Job description
Active Directory SME
Location: Wokingham (Office-based)
Day Rate: £484.50 (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6 months
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Active Directory SME / Infrastructure Engineer to join a leading enterprise environment. This role requires deep expertise across Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure Entra ID, and virtualisation platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V.
You will be responsible for maintaining the stability, security, and performance of critical infrastructure systems, working closely with internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless operations across a complex IT landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Server Administration
1. Troubleshoot OS-related issues, including unexpected restarts, performance degradation, and system bottlenecks
2. Manage user access and permissions
3. Oversee server commissioning and decommissioning
4. Perform patching and vulnerability remediation
5. Execute backup and restoration activities using approved tools
6. Ensure high availability and operational stability of Windows environments
Active Directory & Azure Entra ID
7. Administer Active Directory (users, groups, and organisational units)
8. Configure and maintain Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
9. Manage DNS records, troubleshooting, and maintenance
10. Administer DHCP scopes, reservations, and configurations
11. Manage FTP services on Windows platforms
12. Oversee SSL certificate lifecycle management (issuance, renewal, revocation)
13. Deploy and manage Azure services, including Logic Apps and related components
Virtualisation (VMware / Hyper-V)
14. Maintain and monitor virtual infrastructure health
15. Create and configure virtual machines, including optimisation of resources
16. Manage snapshots, load balancing, and troubleshooting
17. Conduct performance assessments and environment health checks
18. Configure and manage HA/DRS clusters for resilience and failover
19. Administer virtual networking, storage, and data stores
20. Install and onboard ESXi/ESX hosts
21. Support Hyper-V environments where applicable
Vendor Management
22. Act as the primary liaison for Microsoft, VMware, and other vendors
23. Coordinate incident resolution, escalations, and support requests
24. Ensure timely communication and resolution of infrastructure issues
Essential Skills & Experience
25. 8+ years’ experience in infrastructure engineering or a similar role
26. Strong expertise in Windows Server administration
27. Extensive experience with Active Directory and Azure Entra ID
28. Proven experience managing VMware or Hyper-V environments
29. Strong knowledge of DNS, DHCP, and core networking principles
30. Experience with patch management, vulnerability remediation, and backup/restore processes
31. Hands-on experience with SSL certificate management
32. Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
33. Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, enterprise environments
34. Strong communication skills with experience working across technical teams and vendors
Desirable Skills & Experience
35. Experience administering FTP services on Windows
36. Knowledge of Azure services and cloud-based infrastructure
37. Understanding of enterprise security best practices
38. Familiarity with large-scale, highly regulated environments (e.g. utilities, finance)