📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Systems Engineer - Microsoft Modern Workplace
Company: IFS
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
Category: DevOps, Infrastructure
Date Posted: July 1, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Manage and optimize Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint to enhance user experience and platform performance.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations, ensuring high system availability and data integrity.
Automate tasks and processes using PowerShell or other scripting languages to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual effort.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain clear documentation and training materials for users, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Encourage innovation and automation by implementing cutting-edge technologies and best practices to drive platform enhancements and user experience improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Microsoft 365 administration and a proven track record of driving operational excellence in a complex, dynamic environment. Familiarity with Microsoft Power Platform Administration and experience in data migration from mergers and acquisitions is also crucial for success in this role.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Manage Microsoft 365 Services by overseeing Exchange Online, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Viva platform, and SharePoint, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations, utilizing strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the underlying technologies.
Monitor system performance, security, and data integrity by implementing proactive measures to address potential problems and maintain a robust, secure platform.
Automate tasks and processes using PowerShell or other scripting languages to streamline administrative workflows and improve overall operational efficiency.
Develop and maintain clear documentation and training materials for users, ensuring a high level of user adoption and engagement with the platform.
Focus on building and maintaining the underlying operational aspects of the platform, including remediating vulnerabilities and enhancing security posture.
Encourage innovation, automation, and implementation of cutting-edge technologies to drive continuous improvement in the platform's performance and user experience.
Develop and utilize best practices to enhance the overall user experience of the platform, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the organization and its users.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and the ability to work independently and collaboratively to drive platform improvements and user satisfaction. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are also essential for success in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Alternatively, more than 5 years of experience in a related field.

Experience: At least 4 years of experience administering Microsoft 365 productivity suite (Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, Viva, OneDrive) and 2 years of experience in Microsoft Power Platform Administration.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in Microsoft 365 compliance solutions, including data retention policies, labeling, and data loss prevention (DLP) for all M365 collaboration services, including SharePoint, Exchange, and Teams.
Strong problem-solving skills and interest in cloud computing and cybersecurity.
Experience in scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, and Bash.
Good experience in Microsoft Defender and Intune device management.
Experience in data migration from mergers and acquisitions.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with Microsoft 365 security and compliance features.
Experience with Microsoft 365 governance and administration tools.
Knowledge of Microsoft 365 service and identity management.
Familiarity with Microsoft 365 analytics and reporting tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical skill set, with a focus on Microsoft 365 administration, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Candidates with experience in data migration and a proven track record of driving operational excellence are highly sought after for this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Microsoft 365 Administration Projects: Highlight your experience managing and optimizing Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. Include specific examples of how you have improved platform performance, user experience, and security.
Troubleshooting and Resolution: Demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations. Include case studies of complex problems you have solved and the steps you took to diagnose and remediate them.
Automation and Scripting: Showcase your experience automating tasks and processes using PowerShell or other scripting languages. Include examples of how you have improved operational efficiency and reduced manual effort through automation.
Documentation and Training: Highlight your ability to develop and maintain clear documentation and training materials for users. Include examples of how you have fostered a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within your organization.

Technical Documentation:

Code Quality and Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to write clean, well-documented code that is easy to understand and maintain. Include examples of how you have ensured code quality and adherence to best practices in your Microsoft 365 administration projects.
Version Control and Deployment Processes: Showcase your experience with version control systems and deployment processes. Include examples of how you have ensured the smooth and efficient deployment of Microsoft 365 services and updates.
Testing Methodologies and Performance Metrics: Demonstrate your ability to implement testing methodologies and performance metrics to ensure the reliability and performance of Microsoft 365 services. Include examples of how you have optimized platform performance and user experience through testing and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio that demonstrates your technical expertise and experience in Microsoft 365 administration, troubleshooting, automation, and documentation. Include specific examples of how you have driven platform improvements and user satisfaction in your previous roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between LKR 1,500,000 and LKR 2,500,000 (Sri Lankan Rupees) per year, based on industry standards for senior systems engineers with 5-10 years of experience in Microsoft 365 administration. This range takes into account the cost of living in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the level of responsibility and expertise required for this role.

Benefits:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents.
Retirement Plans: Competitive retirement plans to help employees plan for their future.
Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development and training to help employees grow and advance their careers.
Flexible Work Arrangement: A hybrid work arrangement that allows employees to balance their work and personal lives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is based on industry standards for senior systems engineers with 5-10 years of experience in Microsoft 365 administration. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain top talent in the field, with a focus on employee health, well-being, and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 7000+ employees on all continents, operating in the enterprise software solutions industry. The company's leading AI technology is the backbone of its award-winning solutions, enabling customers to be their best at the moment of service.

Company Size: IFS is a large organization with a global presence, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

Founded: IFS was founded in 1983 and has since grown to become a leading provider of enterprise software solutions, with a strong focus on AI technology and customer success.

Team Structure:

Microsoft 365 Team: The Microsoft 365 team is responsible for managing and optimizing the company's Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. The team works collaboratively to ensure high system availability, data integrity, and user satisfaction.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Microsoft 365 team works closely with other teams within the organization, including IT, cybersecurity, and user experience, to ensure that Microsoft 365 services meet the evolving needs of the organization and its users.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum Methodologies: The Microsoft 365 team uses Agile/Scrum methodologies to manage its workload and ensure that projects are delivered on time and to the highest standard.
Code Review and Testing: The team follows a rigorous code review and testing process to ensure that Microsoft 365 services are reliable, secure, and performant.
Deployment Strategies: The team uses automated deployment strategies, including CI/CD pipelines, to ensure that Microsoft 365 services are deployed efficiently and with minimal disruption to users.

Company Website: IFS Website

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS is a large, global organization with a strong focus on AI technology and customer success. The company's culture is collaborative and innovative, with a commitment to driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the Microsoft 365 administration field. It requires a high level of technical expertise and experience, as well as strong problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Reporting Structure: The senior systems engineer reports directly to the IT director and works closely with other IT teams, including cybersecurity and user experience, to ensure that Microsoft 365 services meet the evolving needs of the organization and its users.

Technical Impact: The senior systems engineer has a significant impact on the performance, security, and user experience of Microsoft 365 services within the organization. They are responsible for driving platform improvements, optimizing user experience, and ensuring high system availability and data integrity.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: With experience and proven success in the senior systems engineer role, there is potential for growth into a technical leadership position within the Microsoft 365 team or the wider IT organization.
Architecture Decisions: As the senior systems engineer gains experience and expertise, they may have the opportunity to influence architecture decisions related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations within the organization.
Emerging Technology Adoption: The senior systems engineer may have the opportunity to drive the adoption of emerging technologies within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the Microsoft 365 administration field. With experience and proven success, the senior systems engineer may have the opportunity to move into a technical leadership position or influence architecture decisions related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: IFS has a hybrid work arrangement that allows employees to balance their work and personal lives. The company's offices are modern, collaborative, and designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): IFS has offices in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and other locations around the world. The specific office location for this role is in Colombo.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The Microsoft 365 team works collaboratively, with a focus on knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and driving platform improvements.
Development Tools and Resources: The team has access to the latest development tools and resources, including multiple monitors, testing devices, and other equipment necessary for efficient and effective Microsoft 365 administration.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Microsoft 365 team works closely with other teams within the organization, including IT, cybersecurity, and user experience, to ensure that Microsoft 365 services meet the evolving needs of the organization and its users.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines as needed. The hybrid work arrangement allows employees to balance their work and personal lives, with a focus on productivity and results.

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS offers a modern, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation, creativity, and cross-functional collaboration. The hybrid work arrangement allows employees to balance their work and personal lives, with a focus on productivity and results.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: The first stage of the interview process involves a technical assessment, focusing on the candidate's Microsoft 365 administration skills, problem-solving abilities, and scripting proficiency.
Behavioral Interview: The second stage of the interview process involves a behavioral interview, focusing on the candidate's communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
Final Evaluation: The final stage of the interview process involves a final evaluation, focusing on the candidate's fit with the company culture, technical impact, and potential for growth and development within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Relevant Projects: Highlight your most relevant Microsoft 365 administration projects, demonstrating your ability to manage and optimize Microsoft 365 services, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, and automate tasks and processes.
Demonstrate Technical Expertise: Include specific examples of how you have driven platform improvements, optimized user experience, and ensured high system availability and data integrity in your previous roles.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Highlight your ability to diagnose and remediate complex technical issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations, demonstrating your strong problem-solving skills and deep understanding of the underlying technologies.
Emphasize User Experience: Include examples of how you have optimized user experience and ensured user satisfaction in your Microsoft 365 administration projects, demonstrating your commitment to driving platform improvements and enhancing user experience.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Microsoft 365 Administration: Familiarize yourself with the latest Microsoft 365 administration best practices, including Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. Brush up on your scripting skills, with a focus on PowerShell, Python, and Bash.
Problem-Solving: Practice diagnosing and remediating complex technical issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations. Develop your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems.
Communication: Prepare for the behavioral interview by practicing your communication and collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and how you have driven platform improvements and user satisfaction in your previous roles.

ATS Keywords:

Microsoft 365 Administration: Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Defender, Intune Device Management, PowerShell, Python, Bash, Data Migration, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Problem Solving, Compliance Solutions, Automation, User Experience.
Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Responsive Design, Performance Optimization, Accessibility Standards, User Experience Design, Problem-Solving, Code Quality, Version Control, Deployment Processes, Testing Methodologies, Performance Metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role involves a technical assessment, behavioral interview, and final evaluation. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and fit with the company culture. The ATS keywords listed above are designed to help candidates optimize their resumes and prepare for the technical interview process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is required for customizing and extending Microsoft 365 services and integrations.
Responsive Design: Experience with responsive design principles is required to ensure that Microsoft 365 services and integrations are accessible and functional on all devices.
Performance Optimization: Familiarity with performance optimization techniques is required to ensure that Microsoft 365 services and integrations are fast, efficient, and scalable.
User Interface Libraries: Experience with user interface libraries and component development is required to customize and extend Microsoft 365 services and integrations.

Backend & Server Technologies:

Exchange Online: Experience with Exchange Online is required to manage and optimize the organization's email services and integrations.
Microsoft Teams: Experience with Microsoft Teams is required to manage and optimize the organization's collaboration and communication services and integrations.
SharePoint: Experience with SharePoint is required to manage and optimize the organization's content management and collaboration services and integrations.
Microsoft Defender: Experience with Microsoft Defender is required to manage and optimize the organization's security and compliance services and integrations.
Intune Device Management: Experience with Intune device management is required to manage and optimize the organization's mobile device management and security services and integrations.

Development & DevOps Tools:

PowerShell: Experience with PowerShell is required to automate administrative tasks and workflows related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations.
CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines is required to ensure efficient and effective deployment of Microsoft 365 services and updates.
Monitoring Tools: Experience with monitoring tools is required to ensure high system availability, data integrity, and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Microsoft 365 administration, with experience in Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Defender, and Intune device management. Familiarity with PowerShell, CI/CD pipelines, and monitoring tools is also required to ensure efficient and effective deployment, management, and optimization of Microsoft 365 services and integrations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

User Experience: IFS places a strong emphasis on user experience, with a focus on driving platform improvements and enhancing user satisfaction.
Performance Optimization: IFS values performance optimization, with a focus on ensuring that Microsoft 365 services and integrations are fast, efficient, and scalable.
Code Quality: IFS emphasizes code quality, with a focus on ensuring that Microsoft 365 services and integrations are well-documented, maintainable, and secure.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: IFS fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on driving platform improvements and enhancing user experience.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The Microsoft 365 team works closely with other teams within the organization, including IT, cybersecurity, and user experience, to ensure that Microsoft 365 services meet the evolving needs of the organization and its users.
Code Review Culture: The Microsoft 365 team follows a rigorous code review process to ensure that Microsoft 365 services are reliable, secure, and performant.
Peer Programming and Mentoring: The Microsoft 365 team fosters a culture of peer programming and mentoring, with a focus on driving platform improvements and enhancing user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: IFS values user experience, performance optimization, code quality, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The Microsoft 365 team works closely with other teams within the organization to ensure that Microsoft 365 services meet the evolving needs of the organization and its users. The team fosters a culture of collaboration, code review, peer programming, and mentoring to drive platform improvements and enhance user experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Microsoft 365 Compliance: Experience in Microsoft 365 compliance solutions, including data retention policies, labeling, and data loss prevention (DLP) for all M365 collaboration services, including SharePoint, Exchange, and Teams.
Microsoft Defender and Intune Device Management: Good experience in Microsoft Defender and Intune device management is required to ensure the security and compliance of the organization's Microsoft 365 services and integrations.
Data Migration from Mergers and Acquisitions: Experience in data migration from mergers and acquisitions is required to ensure the smooth and efficient integration of Microsoft 365 services and integrations within the organization.
Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with emerging technologies within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem is required to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: The senior systems engineer has the opportunity to develop their technical skills and expertise within the Microsoft 365 administration field, with a focus on driving platform improvements and enhancing user experience.
Emerging Technology Adoption: The senior systems engineer may have the opportunity to drive the adoption of emerging technologies within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.
Technical Leadership: With experience and proven success in the senior systems engineer role, the senior systems engineer may have the opportunity to move into a technical leadership position within the Microsoft 365 team or the wider IT organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities within the Microsoft 365 administration field. The senior systems engineer has the opportunity to develop their technical skills and expertise, drive the adoption of emerging technologies, and move into a technical leadership position within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Microsoft 365 Administration: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft 365 administration, including Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to manage and optimize Microsoft 365 services, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, and automate tasks and processes.
Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss your problem-solving skills and experience diagnosing and remediating complex technical issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations. Be ready to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems.
Communication: Be prepared to discuss your communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive platform improvements and user satisfaction.

Company & Culture Questions:

Microsoft 365 Team Dynamics: Be prepared to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, with a focus on driving platform improvements and enhancing user experience.
Microsoft 365 Methodologies: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft 365 methodologies, including Agile/Scrum, code review, and testing processes. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to drive platform improvements and enhance user experience within a collaborative and iterative development environment.
User Experience Impact: Be prepared to discuss your experience measuring and optimizing user experience for Microsoft 365 services and integrations. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to drive platform improvements and enhance user satisfaction within the organization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Live Website Demonstration: Prepare a live demonstration of your most relevant Microsoft 365 administration projects, highlighting your ability to manage and optimize Microsoft 365 services, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, and automate tasks and processes.
Code Explanation: Be ready to explain your code and architecture decisions, demonstrating your technical expertise and ability to drive platform improvements and enhance user experience.
User Experience Showcase: Prepare a showcase of your user experience design and optimization efforts, demonstrating your commitment to driving platform improvements and enhancing user satisfaction within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role involves a technical assessment, behavioral interview, and final evaluation. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and fit with the company culture. The interview questions and portfolio presentation strategy listed above are designed to help candidates optimize their preparation and performance in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this senior systems engineer role at IFS, follow these steps:

Customize Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant Microsoft 365 administration projects, demonstrating your ability to manage and optimize Microsoft 365 services, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, and automate tasks and processes.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant technical skills and experience with Microsoft 365 administration, Exchange Online, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Defender, and Intune device management. Include specific examples of how you have driven platform improvements, optimized user experience, and ensured high system availability and data integrity in your previous roles.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your Microsoft 365 administration skills, problem-solving abilities, and scripting proficiency. Practice diagnosing and remediating complex technical issues related to Microsoft 365 services and integrations. Develop your communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive platform improvements and user satisfaction.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with IFS's company culture, values, and mission. Understand the organization's focus on AI technology, customer success, and operational excellence. Be ready to discuss how your technical expertise and experience align with the company's goals and objectives.

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

Senior Systems Engineer - Microsoft Modern Workplace