Senior System Administrator

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Systems Administrator to become a key member of our IT Infrastructure team located in Dubai, UAE. This full-time position requires managing and supporting enterprise-level server infrastructure, including production, disaster recovery, and testing environments. The role covers multiple technologies such as Windows Server platforms, VMware virtualization, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, file server management, backup and disaster recovery solutions, patching, security, and overall infrastructure operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and support physical and virtual servers across production, disaster recovery, and test settings.
• Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows Server environments.
• Monitor server health metrics, performance levels, availability, storage capacity, and system event logs.
• Manage server lifecycle activities including provisioning, upgrades, and decommissioning.
• Maintain thorough documentation of infrastructure, configuration details, and operating procedures.
• Coordinate with original equipment manufacturers and vendors for hardware maintenance, firmware updates, and replacements.
• Handle VMware vSphere, ESXi hosts, vCenter servers, clusters, virtual machines, and datastores.
• Create, configure, migrate, clone, and resolve issues related to virtual machines.
• Support high availability, distributed resource scheduling, and vMotion functionalities in virtualization environments.
• Monitor resource usage including CPU, memory, storage, and network on virtual platforms.
• Apply patches and maintain the virtualization infrastructure.
• Manage Windows Server roles and services such as DNS, DHCP, file services, IIS, and remote access as applicable.
• Troubleshoot authentication issues, permission errors, service disruptions, and application dependencies.
• Enforce server hardening, implement security baselines, perform patching, and ensure compliance standards are met.
• Support Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft 365 services encompassing mailbox management, distribution groups, shared mailboxes, mail flow, permissions, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
• Assist with hybrid Exchange environments and cloud migration projects when needed.
• Administer enterprise backup systems covering servers, virtual machines, databases, file servers, and essential applications; monitor backup operations and resolve failures.
• Conduct restores at file, VM, or server levels.
• Maintain disaster recovery guidelines, recovery point objectives, recovery time objectives, and document recovery procedures.
• Participate in disaster recovery drills, failover tests, and business continuity planning exercises.
• Schedule, test, deploy, and verify patches, security updates, firmware updates, and application upgrades with minimal disruption.
• Utilize tools like WSUS, SCCM, or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for patch management.
• Manage server security including antivirus, endpoint detection and response (EDR), encryption, vulnerability fixes, and security monitoring.
• Support audits, perform access reviews, and comply with compliance requirements including privileged access management and change control.
• Monitor infrastructure health using enterprise monitoring software and respond promptly to alerts.
• Investigate complex incidents impacting servers, virtualization, email systems, storage, backup, and authentication.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement preventive measures.
• Prepare detailed implementation plans with impact assessments, rollback strategies, and validate changes post-deployment.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, changes, technical documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with Network, Security, Application, Database, and Service Desk teams.

Candidate Profile

• 7 to 10 years of solid experience managing and administering enterprise IT infrastructure and systems.
• Expertise in Windows Server administration and VMware vSphere technologies.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, and related services.
• In-depth understanding of file server management, NTFS permissions, storage systems, and access control.
• Familiarity managing backups, restores, and disaster recovery processes.
• Proficient in patch management and vulnerability remediation.
• Good grasp of networking concepts including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, routing, and firewall operations.
• Experience with server security tools such as EDR, multi-factor authentication, privileged access, and server hardening techniques.
• Use of infrastructure monitoring, ticketing systems, and IT service management tools.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across various domains including server hardware, virtualization, storage solutions, backup systems, and Microsoft ecosystems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with different stakeholders.
• Comfortable managing critical incidents and working efficiently under pressure.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and reporting abilities.
• Capable of multitasking and prioritizing diverse infrastructure activities.
• Customer-focused mindset with a service-oriented approach.
• Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Relevant certifications are advantageous, such as Microsoft Windows Server or Microsoft 365 certifications, VMware Certified Professional for Data Center Virtualization, ITIL Foundation, CompTIA Server+, Network+ or Security+, backup certifications like VeeAM, Veritas, CommVault, and security or compliance credentials.

Additional Information

This role provides an excellent opportunity to engage in a technically varied enterprise setting, supporting critical infrastructure across various technology domains including servers, virtualization, Microsoft systems, backups, disaster recovery, and security compliance. We value professionals willing to take ownership of infrastructure problems and resolve complex issues. Interested candidates are encouraged to send their CV mentioning the job code "DXB-SYS-ENGG-L2-ONST50" in the email subject to the recruitment team.