Hugh Baird FE

St Wilfrids High School

A critical issues and advisory firm, we provide advice to some of the worlds leading companies on how to navigate through the day to day critical issues they face as well as how to engage with their critical stakeholders. 

I lead the Infrastructure teams globally and am responsible for all of the “Traditional Infrastructure “ as well as Endpoint and Office Infrastructure. 
Driving forward Governance best-practices as well as a change and modernisation of early cloud adoption as well as the usual on-Prem legacy infrastructure.

Critical Issues Advisory Firm

Group Head Of Infrastructure

Working for one of the worlds most prestigious Microsoft Elite Partners within the Enterprise Mobility and Security space, we focus on delivering innovative IT, technology and security solutions that streamline operations and improve user experience.

I was focused on the day to day successful running of our retained managed services business. Working closely with the CIOs and IT Leaders of large business and public sector organisations. 
Acting as a Virtual CIO for their business to help drive focus on enduser productivity services.

Microsoft Elite Partner

Virtual CIO (Customer Success Manager)

As the pioneer and market leader in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), we are the trusted, secure choice for Intelligent Automation available on-premises, in the cloud, or as an integrated solution in a hybrid cloud environment.We bring you the connected-RPA Platform, an advanced technology ecosystem that puts the power of accessible, advanced cognitive technologies in the hands of your operational leaders.

I specialise in Azure & Office365 cloud systems architecture.
I am responsible for managing the Cloud Solutions Team to provide all back-office solutions and functionality. Working with colleagues globally to understand their business requirements and translate them into practical, secure, resilient and scalable solutions.
Working on projects ranging from standardising all existing and new business applications through the use of Single Sign-on technology, automation of deploying scalable new solutions ranging from traditional IaaS to PaaS to SaaS.

Global Leader in Connected-RPA

Senior Cloud Solutions Architect

Global company supplying products throughout the UK and Europe. I am responsible for all aspects of application & desktop management within the Microsoft stack from the Server OS upwards including Remote Desktop Services, RemoteApp, Active Directory, GPO, DFS, DNS, DHCP, SQL, PowerShell, DSC & MS Exchange. 

Project oversight of key infrastructure upgrades, enhancement projects and management of 3rd party teams and suppliers.  Also providing support services and delivering essential IT systems.

Responsible for design & management of all Enterprise Applications inc. Remote Desktop Services (2008 & 2016, MS Exchange (2010 & O365), SQL (most versions), SharePoint (2010 & O365) & Enterprise Vault.

Lead projects to integrate a total of 5 European offices & Manufacturing sites into our Central Core Infrastructure through detailed understanding of the existing business processes and mapping into existing Infrastructure.

DevOps\Cloud Automation and integration with OnPremises systems & services.
Experience designing and integrating Business requirements in both private and public cloud solutions.

Multi National FMCG

Solutions Architect

Working with a global company supplying products throughout the UK and Europe. I am responsible for all aspects of application management within the Microsoft stack. Project oversight of key infrastructure upgrade and enhancement projects.  Also providing support services and delivering essential IT systems.
•	Sole responsibility of management of MS Exchange 2010 following a previous migration from Exchange 2007. A major part of my role was based around improving the stability and resiliency through implementing a basic DR site and then further planning on a load balanced solution in the HQ involving implementing a total of 4 multi-role servers.
•	Producing daily statistical reports based upon PowerShell scripts for the messaging environment.
•	Day to Day management of Enterprise Vault for email and file archiving and project management of the upgrade process from EV9.0.3 to EV11.1 (a multi-step process involving upgrade of the server OS and SQL databases)
•	Implemented maintenance plans on MS SQL for bespoke written applications for use with internal SAP solution.
•	Lead the re-licencing project for all Symantec & Microsoft products within the enterprise.
•	Able to identify opportunities to improve efficiency in performance & processes.

Enterprise Systems Analyst

Working on a variety of projects ranging from server/email migration projects through to data management for the public sector.

Currently studying towards certification in Windows Server 2008 & 2012, Active Directory & Exchange 2010 & 2013 Management, HyperV & SCCM

Self Employed Contractor

Contractor

Working as UK IT Manager to a multinational company.

I am responsible for all aspects of IT leadership, including budgeting, infrastructure, applications and supplier negotiations.  Also providing support services and delivering mission-critical IT.

Most senior IT position in the UK HQ reporting directly to the Group CIO. Management of the local Service Desk function to all users in the London-based HQ including management of 6+ permanent staff.


•	Day to day Service Desk Management of 1st through to 3rd line desktop and server support team.
•	Technical escalation point for the team.
•	Management/Assurance of project resilience via multi-server delivery to ensure balanced distribution of workload and use of DAG in exchange.  
•	Responsibility for planning and co-ordination of MS exchange migration and stabilisation projects, BES v10 update, Windows Server 2012 Implementation.
•	Technical Support directly to the Executives of the business (CEO, CFO & CIO).
•	Working closely with strategic partners and vendors to identify and assess new technologies for implementation.
•	ITIL v3 (ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management) - (March 2013)
Active Directory 2010, Exchange 2010, SCCM/SCOM/FIM, Blackberry deployment services, VMware ESX, ESXi, vCenter, Netapp Filer Storage, Lync 2010, vSat & Microwave connectivity, Watchguard, Mitel

Mining Company

IT Manager (UK Desktop Support Manager)

Data8 is a database data cleansing specialist working with some large and blue chip customers across the country.  Data8 hosts in excess of 370 million records which I am responsible for ensuring are kept upto date.
•	Helpdesk provision for both internal and external customers – receiving initial support request through to resolution.
•	Day to Day management of Active Directory and Exchange 2007 & 2010.
•	Extensive use of MS SQL & MySQL to manage large volumes of client data on behalf of very large companies in the UK and overseas.
•	Direct responsibility for handling the entire bureau function for all manually processed data jobs for customers ranging from small reseller customers to large organisations.
•	Liaising with both Customers & Suppliers.
•	Part of the strategic thinking team for identification and implementation of new technologies and Disaster Recovery Planning.
•	Worked within a basic SCRUM environment.
Extensive exposure to MS SQL Server 2000/2005/2008 - Designing of bespoke reporting tools to specific client requirements - MySQL - MS Exchange 2000/2007/2010 Administration - MS Dynamics CRM v4/2011 - HyperV - SCDPM 2010 - MS DFS.

Data8 Ltd

Client Services Manager/Tech Support

After joining the company as a Senior Account Manager responsible for managing client requirements of major tour operators to ensure distribution, fulfilment and data extraction/management needs, I was promoted to manage a new area of the business incorporating a direct mail function.  This promotion required me to design and implement systems for the new business including the development and implementation of bespoke reporting tools for the new, broader client base.
●	Client relationship management.  Managing communications on a regular basis with key clients to ensure smooth business relationships.
●	Training – provision of I.T training to all new members of staff & customers covering all internal systems and particularly the use of reporting tools.  On-going training on newly designed reports and systems to staff & customers.

Project Management experience:
o	Design and implementation of a new order processing system for use internally.
o	Creation of a large UK based Tour Operator's single customer view, and extraction of metrics to assist in driving the targeting of their marketing campaigns.

Technical experience: 
o	Day to Day management of Active Directory, Exchange 2000 & SQL Server 2000
o	Creation of client online reports using SSRS.
o	Crystal Reports
o	Expert use of Excel for Data Analysis and Data Interrogation.
●	Data Extraction – writing/designing reports using Excel, Access, SQL and Crystal Reports to ensure smooth and efficient flow of information.  The design of reports both for external reporting purposes to client, management information reporting and internal quality purposes.
●	Management of data imports/exports to ensure accuracy, error checking and data validation from client sources.
●	On-site client visits to demonstrate new reporting functions and to consult on the development of new reporting tools.
●	Managing and coaching a growing team including helping one member gain promotion within 6 months of joining the business.

Steve S.