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鈥檚 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 2016 to 2025, 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).