Balmer Dawson Executive Search is delighted to partner with Context in the search to fill the position of Systems Administrator and Software Developer.

qwe

For this well-established SME with 25 employees, you will be required to perform a dual role, i.e.

1. maintain the company's IT infrastructure and ensure the systems it runs on are secure and functional, including hardware, networks, and security
2. maintain and create custom applications and software in close cooperation with the Chief Technical Officer (CTO), looking after bug fixing, updates, feature additions, and active development

You will take primary direction from the CTO and liaise closely with Leadership Development Officer and company directors.

The company

Context provides high-quality language services supported by leading edge technologies in three distinct business lines:

• Translation of written text in digital formats
• Live multilingual conference interpreting
• Community Interpreting for the Irish Public Sector

Context offers its services in more than 100 languages.

The company’s operational success is the result of a values-driven culture, a flat organisational structure comprising 3 high-performing, self-managing teams which draw on the expertise of the Support Team, and a strong focus on continuous process improvement, service excellence and quality management.

Each business line has a strong portfolio composed of national and international clients from the corporate and public sectors. The company office is located in Oranmore, Co. Galway. It is critical that you live close to the company office and are available on-site in case of problems that require urgent on-site support. There is on-site parking.

What makes this role unique

Variety. Purpose. Challenge. The satisfaction of receiving immediate user feedback on improvements and system upgrades. Supporting end-to-end operations, contributing to their excellence. Interfacing with all at Context and with its clients. Personal development on the company’s self-organisation journey.

The following tasks occur daily, weekly, or monthly:

• supporting all teams with hardware and software requirements and issue resolution
• meeting clients, together with operational and support team members
• managing and maintaining online services
• managing and maintaining internal server and network infrastructure
• writing tender responses, together with the relevant tender teams.

You will cover a range of systems administration, coding and other tasks, in agreement with the CTO, Leadership Development Officer and the Context directors. This is an integrated role where both functions are ongoing and responsibilities are agreed upon with all relevant parties (CTO, LDO, directors). The balance might vary depending on the specific project or operational needs being addressed. You hold a key support role for all Context employees, suppliers and clients.

Your self-development follows a unique path of peer-agreed priorities and self-determined goals. Context is committed to people-centred employment practices, a sustainable life balance and the wellbeing of each team member.

Systems maintenance

System administration and maintenance consist of several smaller tasks such as installing updates, inventory-keeping and general maintenance of systems and services. There is also the requirement to set up new or replacement devices for team members. Tasks include:

Windows Desktop/Laptop Setup and Maintenance

Network administration

Linux administration

GDPR and data protection compliance

Maintenance of several communication channels

Maintenance of several online services

Software development

In-house applications are continuously developed and improved.

The vast majority of software development is in PHP in a Linux environment.

- Deep PHP coding knowledge and several years of experience of coding in PHP are required.

- It is highly preferable that you have experience with development in a Linux environment.

- The code is stored in-house and does not use online services or virtual hosting servers.

- The deployed software is hosted on an in-house physical server.

Project management system

The proprietary Context project management system tracks all projects in each business line end to end, integrates all business transactions and provides business-critical reports.

The main applications are built on a LAPP stack, which is continuously developed and improved in-house in response to requirements. The application interfaces are browser-based both internally and externally.

Database maintenance

The company data is stored in a suite of databases; some database maintenance and administration will be required to enhance performance.

Skills required

You must be a problem-solver. This means that you have the

• ability to break down complex problems into manageable parts, analyse data, and identify patterns.
• ability to think outside the box, generate innovative solutions, and consider alternative perspectives.
• willingness to investigate problems thoroughly, gather information, and persist in finding a solution and resolving the problem.
• tendency to identify potential problems before they become major issues.
• skill in using logic to arrive at a solution or conclusion.

While the company uses its own offline large language models locally, AI-reliance is avoided.

Technical skills

You should possess comprehensive skills in proprietary application development using PHP and HTML/CSS, along with proficiency managing Linux environments including command-line operations, PostgreSQL administration, and familiarity with Git for source control. Development and maintenance of proprietary applications require knowledge of the following:

• PHP (core requirement)
• HTML/CSS
• Apache Webserver
• PostgreSQL
• Version control software (e.g. Git)

Personal skills

• highly developed analytical and research skills
• proven problem-solving and creative decision-making skills
• ability to adapt quickly and respond well to changing circumstances, priorities, or requirements
• excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• an authentic ability to engage with others
• a hands-on approach to team work, inclusive decision-making and active listening
• the ability to remain focused as situations arise, and to respond with a calm and measured approach
• a track record of close cooperation with senior support and operational teams
• excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• curiosity to embrace new ways of working

Education and experience required

• Degree in mathematics, computer science, software engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrable further skills development courses
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience with PHP, or a related field
• A qualification as a systems administrator is not a Must. However, you must have experience in setting up test and deployment environments.

Career path

Career development at Context is not linked to titles or salary levels. Since the company pursues a holistic sustainability agenda rather than revenue-based goals, the focus is on self-development as a foundation for organisational development.

Pay rises and entry level salaries are both dependent on the depth of experience and on the value-add the individual brings. Self-development support and professional training in specialised areas are available to all team members. They may be identified by the individual and/or their peers or Support Team and tailored to the individual’s needs and wishes. Biannual self-appraisal reviews are an opportunity to identify development opportunities, as are team workshops and several other all-teams training events scheduled throughout the year.

Terms

• 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Salary €60,000-65,000 negotiable DOE
• Annual leave 20 days per annum + 4 wellbeing days (1 day per quarter)
• Ongoing training & development opportunities
• Employer pension contribution to company scheme from first day of employment.

Application and Queries

To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter (maximum one page), in Microsoft Word format, outlining how your motivation, experience and skills are a fit for this role profile. Please make your application for the attention of BOTH Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson to the following email address: [email protected]

Any queries should be directed to Gilly Balmer and Zena Dawson at [email protected]

Closing date

Applications close on the 22nd of October 2025 by 5pm (GMT+1)