IT Operations & Security Engineer

IT Operations & Security Engineer to manage the IT infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity environment. Hands-on technical expertise with operational leadership, vendor management, and security best practice to ensure the systems remain secure, resilient, and highly available. This is a hands-on technical role requiring strong experience across Microsoft technologies, virtualisation, networking, cybersecurity, and IT operations. About the Role We are seeking an experienced IT Operations & Security Engineer to manage and enhance the IT infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity environment. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with operational leadership, vendor management, and security best practice to ensure the systems remain secure, resilient, and highly available. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and improving the organisation's Microsoft cloud and on-premises infrastructure, delivering infrastructure and security projects, maintaining disaster recovery capabilities, and ensuring compliance with industry best practices. This is a hands-on technical role requiring strong experience across Microsoft technologies, virtualisation, networking, cybersecurity, and IT operations. Occasional travel to the London office and other business locations, together with occasional out-of-hours work for planned maintenance or major incidents, will be required. Key Responsibilities IT Operations • Manage and oversee third-party vendors responsible for supporting Azure, Microsoft 365, servers, networks, storage, and end-user infrastructure. • Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability, identifying and implementing improvements. • Deploy, configure, maintain, and patch cloud and on-premises infrastructure. • Administer Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory) and Identity & Access Management (IAM). • Manage Microsoft Hyper-V virtualisation environments. • Automate operational tasks using PowerShell and scripting tools. • Manage backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes. • Troubleshoot and resolve infrastructure, server, networking, and hardware issues. • Deliver infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery projects. • Maintain hardware, software, and asset inventories. • Ensure adherence to ITIL Incident, Change, and Problem Management processes. • Deputise for the Head of Information Services when required. Cyber Security • Monitor, investigate, and respond to security alerts using SIEM, EDR, Microsoft Defender, or equivalent platforms. • Perform vulnerability assessments and oversee remediation activities. • Configure and manage enterprise firewall solutions. • Manage endpoint security, email security, and cloud security controls. • Implement and maintain cybersecurity policies, standards, and technical controls. • Support Cyber Essentials Plus compliance and contribute towards ISO 27001 and NIST best practice. • Lead root cause analysis following security incidents and implement corrective actions. • Evaluate and implement new infrastructure and security technologies. Collaboration & Governance • Work closely with internal teams and third-party technology partners. • Provide technical guidance and mentoring to colleagues. • Support audits, security awareness initiatives, and risk assessments. • Produce and maintain accurate technical documentation. • Recommend and implement continuous service improvements. Essential Skills & Experience Candidates must have: • Strong hands-on Microsoft Azure administration and support experience. • Strong experience managing Microsoft Hyper-V environments. • Hands-on experience configuring, managing, and troubleshooting enterprise firewall solutions (Fortinet, Palo Alto, Cisco, Sophos, Check Point, or similar). • Experience administering Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory) and Identity & Access Management (IAM). • Strong Microsoft 365 administration experience. • Experience supporting Windows Server environments. • Experience managing hybrid cloud and on-premises infrastructure. • PowerShell scripting and automation. • Strong networking knowledge including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, routing, and switching. • Experience with backup technologies, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning. • Experience with vulnerability management, patch management, endpoint security, and Microsoft Defender. • Experience using SIEM and EDR security monitoring platforms. • Strong understanding of ITIL Incident, Change, and Problem Management. • Experience managing third-party vendors and managed service providers. • Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills. • Excellent written, verbal, and documentation skills. • Ability to prioritise multiple tasks and work effectively under pressure. Desirable Qualifications • ITIL Foundation Certification. • Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or equivalent. • Microsoft Security certifications (SC-200, SC-300, AZ-500). • Cisco CCNA or equivalent networking certification. • CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or equivalent cybersecurity certification. Personal Attributes • Strong ownership and accountability. • Excellent organisational and time management skills. • Calm and methodical approach to problem solving. • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. • Proactive and continuously seeking service improvements. • Strong customer focus with a collaborative working style. Benefits • Salary: £70,000 per annum • Hybrid working • Pension scheme • Annual leave entitlement • Professional training and certification support • Employee wellbeing programme • Opportunity to work with modern Microsoft cloud and cybersecurity technologies • Collaborative and supportive working environment Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates