Active Directory SME
Our client, a leading global supplier for IT services, requires Active Directory SME to be based at their client’s office in Wokingham, UK.
This is a fully onsite role
This is a 6+ month temporary contract to start asap
Day rate: Competitive Market rate
Our client is seeking a highly experienced Infrastructure Engineer with strong expertise in Windows Server administration and enterprise identity management. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of Active Directory, Azure Entra (Azure AD), DNS, DHCP, and virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V.
The successful individual will be responsible for managing complex server estates, resolving OS-level issues, overseeing identity and access management operations, and ensuring the stability and performance of virtualized environments. A solid background in patch management, vulnerability remediation, backup and restore procedures, and SSL certificate lifecycle management is essential.
The role requires excellent troubleshooting capabilities, strong attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors within fast-paced, enterprise-scale environments.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Server Administration
- Troubleshoot operating system-related issues such as unexpected restarts, server slowness, and performance bottlenecks.
- Perform user and access management tasks.
- Handle server commissioning and decommissioning processes.
- Perform Windows Vulnerability Mitigation and Patch Management.
- Conduct backup and restoration operations using approved tools and protocols.
- Ensure high availability and operational stability of Windows Server environments.
Active Directory & Azure Entra Management
- Manage Active Directory including user, group, and OU administration.
- Maintain and configure Group Policies (GPOs) to ensure compliance and system consistency.
- Perform DNS record creation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Manage DHCP scopes, reservations, and configurations.
- Administer FTP services on Windows platforms.
- Handle SSL certificate issuance, renewal, and lifecycle management.
- Manage Azure services, including deploying resources such as Logic Apps and related components.
Virtualization (VMware / Hyper‑V) Administration
- Maintain and monitor overall VMware infrastructure health.
- Perform VM creation, configuration enhancements, and resource optimization.
- Manage snapshots, load distribution, and day‑to‑day VM troubleshooting.
- Conduct environment health checks and performance assessments.
- Set up and manage HA‑DRS clusters, ensuring system resilience and failover readiness.
- Manage vNetworking, data stores, and storage allocation.
- Install, configure, and onboard new ESXi/ESX hosts into the environment.
- Coordinate with VMware or Hyper‑V vendors to resolve issues and plan upgrades.
Vendor Coordination
- Act as the primary liaison for Microsoft, VMware, and other infrastructure vendors.
- Coordinate troubleshooting, escalations, and support requests.
- Ensure timely resolution of issues and communication with internal stakeholders.
Key Requirements
- Minimum 8+ years of experience managing high-impact IT incidents affecting critical business services
- Proven experience as a Major Incident Manager within large enterprise or utility environments
- Strong background in Active Directory Administration and Azure Entra ID
- Solid experience with Windows Server Management
- Hands-on knowledge of VMware or Hyper-V virtualization platforms
- Good understanding of DNS and DHCP services
- Experience supporting FTP (Windows-based environments)
- Strong understanding of server infrastructure, networking fundamentals, and enterprise security best practices
- Demonstrated ability to manage Severity 1 and Severity 2 incidents in fast-paced environments
- Experience coordinating cross-functional technical teams to diagnose and resolve complex infrastructure issues
- Ability to lead major incident calls, provide clear stakeholder communications, and drive resolution under pressure
- Conduct post-incident reviews (deep-dive/root cause analysis) and identify preventative actions
- Track and ensure completion of follow-up and corrective actions with respective teams
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving mindset with strong attention to detail
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage both technical teams and senior stakeholders
Due to the volume of applications received, unfortunately we cannot respond to everyone.
If you do not hear back from us within 7 days of sending your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.
Please do keep an eye on our website https://projectrecruit.com/jobs/ for future roles.
