Job Description Overview: We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Infrastructure Architect to support a strategic client engagement.
The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of ICT delivery experience, including 10+ years in infrastructure architecture, with deep expertise across Microsoft technologies, Citrix, virtualization, storage, backup, and cloud platforms.
This role will focus on reviewing and enhancing the client's Microsoft ecosystem, both on-premises and in the cloud, ensuring alignment with best practices and optimal value from existing support contracts.
Key Responsibilities: Microsoft Ecosystem Architecture Optimization Lead architecture, design, planning, and build of a new Hyper-V cluster managed via SCVMM, including deployment approach and operational playbooks.
Review and enhance Active Directory Tiered Model with high-level implementation plans.
Guide migration from Windows Server **** to ****, including server hardening.
Create playbooks for maximizing value from Microsoft Unified Support, including escalation and severity management processes.
Evaluate current O365/M365 deployment and provide cost-benefit analysis for Entra licensing tiers .
Review and recommend improvements for Exchange (on-prem/online), including public folders.
Citrix Virtualization Provide architectural input and recommendations for Citrix environments, ensuring integration with Microsoft platforms.
Support resilient networking and integration of Windows servers with SAN-based block storage .
Tooling, Automation Operational Excellence Review current tooling/scripting for AD management and recommend commercial/open-source alternatives.
Recommend tooling/processes for improved visibility and response to service/security events.
Provide guidance on automation opportunities for change management, inventory/configuration, and compliance reporting.
Formulate formalized change processes and playbooks to minimize production environment disruption.
Security, Resilience Recovery Review and enhance endpoint security, high availability, and business continuity strategies.
Recommend improvements for backup and restoration of critical Windows environments including Active Directory and Entra ID .
Suggest tooling/processes for asset/inventory management and monitoring across the Microsoft/Azure estate.
Recommend routine health check processes (e.g., ADRAP ).
Qualifications Education : Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field.
Experience : 15+ years in ICT delivery, with 10+ years in infrastructure architecture.
Certifications (preferred): Microsoft 365 Certified Administrator Expert Microsoft Certified Cybersecurity Architect Expert Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect Expert VMware Certified Professional (VCP) Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) Technical Expertise: Windows Server **********), Active Directory, SQL Server System Centre (SCVMM, SCOM, SCCM), Hyper-V SAN technologies (EMC, PURE, HPE, NetApp) Backup solutions (NetBackup, Commvault, VEEAM) Exchange (on-prem/online), Office 365, Entra ID Citrix, Co-Pilot, Azure (Public Cloud) Integration of Windows servers with SAN block storage Resilient networking of Windows servers Soft Skills: Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders Leadership and mentoring capabilities Analytical thinking and problem-solving Ability to work under pressure and manage complex change processes Additional Information Why Version 1?
At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.
Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits.
Strong Career Progression mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people's individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance.
Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme.
Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more.
Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
Reward schemes including Version 1's Annual Excellence Awards 'Call-Out' platform.
Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes.
And many more exciting benefits... drop us a note to find out more.
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