Windows admin Technical Lead at SopraSteria1

Windows Technical Lead (Windows / VMware / MSSQL / Azure) Job Description Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Windows Technical Lead specializing in Windows Server, MSSQL database and cluster administration, Windows Failover Clustering, VMware virtualization, and Microsoft Azure. Responsibilities Architecture & Design • Architect and implement Windows based infrastructure, including Active Directory, Group Policy, Windows Server platforms, and integration with Azure AD / Entra ID. • Design and administer MSSQL environments, including clustering, Always-On Availability Groups, performance optimization, and DR strategies. • Build and manage Windows Failover Clusters supporting SQL Server, DFS, application servers, and other high availability workloads. • Architect virtualization solutions using VMware vSphere, including ESXi, vCenter, HA/DRS, vMotion, and storage integrations. • Design and support hybrid cloud architectures using Microsoft Azure, including: • Azure Compute (VMs, Scale Sets) • Azure Storage • Azure Networking (VNets, ExpressRoute, VPN Gateways, Private Link) • Azure SQL, Managed Instance, and hybrid connected SQL workloads • Azure Backup, ASR, Monitor, Log Analytics • Collect design requirements from stakeholders, such as business and application teams, and convert them into both functional and technical specifications.Operations & Administration • Administer and optimize Windows Server and MSSQL platforms, including advanced troubleshooting, security hardening, and lifecycle management. • Manage VMware infrastructure operations, including host patching, VM provisioning, capacity planning, and performance tuning. • Operate and maintain Azure workloads, including scaling, cost optimization, monitoring, RBAC, policy enforcement, and security compliance. • Deploy and maintain monitoring systems for Windows, SQL, VMware, and Azure environments. • Support infrastructure components such as load balancers, WAFs, reverse proxies, storage arrays, and enterprise backup/replication platforms. • Serve as L3 escalation for Windows, SQL, VMware, and Azure infrastructure services. • Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and take part in audit and disaster recovery (DR) efforts. • Ensure all solutions align with corporate security policies and standards.Process, Governance & Collaboration • Develop and maintain SOPs, architectural documentation, DR runbooks, and compliance artifacts. • Review monthly operational and capacity reports, and make recommendations for optimization across on-premises and Azure environments. • Collaborate with business and application stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable technical solutions. • Lead automation initiatives using PowerShell, Python, Terraform, or similar tools. • Drive incident/problem management, root cause analysis, and prevention strategies. • Participate in on‑call rotations and planned implementation windows.Skills / Qualifications • 9+ years of experience with Windows Server, MSSQL, and cluster-based high availability solutions. • Strong hands-on experience with Azure infrastructure, including virtual networks, compute, identity integrations, storage, monitoring, and SQL services. • Deep expertise in VMware vSphere, including virtual networking, resource management, HA/DRS, and troubleshooting. • Strong PowerShell skills; experience with Python, Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, Puppet is a plus. • Knowledge of networking fundamentals: routing, switching, load balancing, firewalls, reverse proxies, DNS, VPN. • Experience with monitoring and infrastructure hardening (CIS, NIST). • Excellent communication, documentation, and cross regional collaboration skills. • Customer first mindset and ability to handle complex, high pressure situations.  Total Experience Expected: 06-08 years