Role Overview and Purpose
This is a technical role responsible for the configuration, administration, and maintenance of IT servers and services hosted within Microsoft Azure and private data centres. Acting as a subject matter expert, this role will ensure the reliability, performance, and security of core infrastructure platformsincluding Windows Server setup, file servers, domain controllers, and Group Policy managementsupporting the organisation’s digital operations and transformation initiatives. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Modern Workplace, Networking, Security, Software Development, and Service Desk, to deliver high-quality, resilient, and secure services. This role is also responsible for managing incident escalations, leading on Problem Management, and driving operational excellence and continuous improvement within the Systems Administration domain.
Key Responsibilities
* Configure, administer, and maintain core IT services, systems, and applications across Microsoft Azure and private data centre environments, ensuring availability, performance, and compliance with security best practices.
* Proactively monitor, tune, and optimise system resources and configurations to achieve optimal service health and minimise downtime. Apply updates, patches, and upgrades as required.
* Azure SSO Management: Implement, configure, and maintain Azure Single Sign-On (SSO) services to facilitate secure authentication and seamless integration with third-party SaaS providers, ensuring streamlined access for users while adhering to organisational security standards.
* Configure, deploy, and manage Azure Application Service Plans to ensure scalable and cost-effective hosting environments for web applications, optimising performance and resource allocation based on organisational requirements.
* Design, implement, and administer Azure Gatewaysincluding Application Gateway to enable secure, high-availability access to applications and services, leveraging features such as SSL offloading, web application firewall, and network routing.
* Set up and maintain Azure Load Balancers to distribute network traffic efficiently across multiple resources, ensuring high availability, fault tolerance, and seamless user experience for critical workloads.
* Implement, configure, and maintain services to support efficient, robust, and secure Microsoft Hybrid environmentsincluding deployment and management of Azure AD Connect and related hybrid identity solutionsto ensure seamless integration and synchronisation between on-premises Active Directory and Azure Cloud platforms, enabling unified authentication, directory services, and operational continuity.
* Design, implement, configure, and maintain a hybrid file services solution leveraging virtual machines within Azure running Microsoft Distributed File System (DFS), integrated with Azure File Sync Services and Azure Storage. This involves the deployment and management of DFS namespaces and replication across on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring seamless file access, high availability, and synchronised data across locations. Optimise sync performance, monitor health, and proactively resolve issues to deliver a resilient, scalable, and secure hybrid storage platform.
* Contribute to the design, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of robust backup and restore processes, including regular testing to ensure data integrity and recoverability across both cloud and on-premises environments.
* Play a key role in the design, configuration, and testing of disaster recovery solutions, ensuring the organisation is prepared for rapid recovery and continuity in the event of major incidents or outages.
* Provide expert support for Microsoft Windows Servers, including the setup and maintenance of file servers, domain controllers, Active Directory and Group Policy management, ensuring robust security and reliable service delivery across the organisation.
* Act as an escalation point for complex incidents impacting systems infrastructure. Conduct advanced troubleshooting to rapidly diagnose and resolve technical issues, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders throughout resolution.
* Lead\participate in root cause analysis for recurring or high-impact incidents. Develop and implement robust solutions to prevent issue recurrence, documenting fixes and lessons learned for knowledge sharing across the IT function.
* Work closely with teams across Modern Workplace, Networking, Security, Software Development, and Service Desk to deliver cohesive solutions, support project rollouts, and ensure seamless integration of platforms and services.
* Cloud Platform Management: Design, deploy, and manage resources within Microsoft Azure, including virtual machines, storage, networking, identity, and platform-as-a-service offerings. Ensure secure, scalable, and resilient cloud infrastructure aligned to architectural standards and organisational needs.
* Support and maintain on-premises infrastructure, integrating with cloud services where appropriate. Manage core systems such as servers, storage, backup, authentication, and virtualisation platforms.
* Implement and maintain security controls and monitoring, working with the Security team to ensure systems are hardened, compliant with regulatory requirements, and aligned to industry best practices.
* Drive automation of routine tasks using PowerShell, Azure automation, or equivalent scripting tools to improve operational efficiency and reduce human error.
* Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, process guides, and runbooks. Contribute to training and workshops to build capability within the team and wider IT function.
* Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities to enhance system performance, security, and service delivery. Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and industry trends, and recommend solutions to drive innovation within IT operations.
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
* Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
* Relevant professional certifications, such as:
o Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
o Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
o VMware Certified Professional, or other relevant certifications
Or, minimum 5 years’ experience in IT Systems Engineering, within hybrid cloud/on-premises environments.
Proven expertise in configuring and supporting Microsoft Azure services and solutions.
Strong working knowledge of server, storage, networking, and virtualisation technologies.
Experience collaborating with cross-functional IT teams and managing escalated technical incidents.
Background in implementing security controls, monitoring, and compliance within enterprise environments.
Proficiency with automation and scripting (PowerShell, Terraform, Bicep, Python, or similar).
Essential Attributes
* Demonstrated ability to manage complex technical environments and resolve high-impact issues efficiently.
* The ability to work independently to resolve complex issues effectively
* Excellent analytical, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills.
* Strong communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
* Collaborative approach, able to build effective relationships with colleagues across IT disciplines.
* Customer service focus and strong stakeholder management.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines autonomously and as part of a team.
* Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with technological advancements.
Other Details
* The postholder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the role and working hours as reasonably required by the company.
* This is a description of the job as it is at present. However, the Company may periodically review your job description and update it to ensure that it relates to the job as when being performed. It is the Company's aim to reach agreement on reasonable changes, but if agreement is not possible the Company reserves the right to insist on changes to your job description, after consultation with you.