Sr IT Systems Admin - Win / VMWare

Senior IT Systems Administrator - Windows & VMwareWe 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 ResponsibilitiesWindows 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 utilizationVMware 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 downtimeProject 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 budgetTeam 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 issuesOperational 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 adoptionRequired QualificationsTechnical 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 proceduresLeadership & 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 stakeholdersOrganizational 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 simultaneouslyPreferred 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 obligationsLeadership 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