibre, copper cabling and data center skills. I made several improvements to the network including rationalising and repairing cross campus fibre (using my own equipment). Diagnosing and correcting vLAN issues with Extreeme Summit and HPE switches optimising Extreme CloudIQ wireless AP configuration and licensing, creation of network diagrams, auditing and subsequently highlighting annual saving of well over 50% on telephony. Show less

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  Digital Space

  Aug 2022 - now

  Project transition engineer

  Primary role of supporting the technical installation of customer fortinet sdwan roll outs and their transition into BAU. High attention to detail, maintaining documentation, supporting 3rd party and in house field engineers remotely, working with project management to ensure timely and cost effective delivery.