Job descriptionWe are seeking a IT Architect/Lead Systems Administrator with strong experience in Azure for a full time permanent position. You will own the strategic design, implementation, and day-to-day management of the enterprise infrastructure across a complex hybrid environment, hosted primarily in Microsoft Azure.
You'll provide guidance, leadership, and direction to other administrators while remaining hands‑on. This role reports directly to the IT Director.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the ongoing design and optimization of the Azure infrastructure for performance, security, and cost-efficiency
Administer and architect Windows Server environments including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP, and PKI/certificate services
Configure and manage Azure Application Gateway (WAF, SSL termination, URL routing), Load Balancer, and global traffic solutions (Azure Front Door or Cloudflare)
Manage Azure API Management (APIM) and partner with development teams on pipelines and application infrastructure
Manage reverse proxy and web traffic architecture, including NGINX or equivalent tooling
Automate operational tasks and deployments using PowerShell, Azure Automation, and Ansible
Implement and enforce security controls, zero‑trust principles, and compliance standards across Azure and on‑premises
Collaborate with Security Ops using Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Microsoft Sentinel for centralized logging, threat detection, and remediation
Proactively monitor performance using Azure Monitor and Log Analytics; identify and resolve bottlenecks
Own backup and disaster recovery programs using Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery (ASR)
Maintain Windows Server and Linux/Unix environments, ensuring high availability and rapid incident response
Manage Azure costs using Azure Cost Management; drive FinOps practices including tagging, right‑sizing, and budget controls
Mentor and develop system administrators, promoting cloud‑first best practices across the team
Lead infrastructure projects in collaboration with development, operations, and business stakeholders
QUALIFICATIONS
7+ years of experience in systems administration with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments
Expert-level Azure administration: compute, storage, networking, identity, AVD, App Services, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Defender for Cloud
Proven experience with Azure Application Gateway (L7/WAF), Azure Load Balancer (L4), and global traffic management via Azure Front Door or Cloudflare
Expert-level Windows Server administration in enterprise/domain environments: Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and related services
Strong understanding of PKI and certificate management, including Windows Certificate Authority, SSL/TLS, and encryption fundamentals
Strong networking fundamentals: DNS, TCP/IP, TLS, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, and hybrid connectivity
Hands‑on experience with reverse proxies such as NGINX or HAProxy — upstream routing, load balancing, and traffic management
Azure API Management (APIM) — policy configuration, gateway patterns, and backend integration
Security fundamentals: zero‑trust architecture, RBAC, PIM, vulnerability management, and incident remediation
Experience with Microsoft Sentinel or equivalent SIEM for centralized logging, threat detection, and security monitoring
Scripting proficiency in PowerShell and/or Bash; experience with Ansible or equivalent for configuration management
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines via Azure DevOps or GitHub Actions
Ownership of backup and DR programs using Azure Backup and Azure Site Recovery (ASR)
Azure Cost Management and FinOps practices
Basic Linux/Unix administration in an infrastructure context
What we offer:
Group Insurance Benefits
Job security
Wellness Incentive Program and an Employee Assistance Program.
RRSP matching program.
Flextime, summer hours, paid vacation, personal time off.
Lively work environment, rich with social events.
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