Microsoft Defender Specialist (Contract)
Location: Dublin (Hybrid: 3 days in-office / 2 days remote)
Contract Duration: 12 months with the possibility of two renewals, up to 2 years in total
Full-time: 7.5 hours per day, Monday – Friday. Occasional additional hours may be required.
Start date: 1 December 2025.
Overview:
A Public Sector Client is seeking a Microsoft Defender Specialist to support their Cyber Security Unit. The role will involve working alongside the team to manage and optimise Microsoft Defender Suite environments and related security technologies across Local Authorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the implementation and management of Microsoft Defender Suite components, including:
* Defender for Endpoint
* Defender for Office 365
* Defender for Cloud Apps
* Defender for Identity
* Mobile Threat Defence
* Work across the broader Microsoft Security ecosystem: Intune, Endpoint Manager, Microsoft 365 Defender portal, Azure AD, and Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM).
* Perform security operations, incident detection, threat hunting, and analytics.
* Develop and maintain technical documentation, best-practice guidance, and use cases for Local Authorities.
* Assist with implementation of agreed security use cases at Local Authority level.
* Provide knowledge transfer and guidance to the Cyber Security Unit.
Mandatory Requirements:
* 5+ years' experience in Microsoft Defender Suite and related security technologies.
* Strong knowledge of Microsoft security ecosystem and cloud adoption frameworks.
* Hands-on experience with scripting and automation, particularly PowerShell and APIs.
* Relevant Microsoft security certifications (e.g., AZ-500, SC-100, SC-200, SC-300, SC-401).
* Degree or higher in Computer Science, IT, or a related discipline.
* Fluent in English.