📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer (Microsoft 365 Services)
Company: IFS
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Job Type: Full-time
Category: DevOps Engineer, System Administrator
Date Posted: 2025-07-01
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Lead technical team in implementing and supporting Microsoft 365 services, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic goals.
Mentor and coach systems engineers to deliver solid technical solutions.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to bolster the reliability of Microsoft 365 services and Microsoft Defender products.
Review security state of services and drive measures to mitigate security risks.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical leader with a deep understanding of Microsoft 365 services and a proven track record in driving continuous improvement and security initiatives.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities listed below require a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving skills to drive success in this role.
Technical Leadership: Lead the technical team in implementing and supporting Microsoft 365 services, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic goals.
Mentoring: Mentor and coach systems engineers to deliver solid technical solutions and drive their professional development.
Automation: Lead automating repetitive tasks using automation tools to reduce manual efforts and increase overall efficiency and scalability in Microsoft 365 environments.
Documentation: Assist with the creation and modification of technical documentation, knowledge articles, and standard operating manuals related to installation, configuration procedures, and system documentation.
Security & Compliance: Review the security state of services and drive measures to mitigate security risks together with other team members. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
Problem-Solving: Provide technical solutions to complex problems and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service reliability and security.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience: At least 5 years of experience in Microsoft 365 administration, with a focus on Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, Viva, and OneDrive. Proven experience in Microsoft Power Platform Administration (minimum 2 years) is required.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in Microsoft 365 compliance solutions, including data retention policies, labeling, and data loss prevention (DLP) for all M365 collaboration services.
Strong experience in Microsoft Defender and Intune device management.
Excellent problem-solving skills and interest in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Proficiency in scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, and Bash.
Strong documentation and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor technical teams.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Microsoft 365 security and compliance tools.
Familiarity with Microsoft 365 governance and administration best practices.
Knowledge of Microsoft 365 licensing and pricing models.
Experience with Microsoft 365 monitoring and reporting tools.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on systems engineering and leadership, a portfolio is not explicitly required. However, demonstrating relevant projects, case studies, or achievements that showcase your technical expertise and leadership skills would be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is approximately LKR 1,500,000 - LKR 2,500,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in the region.

Benefits:

Flexible and hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles.
Inclusive workplace experiences that foster innovation, strengthen connections, and nurture belonging.
A commitment to promoting a global, diverse environment and a winning team with a commitment to sustainability.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and industry standards for similar roles in the region. Actual salary may vary based on individual qualifications, experience, and company-specific compensation structures.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IFS operates in the enterprise software solutions industry, focusing on AI-driven technologies to enable customers to be their best at the moment of service. The company serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace & defense, engineering, construction, oil & gas, utilities, and field service management.

Company Size: IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with over 7000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment for web technology professionals.

Founded: IFS was founded in 1983 and has since grown into a global enterprise software provider with a strong focus on AI and innovation.

Team Structure:

The technical team for this role consists of systems engineers, with the lead engineer reporting directly to the IT director.
The team works collaboratively with other departments, including sales, marketing, and customer success, to ensure customer needs are met and services are aligned with organizational strategic goals.

Development Methodology:

IFS follows agile development methodologies, with a focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and customer value.
The company encourages innovation and empowers employees to drive change and make a real impact on the world.

Company Website: ifs.com

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS' commitment to internal AI adoption and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment creates an ideal setting for web technology professionals seeking to grow and make an impact in their careers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a deep understanding of Microsoft 365 services, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in driving continuous improvement and security initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The lead systems engineer reports directly to the IT director and is responsible for leading the technical team in implementing and supporting Microsoft 365 services.

Technical Impact: The lead systems engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, security, and compliance of Microsoft 365 services, directly impacting user experience, productivity, and collaboration across the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: As a senior-level role, this position offers opportunities for further specialization in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in cloud computing and cybersecurity will be essential for continued growth.
Leadership Development: This role provides ample opportunities for mentoring and coaching systems engineers, fostering leadership skills and preparing for future management roles.
Architecture Decisions: As the lead engineer, you will be responsible for making critical decisions that impact the organization's Microsoft 365 environment, driving architecture and design choices that align with business goals and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for web technology professionals seeking to advance their careers in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and leadership. By driving continuous improvement and security initiatives, you can make a real impact on the organization and its users.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: IFS offers a flexible and hybrid work environment, allowing employees to balance their work and personal lives while fostering collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with additional offices worldwide.

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The hybrid work environment encourages cross-functional collaboration between technical teams, sales, marketing, and customer success to ensure customer needs are met and services are aligned with organizational strategic goals.
Tools & Equipment: IFS provides state-of-the-art development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to support web technology professionals in their roles.
Work-Life Balance: IFS embraces flexibility and offers hybrid work opportunities to support diverse needs and lifestyles, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for employees.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project deadlines and maintenance windows as required. The hybrid work environment allows for some remote work, providing a better work-life balance for employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS' flexible and hybrid work environment, combined with its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, creates an ideal setting for web technology professionals seeking to grow and make an impact in their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment (60 minutes): Demonstrate your technical expertise in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance through a hands-on assessment or case study.
Behavioral Interview (45 minutes): Discuss your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Cultural Fit Interview (30 minutes): Assess your cultural fit with IFS, focusing on your ability to collaborate, innovate, and drive change within a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Final Review (30 minutes): Review your application materials, technical assessment, and behavioral interview performance with the hiring manager or IT director.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your relevant projects, case studies, or achievements that showcase your technical expertise and leadership skills in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance.
Focus on the impact you've made in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to drive continuous improvement and enhance service reliability and security.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance skills, focusing on the latest trends and best practices in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Prepare for hands-on assessments or case studies by practicing common scenarios and challenges in Microsoft 365 administration.
Familiarize yourself with IFS' products, services, and industry focus to demonstrate your understanding of the business and alignment with organizational strategic goals.

ATS Keywords: See the comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category, at the end of this document.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit with IFS. By preparing for the technical assessment, behavioral interview, and cultural fit interview, you can demonstrate your qualifications and increase your chances of success in the application process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Microsoft 365 Services:

Exchange: Proven experience in Exchange administration, including mailbox management, transport rules, and recipient management.
Teams: Demonstrated expertise in Teams administration, including user management, channel management, and app integration.
SharePoint: Strong experience in SharePoint administration, including site collection management, content management, and permissions management.
Viva: Familiarity with Viva administration, including employee experience, learning, and engagement features.
OneDrive: Proven experience in OneDrive administration, including file sharing, sync, and collaboration features.

Microsoft Power Platform:

Power Apps: Experience in Power Apps development and administration, including app creation, data connections, and user management.
Power Automate: Familiarity with Power Automate workflow creation, automation, and integration with other Microsoft 365 services.
Power BI: Experience in Power BI report creation, data visualization, and integration with other Microsoft 365 services.

Microsoft 365 Compliance Solutions:

Data Retention Policies: Proven experience in creating and managing data retention policies for Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Demonstrated expertise in implementing and managing DLP policies for Microsoft 365 services, including data classification, sensitivity labels, and data loss prevention.
Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center: Familiarity with the Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center, including auditing, alerting, and data governance features.

Microsoft Defender & Intune Device Management:

Microsoft Defender: Strong experience in Microsoft Defender administration, including threat detection, prevention, and response for Microsoft 365 services.
Intune Device Management: Proven experience in Intune device management, including mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), and conditional access policies.

Automation Tools:

PowerShell: Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automating repetitive tasks, managing Microsoft 365 services, and configuring server settings.
Python & Bash: Familiarity with Python and Bash scripting for automating tasks, managing infrastructure, and integrating with other tools and services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of Microsoft 365 services, Microsoft Power Platform, and Microsoft 365 compliance solutions. Familiarize yourself with the technology stack and prepare to demonstrate your expertise in the technical assessment and interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: IFS values innovation and empowers employees to drive change and make a real impact on the world.
Collaboration: IFS fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Customer Focus: IFS is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, ensuring that its products and services align with organizational strategic goals.
Agility: IFS embraces agile development methodologies, empowering employees to adapt to change and drive continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: IFS encourages collaboration between technical teams, sales, marketing, and customer success to ensure customer needs are met and services are aligned with organizational strategic goals.
Code Review Culture: IFS fosters a code review culture, promoting knowledge sharing, peer programming, and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: IFS encourages employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS' commitment to innovation, collaboration, and customer focus creates an ideal environment for web technology professionals seeking to grow and make an impact in their careers. By embracing IFS' values and collaboration style, you can contribute to the company's success and drive your own professional development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Microsoft 365 Administration: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance to ensure the reliability, security, and compliance of services.
Automation: Continuously improve and expand the use of automation tools to reduce manual efforts, increase overall efficiency, and drive scalability in Microsoft 365 environments.
Security & Compliance: Stay informed about emerging threats, regulations, and best practices in Microsoft 365 security and compliance to ensure the protection of sensitive data and adherence to relevant standards.
User Experience: Collaborate with other teams to ensure that Microsoft 365 services meet user needs, enhance productivity, and drive user adoption and engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance by attending conferences, obtaining certifications, and participating in community involvement activities.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills through mentoring, coaching, and team management opportunities, preparing for future management roles and technical architecture decision-making.
Architecture Decisions: Drive architecture and design choices that align with business goals and best practices, ensuring the reliability, security, and compliance of Microsoft 365 services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities for web technology professionals seeking to advance their careers in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and leadership. By embracing these challenges and pursuing continuous learning and development, you can make a real impact on the organization and its users.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Microsoft 365 Administration: Prepare for technical questions related to Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance, focusing on your expertise in Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, Viva, and OneDrive.
Automation: Brush up on your PowerShell, Python, and Bash scripting skills, and prepare for questions related to automating repetitive tasks and managing server settings.
Security & Compliance: Familiarize yourself with Microsoft 365 security and compliance best practices, and prepare for questions related to data retention policies, data loss prevention, and Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center features.

Company & Culture Questions:

IFS Culture: Research IFS' products, services, and industry focus, and prepare for questions that assess your understanding of the business and alignment with organizational strategic goals.
Collaboration: Prepare for questions that assess your ability to collaborate with technical teams, sales, marketing, and customer success to ensure customer needs are met and services are aligned with organizational strategic goals.
Innovation: Familiarize yourself with IFS' commitment to innovation and empowerment, and prepare for questions that assess your ability to drive change and make a real impact on the world.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Prepare case studies that showcase your technical expertise and leadership skills in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance, focusing on the impact you've made in previous roles.
Technical Walkthroughs: Practice live demos and technical walkthroughs that demonstrate your ability to explain complex technical concepts and architecture decision-making processes.
User Experience: Prepare examples that demonstrate your understanding of user experience principles and your ability to drive user adoption and engagement in Microsoft 365 services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation process for this role focuses on assessing your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit with IFS. By preparing for technical questions, company and culture questions, and portfolio presentation strategies, you can demonstrate your qualifications and increase your chances of success in the application process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Systems Engineer (Microsoft 365 Services) position:

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your technical expertise and leadership skills in Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance, focusing on the impact you've made in previous roles.
Research IFS: Familiarize yourself with IFS' products, services, and industry focus, and prepare for questions that assess your understanding of the business and alignment with organizational strategic goals.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your Microsoft 365 administration, security, and compliance skills, focusing on the latest trends and best practices in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Prepare for Behavioral Interview: Reflect on your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives, and prepare for questions that assess your cultural fit with IFS.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

📌 ATS Keywords

Programming Languages:

PowerShell
Python
Bash

Web Frameworks:

Microsoft 365 Administration
Microsoft Power Platform Administration

Server Technologies:

Microsoft Exchange
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Viva
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft Defender
Intune Device Management

Databases:

Microsoft 365 Compliance Solutions
Data Retention Policies
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Tools:

Automation Tools (e.g., PowerShell, Python, Bash)
Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center
Microsoft 365 Monitoring and Reporting Tools

Methodologies:

Agile Development Methodologies
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity Best Practices

Soft Skills:

Leadership Skills
Mentoring and Coaching
Problem-Solving
Collaboration and Teamwork
Innovation and Empowerment
Customer Focus and User Experience

Industry Terms:

Microsoft 365 Services
Microsoft Power Platform
Microsoft 365 Compliance Solutions
Data Retention Policies
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center
Automation Tools
Agile Development Methodologies
Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity
Web Development and Server Administration
Technical Leadership
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
User Experience and Engagement

By strategically incorporating these web development and server administration-relevant keywords into your resume and application materials, you can optimize your visibility to potential employers and increase your chances of success in the application process.

Lead Systems Engineer (Microsoft 365 Services)