Lead Server Engineer

Our client, a leading FMCG organisation, is recruiting for an experienced Lead Server Engineer to provide technical leadership across its enterprise server infrastructure. This senior role is responsible for the design, implementation, optimisation and support of both on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring secure, resilient and high-performing infrastructure that supports the business.

The successful candidate will lead server infrastructure initiatives, provide Tier 3 technical support, drive infrastructure strategy and modernisation projects, and act as the highest point of escalation for complex server-related incidents. This role also provides mentorship to the infrastructure team while working closely with internal stakeholders and external service providers.

Server Infrastructure

• Design, implement, maintain and optimise enterprise server infrastructure across physical, virtual and cloud environments.
• Manage Windows Server environments, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy and identity services.
• Oversee storage platforms (SAN/NAS), backup solutions, disaster recovery environments and business continuity planning.
• Lead server lifecycle management, infrastructure upgrades, hardware refreshes and capacity planning.
• Develop and maintain server standards, installation procedures and technical documentation.

Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure

• Manage and optimise Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments.
• Support workload migrations, hybrid identity solutions and cloud-based infrastructure services.
• Drive automation initiatives using PowerShell and other infrastructure management tools.
• Design and implement Azure IaaS and PaaS solutions while ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.

Security & Compliance

• Maintain server security through patch management, vulnerability remediation and system hardening.
• Implement and enforce security frameworks, policies and compliance standards.
• Support disaster recovery planning, data protection strategies and regular security assessments.
• Manage certificate services, privileged access controls and server security baselines.

Operations & Leadership

• Provide Tier 3 support for complex infrastructure incidents and perform root cause analysis.
• Lead infrastructure projects, migrations and technology improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to the server infrastructure team.
• Collaborate with networking, cybersecurity, application and vendor teams to deliver reliable infrastructure services.

Ensure service levels, availability, backup and recovery objectives are consistently achieved

• Bachelor's Degree in IT, Computer Science or related field (preferred).
• M365 Certification (essential).
• MCSE Server Infrastructure certification (essential).
• Microsoft Azure Certification (essential).
• VMware/Proxmox Professional certification (essential).
• Veeam, ITIL, Sophos, Mimecast, Rapid7, Datto and KnowBe4 experience.
• AWS Certification and Project Management qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 3 years' experience supporting Microsoft 365 and enterprise server environments.
• Strong experience with Active Directory, Azure AD, PowerShell scripting, SaaS applications and hybrid infrastructure.
• Experience with Azure IaaS/PaaS, storage platforms, backup technologies, disaster recovery and enterprise security.
• Exposure to SAP infrastructure, SQL Server and cloud networking technologies such as ExpressRoute and Site-to-Site VPN would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication, documentation, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.