Senior Azure Administrator

Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Version 1 has several strategic technology partners including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems and Snowflake. We're also an award-winning employer reflecting how employees are at the heart of Version 1. 

We've been awarded: Innovation Partner of the Year Winner 2023 Oracle EMEA Partner Awards, Global Microsoft Modernising Applications Partner of the Year Award 2023, AWS Collaboration Partner of the Year - EMEA 2023 and Best Workplaces for Women by Great Place To Work in UK and Ireland 2023. 

As a consultancy and service provider, Version 1 is a digital-first environment and we do things differently. We're focused on our core values; using these we've seen significant growth across our practices and our Digital, Data and Cloud team is preparing for the next phase of expansion. This creates new opportunities for driven and skilled individuals to join one of the fastest-growing consultancies globally. 

Role Overview

The Senior Azure Administrator will play a pivotal role in managing, maintaining, and optimising our cloud infrastructure on Microsoft Azure, whilst also supporting our on-premise environments. This is a hands-on technical position that demands strong expertise in cloud technologies as well as a solid foundation in traditional on-premise platforms including VMWare and Citrix. The successful candidate will ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of our IT systems, working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver robust solutions supporting business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage Azure cloud infrastructure, including resource provisioning, monitoring, and optimisation.
• Administer on-premise environments, primarily utilising VMWare for virtualisation and Citrix for application and desktop delivery.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform regular maintenance to ensure high availability and security.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts for deployment, configuration management, and ongoing operations.
• Operating within a structured environment such as ITIL and ISO 20000 IT Service Management. This will also include documentation such as development of designs, processes and procedures
• Collaborate with development, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration between cloud and on-premise systems.
• Implement and enforce security policies, compliance standards, and backup strategies across both cloud and on-premise platforms.
• Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, procedures, and incident management.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance infrastructure efficiency and reliability.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven experience (7+ years) in administering Microsoft Azure environments, including IaaS, PaaS, networking, and security components.
• Strong hands-on experience with VMWare vSphere, ESXi, and vCentre for virtualisation management.
• In-depth knowledge of Citrix technologies, such as Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, Citrix ADC, and related infrastructure.
• Proficiency in PowerShell, Azure CLI, or similar scripting languages for automation and configuration management.
• Solid understanding of networking principles, firewalls, VPNs, and identity management across hybrid environments.
• Experience with monitoring tools and IT service management platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Skills:

• Proficiency in Azure administration and management.
• Experience with infrastructure as code (IaC) tools, specifically Terraform.
• Strong understanding of cloud security best practices.
• Ability to automate cloud deployments and manage resources using Terraform.
• Familiarity with Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Desirable Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or higher.
• VMWare Certified Professional (VCP) or equivalent certification.
• Citrix Certified Associate/Professional certifications.
• Experience with cloud migration projects and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and tools.

At Version 1, we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their well-being, professional growth, and financial stability. 

One of our standout advantages is the ability to work with a hybrid schedule along with business travel, allowing our employees to strike a balance between work and life. We also offer a range of tech-related benefits, including an innovative Tech Scheme to help keep our team members up-to-date with the latest technology. 

We prioritise the health and safety of our employees, providing private medical and life insurance coverage, as well as free eye tests and contributions towards glasses. Our team members can also stay ahead of the curve with incentivized certifications and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat. 

Our employee-designed Profit Share scheme divides a portion of our company's profits each quarter amongst employees. We are dedicated to helping our employees reach their full potential, offering Pathways Career Development Quarterly, a programme designed to support professional growth.