Job description
Active Directory SME
Location: Wokingham (Office-based)
Day Rate: £484.50 (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6 months
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Active Directory SME / Infrastructure Engineer to join a leading enterprise environment. This role requires deep expertise across Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure Entra ID, and virtualisation platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V.
You will be responsible for maintaining the stability, security, and performance of critical infrastructure systems, working closely with internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless operations across a complex IT landscape.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Server Administration
- Troubleshoot OS-related issues, including unexpected restarts, performance degradation, and system bottlenecks
- Manage user access and permissions
- Oversee server commissioning and decommissioning
- Perform patching and vulnerability remediation
- Execute backup and restoration activities using approved tools
- Ensure high availability and operational stability of Windows environments
Active Directory & Azure Entra ID
- Administer Active Directory (users, groups, and organisational units)
- Configure and maintain Group Policy Objects (GPOs)
- Manage DNS records, troubleshooting, and maintenance
- Administer DHCP scopes, reservations, and configurations
- Manage FTP services on Windows platforms
- Oversee SSL certificate lifecycle management (issuance, renewal, revocation)
- Deploy and manage Azure services, including Logic Apps and related components
Virtualisation (VMware / Hyper-V)
- Maintain and monitor virtual infrastructure health
- Create and configure virtual machines, including optimisation of resources
- Manage snapshots, load balancing, and troubleshooting
- Conduct performance assessments and environment health checks
- Configure and manage HA/DRS clusters for resilience and failover
- Administer virtual networking, storage, and data stores
- Install and onboard ESXi/ESX hosts
- Support Hyper-V environments where applicable
Vendor Management
- Act as the primary liaison for Microsoft, VMware, and other vendors
- Coordinate incident resolution, escalations, and support requests
- Ensure timely communication and resolution of infrastructure issues
Essential Skills & Experience
- 8+ years’ experience in infrastructure engineering or a similar role
- Strong expertise in Windows Server administration
- Extensive experience with Active Directory and Azure Entra ID
- Proven experience managing VMware or Hyper-V environments
- Strong knowledge of DNS, DHCP, and core networking principles
- Experience with patch management, vulnerability remediation, and backup/restore processes
- Hands-on experience with SSL certificate management
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, enterprise environments
- Strong communication skills with experience working across technical teams and vendors
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience administering FTP services on Windows
- Knowledge of Azure services and cloud-based infrastructure
- Understanding of enterprise security best practices
- Familiarity with large-scale, highly regulated environments (e.g. utilities, finance)