Platform & Cyber Security Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Platform & Cyber Security Specialist to join Harrow Council's ICT Services team at an exciting time of digital transformation. Working within a modern cloud-first environment, the role is responsible for the administration, security, and continuous improvement of the Council's core Microsoft platforms, including Hybrid Exchange, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365 Defender, Sentinel, and associated cyber security technologies.

As a key member of the IT Platform team, you will play a leading role in maintaining secure, resilient, and highly available technology services that support the delivery of critical council functions. You will be responsible for strengthening the Council's cyber security posture, investigating and responding to security threats, automating administrative processes through PowerShell, and supporting the ongoing adoption of Microsoft cloud technologies and security best practices.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders across the organisation, contributing to infrastructure modernisation projects, security initiatives, service improvements, and operational excellence, whilst ensuring compliance with security, governance, and regulatory requirements

The successful candidate will have the below:-

• Experienced in administering and supporting Hybrid Exchange environments, including Exchange Online and on-premises services.
• Strong knowledge of Active Directory management, including Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, domains, trusts, replication, and certificate services.
• Skilled in managing Microsoft Entra ID environments, including Conditional Access, MFA, SSPR, PIM, and identity lifecycle management.
• Experienced in using Microsoft 365 Defender and Sentinel to monitor, investigate, and respond to security threats and incidents.
• Proficient in PowerShell scripting and automation, with the ability to improve operational efficiency through streamlined processes.
• Familiar with Microsoft Intune and endpoint management for Windows, iOS, and Android devices, including device security and compliance policies.
• Good understanding of cyber security principles, identity and access management, and Microsoft security best practices.
• Knowledge of VPN technologies, SSL certificates, and core networking concepts, including DNS, DHCP, and Layer 3 networking.
• Experience working within ITIL-based service management processes, including incident, problem, and change management.
• A collaborative and customer-focused team player who can communicate effectively, manage priorities, and work successfully in a fast-paced environment.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn