Cloud & modern workplace
Hybrid environments, Microsoft 365 migrations and endpoint management, connecting people with the tools they need to work effectively.
Microsoft 365 · Azure · Intune · Jamf
IT consultancy · Infrastructure · Cloud
Kristian
Watson.
IT Consultant & Solutions Engineer
I help organisations turn business challenges into practical technical solutions — bringing together hands-on expertise, clear communication and ownership from design to delivery.
Based in County Durham, United Kingdom
10+ yearsin IT support & infrastructure
Business-focused thinkingTechnical decisions grounded in real needs
End-to-end deliveryFrom solution design through to handover
People-first communicationConfidence across technical and business teams
01 / Expertise
Connecting the
whole picture.
My background spans client-facing consultancy, infrastructure projects and complex technical escalations. I work across the systems organisations rely on, with an emphasis on reliability, security and making technology easier to use and support.
Networking & security
Multi-vendor network design and deployment, including SD-WAN, wireless and secure connectivity across business locations.
Cisco & Meraki · Fortinet · Aruba · Ubiquiti · Sophos
Infrastructure & operations
Server and virtualisation platforms, complex incident resolution and the documentation and mentoring that keep teams effective.
Windows Server · Active Directory · VMware vSphere · Nimble Storage
In practice
Experience that
goes beyond the stack.
Good delivery means understanding the problem, bringing people along and leaving a solution that others can confidently operate.
Cloud & network project delivery
Led projects at Waterstons from design through implementation and handover, including Azure networking, Microsoft 365 migrations and Meraki SD-WAN deployments.
Complex incidents & technical leadership
At Fairstone, I provide third-line escalation support, manage major incidents through to resolution and mentor colleagues through demanding technical issues.
Business telephony
Responsible for Teams Voice provisioning, migration and support at Fairstone, building on previous experience implementing and managing 3CX VoIP solutions.
Client relationships & knowledge sharing
Worked with enterprise and SME clients as a trusted consultant, alongside producing technical documentation, stakeholder training and knowledge articles.
02 / Experience
A career built
on solving problems.
From frontline support in critical public-sector environments to consultancy and senior technical roles, each step has broadened both my technical perspective and the way I work with people.
Jan 2026 — Present
3rd Line Support Current
Fairstone Group
Complex escalations across a hybrid Azure environment, major incident management, Teams Voice administration and support for Microsoft 365 and Intune. Mentoring junior colleagues, deputising for the Service Desk lead and supporting offices across the UK and Ireland.
Dec 2021 — Dec 2025
Solutions Engineer · Consultancy
Waterstons
Infrastructure, networking and cloud consultancy for enterprise and SME clients. Project ownership from solution design to handover across Microsoft, Cisco, Fortinet and VMware environments.
Aug 2017 — Dec 2021
Support Engineer · 2nd / 3rd Line
Evolve Group
Advanced support, high-severity incidents and technical projects. Networking and end-user computing deployments, virtualisation and storage, VoIP, remote desktop services and datacentre and IaaS support.
Aug 2015 — Aug 2017
Support Technician
Wellbeing Software
Installation and support of clinical reporting software in NHS environments, with reporting, QA testing and internal infrastructure support.
Mar 2013 — Aug 2015
1st / 2nd Line Support
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
IT support for NHS and Ministry of Justice clients. Progressed to second-line support, resolving escalations and troubleshooting within SLA-driven environments.
03 / Development
Certifications & training
Microsoft AZ-900Microsoft MD-102Cisco Certified Support TechnicianMeraki Networking AssociateCisco SMB EngineerJamf Certified AssociateISC2 Certified in CybersecuritySophos MDR02UniFi Wireless Admin
Education
BSc (Hons) Applied ComputingNorthumbria University · 2011–2012
Foundation Degree in Computing & NetworkingNew College Durham · 2009–2011
IT & Systems SupportBTEC Level 3 / City & Guilds Advanced Diploma
Bishop Auckland College · 2007–2009
Bishop Auckland College · 2007–2009
Open to the right opportunity
A new challenge.
The right fit.
I’m open to permanent, full-time opportunities where I can stay hands-on, solve meaningful technical problems and continue developing my expertise.
Microsoft 365 security & identityModern workplace & IntuneCloud & infrastructure engineeringNetwork security & technical operationsTechnical consultancy
How I’m looking to work
- Remote or local hybrid
- UK remote roles, or hybrid opportunities within commuting reach of Spennymoor and Durham.
- Occasional travel further afield
- Remote-first roles with limited monthly office visits in locations accessible by rail from Durham. For London, typically one or two days per month; regular weekly travel outside my local area isn’t a fit.
- A technical career path
- Hands-on engineering or consultancy, with scope for technical ownership, collaboration and mentoring, rather than direct people management.
Beyond technology.
Outside work, I play guitar in a local covers band and perform stand-up comedy at open-mic events. Music and performance give me another way to collaborate, communicate and connect with people.
Start a conversation
Let’s connect.
For professional enquiries or a copy of my CV, get in touch.