Microsoft Platflorm Lead

Bank ABC seeks to recruit a Microsoft Platform Lead in the Group Information Technology Infrastructure Department based in our Head Office, in Bahrain.

The Microsoft Platform Lead plays an important role in the bank, focusing on leading and promoting the productivity, development, and collaboration through the Microsoft platform, particularly Active Directory, Exchange, Domain Controllers, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Information Protection, Microsoft Cloud App, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, SharePoint, and other 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 platform to support our strategic objectives effectively.

Responsibilities of the role:

The Microsoft Platform Lead is responsible to design, implement and support various types of Microsoft system and 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:

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of the 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 the Microsoft platform enhancements.
• Collaborate closely with Bank's Cybersecurity team to align architecture, features and roadmap for the Microsoft 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 application stack for the End User Productivity team including Office 365, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Endpoint Manager (Intune and Configuration Manager), Teams etc.
• Coordinate with other technology teams to define and develop Microsoft strategy and deliver results in line with the approved strategy.
• Oversee Microsoft related activities/tasks to implement including ongoing updates to Office 365 product suite.
• Determine any major changes to Microsoft 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 and the Productivity Infrastructure & Services Manager to plan, architect, and report on Microsoft cloud migration activities.
• Ensure that service interruptions caused by Microsoft are investigated and communicated to Management promptly.
• Ensure that Microsoft platform support resources have appropriate training and access to relevant documentation to resolve user issues.
• Stay current with Microsoft updates, releases, applications, and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact and relevance to the Bank.
• Ensure continued stability and support for the Microsoft product stack across the bank.
• Administer corporate cloud mobile device management solution.
• Assist in developing internal knowledge base and training materials related to Microsoft 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 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 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.

Areas of Knowledge, Qualification and Experience

• 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 adoption initiatives.
• Working experience on latest Microsoft Server Operating systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Cloud Computing, Computer Science Information Technology, or related field.
• Relevant Microsoft Certifications preferred
• Knowledge of PowerShell for management of Microsoft 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 and 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