Senior IT Systems Administrator - Windows & VMware

We are seeking a dynamic Senior IT Systems Administrator with expertise in Windows and VMware technologies who can excel in both project leadership and operational excellence.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational stability across multiple datacenters, demonstrating strong organizational skills and effective communication throughout all initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Windows Infrastructure Management
• Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019, 2022, 2025)
• Oversee patch management, security hardening, and Gold Standard version compliance initiatives
• Implement automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies
• Monitor system performance and optimize resource utilization

VMware Infrastructure Management
• Administer VMware vSphere v8+ environments including VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, and vSAN
• Perform virtual machine lifecycle management, capacity planning, and optimization
• Execute cluster upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal downtime

Project Leadership & Management
• Lead end-to-end infrastructure projects including Windows Server upgrades, VMware upgrades, and system migrations across multiple datacenters
• Develop comprehensive project schedules, timelines, and resource allocation plans
• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project dependencies
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget

Team Leadership & Task Management
• Assign and prioritize tasks across team members based on skills and project requirements
• Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team
• Act as escalation point for complex Windows and VMware technical issues

Operational Excellence
• Maintain 24/7 system availability through proactive monitoring and maintenance
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
• Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support
• Ensure compliance with security policies, change management, and regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with Windows Server administration
• 5+ years of VMware vSphere administration experience
• Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)
• Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization
• Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures

Leadership & Communication
• Proven track record of leading technical projects from inception to completion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in task delegation and team coordination
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders

Organizational Skills
• Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
• Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL preferred)
• Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
• Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience
• VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience
• Experience in regulated industries with compliance requirements
• Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and associated compliance obligations

Leadership Competencies
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives
• Team Development: Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
• Change Management: Experience leading organizational and technical change initiatives
• Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks
• Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills across all organizational levels