Lead Senior Systems Engineer

Responsibilities

• Your core responsibilities will consist of:
• Own client environments: Manage Microsoft 365, Azure (including Azure Virtual Desktop), and on-prem infrastructure (Windows Server, AD/GPO).
• Networking: Administer local networks including firewalls (SonicWall), switches, and Wi-Fi (Ubiquiti/UniFi).
• Escalations: Act as the senior escalation point for Office/Microsoft 365 and general IT issues from our helpdesk.
• Projects & migrations: Plan and deliver Microsoft 365/Azure deployments, AVD builds, tenant-to-tenant moves, email/domain migrations, and server/network upgrades.
• Security & compliance: Implement Conditional Access, Intune/Endpoint Manager, Microsoft Defender (ATP), and email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC). Work with security standards such as Essential 8 and SMB 1001.
• Automation & documentation: Script with PowerShell, create runbooks, improve processes, and maintain high-quality technical/customer documentation.
• Client communication: Translate technical concepts into clear business language and build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
• What your day-to-day will look like:
• Act as the senior technical authority for the company, providing leadership and direction across all client environments.
• Handle escalations from the service desk, offering advanced troubleshooting and resolution for infrastructure, cloud, and network issues.
• Serve as the technical account manager for key clients, ensuring systems align with best practices, compliance requirements, and cybersecurity standards.
• Design, plan, and implement IT projects and migrations, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Azure Virtual Desktop environments.
• Lead cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring clients align with Essential 8 and SMB 1001 frameworks.
• Manage and maintain security, compliance, and risk management across all client infrastructures.
• Proactively monitor, maintain, and optimise system performance, backups, and reliability.
• Develop and document technical standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Mentor and support junior technicians, contributing to the technical development of the broader team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients through clear communication and proactive service delivery.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Required Experience/Skills
• Proven experience as a Senior Systems Engineer, Technical Lead, or Systems Administrator within a Managed Services Provider (MSP) environment.
• Hands-on experience with ConnectWise Manage and ConnectWise Automate.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365, Azure, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows Server, Active Directory, and Intune.
• Experience in managing networks, firewalls, backups, and cloud migrations.
• Demonstrated expertise in cybersecurity, including frameworks such as Essential 8 and SMB 1001.
• Strong knowledge of security and compliance practices within SMB environments.
• Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge & Technical Prerequisites
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in systems engineering or IT support roles.
• Background in small to mid-sized MSPs (preferred over enterprise-scale environments).
• Broad technical exposure — a jack-of-all-trades mindset with the ability to handle diverse systems and projects.
• Familiarity with automation, monitoring, and RMM tools.
• Relevant IT qualifications or tertiary education in Information Technology or Computer Science.
• Certifications [Highly Regarded]
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate / M365 Fundamentals / Azure Virtual Desktop Specialty
• CompTIA Network+ or Security+
• ConnectWise University Certifications
• ITIL Foundation
• Cybersecurity certifications such as Microsoft SC-900, CISSP, or equivalent (advantageous)
• Ideally, someone who can do solution design would be highly regarded
• Soft Skills
• Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
• Capable of handling multiple priorities and working independently with minimal supervision.
• Mature and dependable: Committed to long-term growth and stability.
• Family-oriented and grounded: Brings a balanced, reliable approach to work.
• Team-focused: Works collaboratively within a small team of 6–7, supporting 2–4 technical peers.
• Easy-going yet hardworking: Enjoys a positive, supportive environment while maintaining focus and accountability.
• Takes ownership: Demonstrates initiative and accountability in managing projects and solving problems.
• Client-centric: Builds strong, trusting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.