Microsoft 365 Platform Lead

The Microsoft 365 Platform Lead plays an important role in the bank, focusing on leading and promoting the productivity, development, and collaboration through the Microsoft 365 platform, particularly Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Power Platform, SharePoint, and related technologies. The role involves engaging with multiple internal teams and stakeholders, offering expert insights, and steering the comprehensive adoption, governance, and continuous improvement of Microsoft 365 platform to support our strategic objectives effectively.

Scope of the Job:

The Microsoft 365 Platform Lead is responsible to design, implement and support various types of Office 365 hosted application services which enable collaboration, security, mobility, and analytics for the organization. Responsibilities also include system upgrades to the latest release and deployment of latest office automation technologies. Some additional core responsibilities include:

• Own the overall Office 365 platform as Subject Matter Expert within the Bank.
• Lead the design, implementation, and management of the Microsoft 365 platform, ensuring alignment with IT goals and industry best practices for the financial service sector.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to gather requirements and define the strategic roadmap for Microsoft 365 platform enhancements.
• Collaborate closely with Bank’s Cybersecurity team to align architecture, features and roadmap for the Microsoft 365 platform and applications, ensuring that security best practices are integrated into the design, configuration, and implementation process to mitigate threats and safeguard data.
• Lead the Microsoft 365 application stack for the End User Productivity team including Office 365, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Intune, Teams etc.
• Coordinate with other technology teams to define and develop Microsoft 365 strategy and deliver results in line with the approved strategy.
• Oversee Microsoft 365 related activities/tasks to implement including ongoing updates to Office 365 product suite.
• Determine any major changes to Microsoft 365 applications such as new features or underlying architectural changes that might require testing or infrastructure verification prior to implementation.
• Lead ongoing activities to leverage the capabilities of Office365 applications and services while increasing adoption and awareness across the bank.
• Work closely with Group Head of IT Infrastructure to plan, architect, and report on Microsoft 365 cloud migration activities.
• Ensure that service interruptions caused by Microsoft are investigated and communicated to Management promptly.
• Ensure that Microsoft 365 platform support resources have appropriate training and access to relevant documentation to resolve user issues.
• Stay current with Microsoft 365 updates, releases, applications, and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact and relevance to the Bank.
• Ensure continued stability and support for the Microsoft 365 product stack across the bank.
• Administer corporate cloud mobile device management solution.
• Assist in developing internal knowledge base and training materials related to Microsoft 365 products.
• Report high severity problems and any unplanned system outages to Group Head of IT Infrastructure and ensure that the incident management process is followed.
• Perform root cause analysis on Infrastructure issues and prepare detailed incident reports for high severity problems or as directed by the line manager.

Other accountabilities include:

• Manage, support and mentor Infrastructure administrators and Helpdesk team on M365 platform/products.
• Manage assigned Infrastructure projects in the role of Project Manager from project inception to closure and ensure project delivery within allocated budget and stipulated timeframes.
• Act as project lead for additional phases of Office 365 deployments Group wide covering all aspects of project management including but not limited to scheduling, resource management, budget planning and execution.
• Provide support and management for other technologies utilized within the Bank to complement and enhance productivity and Microsoft technologies, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across the IT ecosystem.
• Hardening of all applications and Windows Server operating systems supported by Infrastructure team in line with Information Security baseline policies.
• Infrastructure project management which includes ensuring projects are completed within budgeted guidelines and maintain best practices adhering to industry standards.
• Provide on-call support as needed, being available 24X7 to promptly address and resolve IT and, as needed, cyber incidents, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations and maintaining the integrity and security of the Microsoft platforms.
• Maintain order of scheduled maintenance tasks.
• Develop and maintain technical standards documentation including operational procedures.
• Perform or assist in troubleshooting and diagnosing production problems; corrects identified problems.
• Perform system security related tasks as outlined in ABC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Test, Deploy and manage new technologies approved and adopted by the bank.
• Perform other miscellaneous technical duties as assigned.
• Provide technical assistance and support to IT teams in global branches as needed.
• Provide system availability, capacity utilization and other maintenance reports to line manager periodically.
• Participate in bank’s Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery tests.
• Manage vendors and ensure approved SLAs are followed and reviewed periodically.

Job Context:

The role of the Microsoft 365 Platform Leads sits in the IT infrastructure team, which operates within the Group Chief Information and Technology office, a pivotal entity with the Bank.  The team plays a central role in ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of our IT infrastructure, which forms the foundation for all digital operations within the Bank.

Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive productivity suite that combines Office 365 applications, Windows 10/11, and Enterprise Mobility and Security into a single, integrated solution. It serves as a foundational technology platform that enables financial institutions to operate efficiently, securely, and compliantly in today’s digital landscape.  With its comprehensive suite of applications and cloud-based services, Microsoft 365 empowers banks to streamline communication, collaboration, and information management across departments and branches.

In the Bank, where data security, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency are paramount, Microsoft 365 provides robust solutions to address these challenges. Through applications such as Teams, SharePoint, Exchange Online, and OneDrive, banking professionals can securely communicate, share documents, and collaborate in real-time, whether they are in the office or working remotely. This level of connectivity and flexibility is crucial form maintaining seamless operations and delivering exceptional customer service.

As the Microsoft 365 Lead, you will be at the forefront of driving innovation and efficiency within our IT ecosystem, leveraging the power of Microsoft’s cloud-based solutions to optimize collaboration, productivity, and security across the Bank.

Areas of Knowledge, Qualification and Experience

• Knowledge of PowerShell for management of M365 services.
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing principles and experience with Azure Active Directory, Azure Information Protection, and other Azure services.
• Knowledge of Power BI to present data an advantage.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365 security, compliance, ad governance features
• Project Management skills.
• Practices and methods of systems administration and maintenance
• Good understanding of network protocols and usability
• Principles, practices, and techniques in the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of server hardware and software. 
• Knowledge of generic reporting tools
• Broad understanding of enterprise IT management processes i.e., Cobit 2019
• Bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing, Computer Science Information Technology, or related field.
• Relevant Microsoft Certifications preferred.
• 5 - 7 years’ hands-on experience and thorough understanding of Microsoft 365 platform/products and its features specifically Teams, OneDrive, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Viva and Power platforms.
• Proven experience in leading technical teams and driving successful Microsoft 365 adoption initiatives.
• Working experience on latest Microsoft Server Operating systems.
• Strong planning skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Fluent in English (mandatory)
• Results orientated and proactive mindset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Effective communicator in verbal and written form
• Ability to deliver multiple objectives while maintaining a high quality of work.