Active Directory SME

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 skilled Windows, Active Directory, and Virtualization Engineer with strong experience across Microsoft, Azure, and VMware/Hyper-V platforms. The ideal candidate will be responsible for administering Windows Servers, managing identity services, maintaining virtualization infrastructure, and ensuring the stability, security, and performance of enterprise systems. This role requires strong troubleshooting capabilities, hands-on operational expertise, and effective collaboration with vendors and cross-functional teams.

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 life cycle 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

Essential Skills:

• 8+ years of experience in IT infrastructure/support environments
• Strong expertise in:
  • Windows Server Administration
  • Active Directory & Azure Entra ID
  • DNS & DHCP
  • VMware/Hyper-V virtualization
• Experience in:
  • Patch management & vulnerability remediation
  • Backup and restore processes
  • SSL certificate management
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Experience handling major incidents (P1/P2) in enterprise environments
• Ability to:
  • Restore critical services quickly and safely
  • Work with cross-functional technical teams
  • Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and incident reviews
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in enterprise/utility/regulated environments
• Strong understanding of infrastructure, networking, and security best practices
• Vendor management and coordination experience
• Proactive mindset with focus on continuous improvement

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.