Senior Microsoft Specialist (M365 & Azure)

Qualification and Experience Required:

Matric and IT Degree / Diploma in Computer Science, IT Systems, Software Engineering, or relevant field. 6 years experience in infrastructure Microsoft Azure Cloud and extensive experience with core software applications, including Active Directory, Exchange, Skype, Netbackup, Veeam, VMware.
Windows Server, Microsoft Azure and M environment. Excellent software troubleshooting experience with Active Directory, Exchange, Netbackup, Veeam, VMware, Windows Server, hosted and on-premises servers. Extensive hardware troubleshooting on HP, Dell, Cisco, blades, EVA, and 3Par and other storage. Working knowledge of Windows Server operating systems. Strong technical skills. Knowledge of a wide range of hardware and software technologies and professional services solutions.

Key Performance Areas:

1. Azure Support: Troubleshoot and resolve issues in the Azure environment. Document all relevant changes to the design and process and keep design documents aligned. Support Cloud infrastructure. Ensure cloud devices are monitored and reported on. Implement all related Security measures to ensure good security scores are maintained. Ensure cloud computing design adheres to agreed requirements and scope.
2. M Support: Design, implement and support M applications and Services such as Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange Online including any connectivity, application and performance issues. Install any upgrades, feature packs. Maintain any required design, configuration and process documentation where applicable. Implement all related Security measures to ensure good security scores are maintained. Ensure cloud applications are monitored and reported on.
3. Active Directory and Azure AD: Active Directory support, implementation, and design services for Microsoft Active Directory (on-premises and cloud-based) and Windows-based systems across the enterprise, including directory and identity management solutions. Apply new solutions through research and collaboration with the team and determine course of action for new application initiatives. Implement new software solutions as required by the business. This role requires an in-depth knowledge of Active Directory, Federation, Windows Server, Windows security, AD Proxy, Virtual Directory solutions, Azure, and M related technologies. Produce enterprise-level designs for on-premises and Azure Active Directory for global initiatives following those through implementation via collaboration with project and support teams. Own Root Cause Analysis and Problem Management for corporate AD environments. Install, configure, and maintain Active Directory and third-party software utilities for hardware systems within company operational guidelines. Experience working with Microsoft Identity technologies including Active Directory and Group Policies. Expert knowledge in administering Active Directory (AD) and GPOs. Expert knowledge of AD, ADFS, and PKI. Expert knowledge of DNS, DHCP, WINS, DFS. Knowledge of various Identity Management Solutions. Understanding of monitoring best practices, within multi-forest AD environments. Workable experience on LAN / WAN / Firewall / VPN network technologies. Develop, document, and enforce the standards, security procedures, and controls for access to ensure integrity of the Windows Systems, Active Directory, and related systems. Knowledge of server virtualization technologies, preferably VMware and/or Microsoft technologies.
4. MS Exchange and Exchange Online: Responsible for the design, development, implementation, and optimization of the Microsoft Exchange Environment. Provide strong technical, analytical and communications skills for the management and administration of hosted Exchange environments. Day-to-day system administration includes monitoring of systems, security, performance, and backup/restore and configuration changes. Troubleshoot incidents, determine root causes, and find/implement solutions for email-related problems.
5. Operational Support: Design and deploy new applications and enhancements to existing Core applications, software, and operating systems for customers. Gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of existing systems; develop and implement strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems. Integrate servers, including e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated software into enterprise systems. Ensure system connectivity of all servers, shared software, Core Technologies, and other applications. Create and maintain documentation as it relates to system configuration, mapping, processes, and service records. Ensure compatibility and interoperability of in-house computing systems. Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure system-related products and services. Perform routine system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems, and key processes. Create and maintain system documentation for domain technologies, including installation, configuration, and appropriate troubleshooting steps. Improve existing processes through solutions to recurring problems and enhancements to existing solutions or documentation. Provide training as required.
6. Customer Experience: Adhere to Customer / Business SLAs. Manage customer satisfaction through effectively communicating and managing customer expectations.
7. Manage Human Resources: Collaborate with technical staff to ensure smooth and reliable operation of software and systems for fulfilling business objectives and processes.
8. Reporting and Continuous Improvement: Propose and create system design models, specifications, diagrams, and charts to provide direction to back office teams. Work with executive team members, decision makers, and stakeholders to define customers' requirements and systems goals, and to identify and resolve customer systems issues. Perform Capacity reporting on systems. Identify opportunities to innovate, extend and enhance service delivery everywhere possible.
9. Evaluate and Improve: Evaluate new software releases and products. Ensure regular updates, plan future rollouts. Involved in and planning of high availability health checks and regular failover tests.