Microsoft Defender Lead

Mnp Llp; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Group pension 4% matching

Wellness subsidy

Job summary

MNP Digital is seeking a Microsoft Defender Lead to architect, implement, and optimize Defender security across managed client environments in Canada. You will guide incident investigations, threat hunting, vulnerability management, and security architecture within a multi-tenant MSP setup.

The role requires deep Microsoft Defender expertise, strong troubleshooting, automation experience, and the ability to advise cross-functional teams, including Service Desk, Cloud, and Solution Architecture,

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of enterprise IT and cybersecurity experience.
• 5+ years of Microsoft security experience preferred.
• Experience in MSP or multi-tenant Microsoft environment.
• Strong Microsoft Intune knowledge.
• Advanced knowledge of KQL and PowerShell.
• Experience with Microsoft security APIs and automation.
• Experience performing security investigations.
• Understanding of Zero Trust principles.
• Ability to communicate security risks to technical and executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical SME for Microsoft Defender technologies.
• Provide advanced support and troubleshooting for Defender issues.
• Assist teams with escalated security incidents.
• Perform root-cause analysis of recurring issues.
• Develop permanent remediation strategies and runbooks.
• Design, implement, and optimize Defender solutions.
• Review and improve Defender configurations and standards.
• Support Defender onboarding and migration projects.
• Provide guidance for client environments.
• Maintain technical documentation and runbooks.
• Collaborate with Microsoft support on complex issues.

Skills

Microsoft Defender

KQL

PowerShell

Zero Trust

Threat Hunting

Security Investigations

Communication (tech to exec)

Education

ITIL v4 Foundation

SC-200

SC-300

SC-401

AZ-500

Tools

Intune

Sentinel

Purview

Entra ID

Automation APIs

Job description

What do you think of when you hear the name MNP? We are more than a prominent consulting firm in tax and accounting, we are redefining how organizations succeed in the digital age by bridging strategic vision, technical innovation, and operational execution to deliver transformative results.

Make an impact as we strengthen our Managed Services practice in the role of Microsoft Defender Lead. Join a diverse team of tech-savvy problem solvers dedicated to supporting clients across Canada with innovative collaboration technologies and scalable IT solutions. The ideal candidate would be the technical subject matter expert responsible for the design, implementation, administration, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of Microsoft Defender and Microsoft security solutions across managed client environments.

The Microsoft Defender Lead provides advanced technical expertise across the Microsoft Defender security portfolio, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Security Exposure Management, and related Microsoft security technologies. This role supports the design and operation of secure Microsoft environments and provides technical guidance to Service Desk, Infrastructure, Cloud, Security Operations, Project Delivery, Solution Architecture, and Client Account teams. They would be responsible for ensuring Microsoft security solutions are appropriately configured, monitored, maintained, licensed, and optimized. The role also provides advanced incident investigation, threat hunting, vulnerability management, security architecture, automation, and technical advisory services.

The ideal candidate also serves as a key technical escalation resource for complex Microsoft security issues and works directly with Microsoft when vendor escalation or advanced product support is required. They would also combine deep Microsoft security expertise, strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, automation experience, and a customer-focused mindset.

MNP Digital is Canada's leading consulting and technology partner, delivering innovative solutions that help organizations thrive in a rapidly changing world. Join a collaborative team that embraces innovation, values professional growth, and empowers you to make an impact.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical subject matter expert for Microsoft Defender technologies.
• Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting for complex Defender issues.
• Assist technical teams with escalated security incidents.
• Perform root-cause analysis of recurring security issues.
• Develop permanent remediation strategies.
• Design, implement, and optimize Defender solutions.
• Review existing Defender configurations and identify security improvements.
• Develop and maintain Microsoft Defender standards and best practices.
• Support Microsoft Defender onboarding and migration projects.
• Provide technical guidance for new and existing client environments.
• Maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and runbooks.
• Work with Microsoft support on complex product issues.

Skills and Experience

• 7–10+ years of experience in enterprise IT and cybersecurity.
• 5+ years of Microsoft security experience preferred.
• Experience working within an MSP or multi-tenant Microsoft environment.
• Strong Microsoft Intune knowledge.
• Advanced KQL knowledge.
• Advanced PowerShell knowledge.
• Experience with Microsoft security APIs and automation.
• Experience performing security investigations.
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust.
• Experience communicating security risks to technical and executive audiences.
• Microsoft Security Platform Integration
  • Microsoft Entra ID
  • Microsoft Intune
  • Microsoft Sentinel
  • Microsoft Purview
• Security Operations and Threat Hunting
• Vulnerability & Exposure Management
• Microsoft Security Licensing
• Microsoft Security Architecture
• Security Standards & Governance

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication (able to explain IT issues in non-technical terms).
• Customer service mindset with patience and empathy.
• Team player, able to collaborate with other Service Desk resources.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Strong time management.
• Understanding of the importance of detailed time tracking and recording.
• Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset.

Required Certifications:

• ITIL v4 Foundation
• Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
• Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)
• Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

Recommended Certification Track:

• Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)
• Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert (MS-102)
• Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

MyRewards@MNP

More than a paycheque, MNP is proud to offer customized rewards for our team members. With a focus on health and wealth, we provide an extensive list of benefits that support our unique culture and foster work-life integration.

Our MyRewards@MNP program offers benefits that allow you to thrive at work and outside of the office. Be rewarded with generous paid time off including 4 personal days, firm sponsored social events, a group pension plan with 4% matching contribution, voluntary savings products, bonus program eligibility, a wellness subsidy, health and dental benefits, mental health resources, exclusive access to perks and discounts, professional development assistance, learning opportunities through MNP University, a flexible ‘Dress For Your Day’ environment and more!

Diversity@MNP

We embrace diversity as a core value and celebrate our differences. We believe each team member contributes unique gifts and amplifying their potential makes our business stronger. We encourage people with disabilities to apply!