VMware Horizon Specialist

LA International; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global ICT Recruitment and Consultancy firm is seeking a VMware Horizon Specialist to assess and upgrade the existing VMware Horizon environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing upgrades, optimizing the infrastructure, and applying security standards. This role requires hands-on experience with VMware products and a strong focus on documentation and training for the IT team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with VMware Horizon upgrades and configurations.
• Strong understanding of VDI environments.
• Knowledge of CIS security standards.

Responsibilities

• Review the current VMware Horizon infrastructure.
• Plan and execute upgrades to VMware Horizon.
• Implement CIS Level 2 hardening for security.

Skills

VMware Horizon

VMware ESXi

vCenter

Windows 11

CIS Level 2 hardening

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a VMware Horizon Specialist to help us assess and upgrade our existing VMware Horizon environment to the latest version, Omnissa Horizon. The role involves planning and executing the upgrade of VMware ESXi and vCenter components as necessary, optimisation, DEM, updating VDI clients to Windows 11 with the latest Microsoft Office suite, and implementing CIS Level 2 hardening across the environment. This project will be conducted in a secure, offline setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Review the current VMware Horizon Infrastructure, including ESXi hosts and vCenter Server.
• Plan, test, and execute the upgrade to the latest Omnissa Horizon, ensuring compatibility and minimal downtime; AppVolumes; DEM etc.
• Upgrade VMware ESXi and vCenter components if required to support the new Horizon version.
• Update VDI clients to Windows 11 and install the latest version of Microsoft Office.
• Ensure DEM is correctly configured and working.
• Implement CIS Level 2 hardening for VMware Horizon, Windows 11 VDIs, and Microsoft Office in an offline environment.
• Document all procedures, configurations, and changes made during the upgrade process.

Project Scope

1. Assessment Phase:
   • Evaluate the existing VMware Horizon environment, including ESXi hosts and vCenter Server.
   • Identify components requiring upgrades to support the latest version.
2. Planning Phase:
   • Develop a comprehensive upgrade plan, including timelines and rollback procedures.
   • Ensure all necessary resources and approvals are in place for the upgrade.
3. Testing Phase:
   • Test the full upgrade process in the various Reference Test Environments.
   • Capture and resolve any issues encountered during testing prior to production rollout.
   • Optimisation.
4. Upgrade Phase:
   • Upgrade VMware ESXi hosts and vCenter Server as needed.
   • Support operations in installing and configuring the latest version.
   • Perform system and application testing to confirm performance and functionality.
5. VDI Client Update Phase:
   • Upgrade all VDI clients to Windows 11.
   • Install the latest version of Microsoft Office on all VDI clients.
   • Verify application and system functionality post-upgrade.
6. Security Hardening Phase:
   • Apply CIS Level 2 benchmarks to VMware Horizon components.
   • Implement CIS Level 2 hardening for Windows 11 VDIs and Microsoft Office.
   • Conduct security audits to confirm compliance with CIS standards.
7. Documentation and Handover:
   • Compile detailed documentation of the upgrade process, configurations, and security measures implemented.
   • Provide training and support to the IT team for ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting.

Deliverables

• Upgraded VMware Horizon environment to the latest supportable version.
• Updated ESXi hosts and vCenter Server, if applicable.
• VDI clients running Windows 11 with the latest Microsoft Office suite.
• CIS Level 2 hardening applied across the environment.
• Comprehensive documentation, training and handover materials.

Company Information

LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.