Lead Consultant

Job Description Inviting applications for the role of Lead Consultant - Exchange Administrator The Microsoft Exchange Administrator will be responsible for the design, configuration, maintenance, and support of Exchange and Microsoft 365 (M365) messaging environments. This includes managing hybrid deployments, ensuring mail flow continuity, enforcing security compliance, and supporting end-user messaging needs. The role requires deep technical knowledge of Exchange Online, Exchange Server, PowerShell scripting, and related Microsoft 365 services. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in managing enterprise-scale Exchange environments and ensuring high availability, data integrity, and security compliance across the messaging ecosystem. Responsibilities Exchange Administration & Management - Administer and maintain Microsoft Exchange Server (on-premises) and Exchange Online (M365) environments. - Manage mailboxes, distribution lists, shared mailboxes, public folders, and resource mailboxes. - Ensure optimal mail flow, routing, and message delivery across hybrid or cloud-only environments. - Perform capacity planning, performance tuning, and load balancing to maintain system health and stability. - Implement and maintain Exchange DAGs (Database Availability Groups) and other high-availability configurations. - Manage SMTP connectors, transport rules, and mail flow policies. M365 & Hybrid Environment Management - Support Exchange Online migrations, coexistence, and hybrid configurations (Exchange Online + On-prem). - Administer M365 tenant-level settings, including user provisioning, licensing, and retention policies. - Integrate Exchange with other M365 services such as Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint Online. - Maintain and configure Azure AD Connect for directory synchronization in hybrid environments. Security, Compliance & Governance - Implement and manage Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and Defender for Office 365 for spam, phishing, and malware protection. - Configure and monitor Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Message Encryption, Retention, and Compliance policies. - Manage authentication protocols (OAuth, SAML, MFA) and enforce access control best practices. - Monitor and respond to security alerts, audit logs, and compliance reports. Troubleshooting & Support - Provide L2/L3 support for complex messaging-related incidents, mail flow issues, and performance problems. - Troubleshoot Outlook connectivity, autodiscover, and mobile (ActiveSync) issues. - Analyze and resolve delivery failures (NDRs), queue backlogs, and SMTP relay errors. - Coordinate with Microsoft support for escalations and critical issue resolution. Monitoring, Maintenance & Automation - Monitor system performance and service health using Exchange Admin Center, M365 Admin Center, and PowerShell scripts. - Automate routine tasks using PowerShell scripting (e.g., reporting, mailbox management, compliance checks). - Plan and execute patch management, version upgrades, and cumulative updates. - Maintain backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies for messaging systems. Collaboration & Documentation - Collaborate with security, network, and cloud operations teams on integrations and incident response. - Maintain up-to-date technical documentation, including configurations, processes, and SOPs. - Participate in change management, incident reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications we seek in you Minimum Qualifications - Relevant years of experience in Exchange Server administration and Microsoft 365 messaging. - Strong hands-on expertise in Exchange Server 2016/2019 and Exchange Online. - Experience managing hybrid Exchange environments and migrations to M365. - Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and administration tasks. - Deep understanding of DNS, SMTP, Autodiscover, and mail routing principles. - Knowledge of Exchange Online Protection (EOP), Defender for Office 365, and compliance configurations. - Strong troubleshooting skills for Outlook client, transport, and connectivity issues. - Familiarity with identity and access management (Azure AD, SSO, MFA). - Excellent communication and documentation skills. Preferred Qualifications/ Skills - Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate (MS-203). - ITIL Foundation Certification. - Experience with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, and Intune integration. - Familiarity with third-party migration tools (Quest, BitTitan, etc.). - Experience with Exchange Online Archiving (EOA) and Hybrid Modern Authentication (HMA). - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. - High ownership mindset and customer-oriented approach - ITIL Foundation Certified - - - - - -