MNP

Microsoft Defender Lead

MNP$100K — $120K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7-10+ years in enterprise IT and cybersecurity
  • 5+ years of experience with Microsoft security technologies
  • Proficient in Microsoft Defender, Entra ID, Intune, and Sentinel
  • Advanced knowledge of KQL and PowerShell
  • Experience in multi-tenant Microsoft environments
  • Strong understanding of Zero Trust security models
  • Effective communicator of technical issues to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

  • Act as the technical expert for Microsoft Defender technologies
  • Provide advanced support for complex security issues
  • Assist in handling escalated security incidents
  • Conduct root-cause analysis for recurring security problems
  • Develop strategies for permanent remediation
  • Design and optimize Microsoft Defender implementations
  • Review configurations and identify areas for security enhancement

Benefits

  • Generous paid time off including 4 personal days
  • Firm-sponsored social events
  • Group pension plan with 4% matching contribution
  • Wellness subsidy and health/dental benefits
  • Access to mental health resources and perks
  • Professional development opportunities through MNP University
  • Flexible 'Dress For Your Day' environment
Full Job Description
Make an impact as we strengthen our Managed Services practice in the role of Microsoft Defender Lead. Join a diverse team of tech-savvy problem solvers dedicated to supporting clients across Canada with innovative collaboration technologies and scalable IT solutions. The ideal candidate would be the technical subject matter expert responsible for the design, implementation, administration, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of Microsoft Defender and Microsoft security solutions across managed client environments.

The Microsoft Defender Lead provides advanced technical expertise across the Microsoft Defender security portfolio, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Security Exposure Management, and related Microsoft security technologies. This role supports the design and operation of secure Microsoft environments and provides technical guidance to Service Desk, Infrastructure, Cloud, Security Operations, Project Delivery, Solution Architecture, and Client Account teams. They would be responsible for ensuring Microsoft security solutions are appropriately configured, monitored, maintained, licensed, and optimized. The role also provides advanced incident investigation, threat hunting, vulnerability management, security architecture, automation, and technical advisory services.

The ideal candidate also serves as a key technical escalation resource for complex Microsoft security issues and works directly with Microsoft when vendor escalation or advanced product support is required. They would also combine deep Microsoft security expertise, strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, automation experience, and a customer-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the technical subject matter expert for Microsoft Defender technologies.
  • Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting for complex Defender issues.
  • Assist technical teams with escalated security incidents.
  • Perform root-cause analysis of recurring security issues.
  • Develop permanent remediation strategies.
  • Design, implement, and optimize Defender solutions.
  • Review existing Defender configurations and identify security improvements.
  • Develop and maintain Microsoft Defender standards and best practices.
  • Support Microsoft Defender onboarding and migration projects.
  • Provide technical guidance for new and existing client environments.
  • Maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and runbooks.
  • Work with Microsoft support on complex product issues.


Skills and Experience

  • 7-10+ years of experience in enterprise IT and cybersecurity.
  • 5+ years of Microsoft security experience preferred.
  • Experience working within an MSP or multi-tenant Microsoft environment.
  • Strong Microsoft Defender expertise.
  • Strong Microsoft Entra ID expertise.
  • Strong Microsoft Intune knowledge.
  • Advanced KQL knowledge.
  • Advanced PowerShell knowledge.
  • Experience with Microsoft security APIs and automation.
  • Experience performing security investigations.
  • Strong understanding of Zero Trust.
  • Experience communicating security risks to technical and executive audiences.
  • Microsoft Security Platform Integration
    • Microsoft Entra ID
    • Microsoft Intune
    • Microsoft Sentinel
    • Microsoft Purview
  • Security Operations and Threat Hunting
  • Vulnerability & Exposure Management
  • Microsoft Security Licensing
  • Microsoft Security Architecture
  • Security Standards & Governance


Soft Skills:

  • Strong communication (able to explain IT issues in non-technical terms).
  • Customer service mindset with patience and empathy.
  • Team player, able to collaborate with other Service Desk resources.
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Strong time management.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Understanding of the importance of detailed time tracking and recording.
  • Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset.


Required Certifications:

  • ITIL v4 Foundation
  • Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
  • Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)
  • Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)


Recommended Certification Track:

  • Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)
  • Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert (MS-102)
  • Microsoft Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
  • Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)




More than a paycheque, MNP is proud to offer customized rewards for our team members. With a focus on health and wealth, we provide an extensive list of benefits that support our unique culture and foster work-life integration.

Our MyRewards@MNP program offers benefits that allow you to thrive at work and outside of the office. Be rewarded with generous paid time off including 4 personal days, firm sponsored social events, a group pension plan with 4% matching contribution, voluntary savings products, bonus program eligibility, a wellness subsidy, health and dental benefits, mental health resources, exclusive access to perks and discounts, professional development assistance, learning opportunities through MNP University, a flexible 'Dress For Your Day' environment and more!

About MNP

MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. We proudly serve and respond to the needs of our clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Through partner-led engagements, we provide a collaborative, cost-effective approach to doing business and personalized strategies to help organizations succeed across the country and around the world.

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