IT Lead Systems Administrator & Architect

JAM Industries, Ltd.

$90K — $110K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in systems administration, particularly in Azure and hybrid cloud environments.
  • Extensive management experience in Windows Server and Unix systems.
  • Proficiency in Azure services including VMs, AVD, App Services, and Active Directory.
  • Strong automation skills with tools like PowerShell and Ansible.
  • Solid understanding of cloud architecture for cost and performance optimization.
  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities across multiple environments.
  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and improvement of Azure infrastructure for scalability and security.
  • Oversee administration of Azure resources and optimize for performance and cost.
  • Manage day-to-day operations of Windows Server and Unix environments.
  • Automate processes using PowerShell and Azure Automation tools.
  • Implement security controls and monitor systems for vulnerabilities.
  • Proactively monitor system performance and scaling needs.
  • Ensure backup and disaster recovery plans are effective and tested.
  • Mentor junior administrators and promote best practices across the team.
  • Collaborate with technical teams to align infrastructure with business objectives.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance, including vision and wellness programs.
  • Group insurance benefits covering life, critical illness, and disability.
  • RRSP matching program to aid retirement savings.
  • Flexible work arrangements and generous paid time off policies.
  • Engaging company culture with a lively social calendar.
  • Employee discounts on products.
  • Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.
  • Supportive and inclusive work environment emphasizing work-life balance.
Full Job Description
Job Title: IT Lead Systems Administrator & Architect

Location: Baie D'Urfe, QC (Hybrid environment)

Schedule: Monday - Friday | 8:30AM-5:30PM, with after-hours support and maintenance as needed.

Summary:

As a Lead Systems Administrator & Architect at JAM, you will be responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and ongoing management of our server infrastructure, hosted primarily in Microsoft Azure. This role combines high-level system architecture with hands-on administration across Windows environments, ensuring the infrastructure is secure, reliable, and optimized for the company's evolving needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Ongoing Infrastructure Design & Optimization: Lead the ongoing design and implementation of improvements to our Azure infrastructure, ensuring that it remains scalable, secure, and cost-efficient. Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify areas for optimization, enhance system performance, and ensure the infrastructure evolves to meet changing business needs.
  • Azure Administration & Optimization: Oversee the administration of Azure resources, including virtual machines, storage, networking, and identity management. Ensure ongoing optimization for performance, security, and cost-effectiveness.
  • System Administration: Manage day-to-day administration of Windows Server environments and Unix appliances, ensuring high availability, performance, and system health. Troubleshoot and resolve issues promptly, coordinating with other teams as necessary.
  • Automation & Scripting: Leverage tools such as PowerShell, Azure Automation, and Ansible to automate repetitive tasks, streamline infrastructure management, and ensure efficient deployment processes.
  • Security Management: Ensure the security of infrastructure by implementing robust access controls and adhering to best security practices for both Azure and on-premises systems. Collaborate closely with Security Ops to continuously monitor systems for vulnerabilities and ensure compliance. Coordinate efforts to remediate security issues and maintain a proactive, security-first posture.
  • Performance Monitoring & Scaling: Proactively monitor the performance of both Azure-hosted and on-premises systems, identifying bottlenecks, performance issues, and opportunities for improvement. Ensure systems scale effectively to meet business needs.
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery: Ensure the ongoing health and availability of backup systems and disaster recovery plans. Monitor, test, and maintain existing backup and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity and business continuity.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Provide leadership and mentorship to junior system administrators. Share knowledge of best practices and cloud technologies to promote professional growth and team development.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with development, operations, and other technical teams to ensure infrastructure aligns with application requirements and business objectives. Lead infrastructure projects and initiatives to support new services or major system updates.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Experience: 7+ years of experience in systems administration with a strong background in Azure and hybrid cloud environments.
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Extensive experience managing Windows Server environments (Active Directory, Exchange Server, Hyper-V, etc.) and Unix-based systems.
    • Proficiency with Azure services, including VMs, AVD, App Services, Storage, Identity, Monitoring, Azure Active Directory, etc.
  • Automation & Scripting: Strong experience with PowerShell, Azure Automation, Ansible, or other tools to automate and streamline processes.
  • Cloud Architecture & Design: Solid understanding of Azure architecture, with hands-on experience optimizing and maintaining cloud infrastructure for cost, performance, and scalability.
  • Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting: Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to resolve complex issues across both Windows and Unix environments.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working cross-functionally with teams and stakeholders.
  • Certifications (preferred but not required):
    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
    • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Ready to join our team? Here is why we are one big, happy JAMily...
  • Group Insurance Benefits: Health & Dental, Vision, Life, Critical Illness, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
  • Wellness Incentive Program and an Employee Assistance Program.
  • RRSP matching program.
  • Work-life balance is key: Flextime, summer hours, paid vacation, personal time off.
  • We value work life balance and offer a casual and fun environment.
  • Lively social calendar...there's always something for everyone!
  • Generous employee discount on all our cool gear.
  • On-going learning opportunities.
  • Not to mention the opportunity to work in a highly talented, winning team!

Safety Statement:
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. All candidates should expect adherence to workplace safety protocols, including compliance with local health and safety regulations and internal safety standards.

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at JAM Industries, Ltd.

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar IT Lead Systems Administrator & Architect jobs: