Contract Microsoft Systems Administrator

About Our Client Our client is a rapidly growing, leading-edge technology firm that relies on a robust and secure IT infrastructure to maintain its competitive advantage. They prioritize technical expertise and operational excellence in a fast-paced, collaborative culture. Joining them means your role is essential to supporting their global network of users and ensuring the high availability and reliability of their critical business applications. The Opportunity The Microsoft Systems Administrator is responsible for the design, configuration, installation, maintenance, and security of the organization's Microsoft Windows server infrastructure and related systems, including Active Directory and Microsoft 365 services. This role is critical for ensuring the high availability, optimal performance, and stability of the entire enterprise IT environment. Department: Information Technology (IT) Reports To: IT Manager or Director of Infrastructure Job Type: Full-Time, Long-Term Contract What You Will Do You will be the backbone of our enterprise infrastructure, executing critical tasks to ensure stability and security: Engineer and Optimize: Design, configure, and maintain the performance and security of all Windows Server OS and virtualization platforms (Hyper?V/VMware). Automate Everything: Use PowerShell scripting to develop automation routines for administrative tasks, system deployments, and configuration management, driving efficiency across the IT environment. Manage Identity: Maintain expert control over Active Directory (AD DS), including GPOs and replication, while administering cloud identity services in Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) and implementing Conditional Access and MFA. Ensure Availability: Perform routine and emergency maintenance, patching, and upgrades with minimal business disruption, while continually monitoring system performance and capacity. Protect the Enterprise: Implement robust security configurations and best practices, and actively manage and test our enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions (BDR). Support Cloud Services: Administer and support all core Microsoft 365 services (Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams) and assist in the planning and migration of services to Microsoft Azure. Who You Are Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Minimum of 35 years of progressive experience in Windows Systems Administration in an enterprise environment. Deep expertise in Windows Server OS (2016 and newer). Strong working knowledge of Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity management. Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and administrative tasks. Experience with server virtualization technologies (Hyper?V or VMware). Experience administering Microsoft 365/Exchange Online. Familiarity with network protocols and services (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs). Excellent analytical and problem?solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues under pressure. Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and end?user support. Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage project timelines effectively. Preferred Qualifications (Bonus) Certifications: Relevant Microsoft certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate or Azure Administrator Associate). Config Management: Experience with configuration management tools like SCCM/MECM or Intune. Storage/Backup: Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS) and enterprise?level backup software (e.g., Veeam, Commvault). Why Join the Team? This is a chance to step into a high?impact role where you will own and modernize the entire enterprise Microsoft infrastructure. By joining us, you will be responsible for the core stability and security of our systems, actively contributing to the design and maintenance of Windows Servers, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365. You will gain invaluable experience driving the company's transition to the cloud through Azure and Entra ID (Azure AD) initiatives, all while honing your skills in PowerShell automation. This position offers high visibility and an environment committed to technical excellence, ensuring your continued professional growth as an infrastructure expert. #J-18808-Ljbffr