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About Us
Fruition IT is a premier technology recruitment consultancy headquartered in Yorkshire, connecting top-tier digital, cloud, data, and software talent with industry-leading commercial enterprises across the UK.
Representing high-growth organizations in Leeds and Doncaster, Fruition IT specializes in identifying hands-on engineering professionals capable of modernizing, securing, and scaling complex IT estates.
Website: https://www.fruitiongroup.com/
Job Overview & Key Responsibilities
As a Microsoft Cloud Engineer, you will take hands-on ownership of an enterprise IT environment spanning Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, and core hybrid infrastructure. Operating on a hybrid schedule (3 days per week onsite in Leeds or Doncaster), you will balance 3rd-line escalation support with active project delivery, automation, and cloud security enhancements.
Key Responsibilities
- Cloud Administration: Administer, optimize, and maintain high availability across Microsoft 365, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), SharePoint, and OneDrive.
- Project Delivery: Design, plan, and deploy new cloud services, hybrid migrations, and infrastructure upgrades end-to-end.
- Security & Endpoint Protection: Implement and manage security protocols, including Microsoft Intune, MFA, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), conditional access rules, and identity governance.
- Automation & Scripting: Develop robust PowerShell or Python scripts to automate routine provisioning, monitoring, and operational workflows (with opportunities to use Terraform/Ansible).
- Incident Escalation & Vendor Liaison: Act as an advanced escalation point for complex 3rd-line cloud incidents while collaborating with third-party SaaS vendors (e.g., Mimecast, Cisco Umbrella).
- Technical Governance: Author comprehensive operational documentation, system architectures, and standardized support procedures.
Requirements & Desired Qualifications
- Core Technical Track Record: Proven commercial experience as a Systems Engineer or Cloud Infrastructure Engineer managing hybrid Microsoft environments.
- Microsoft Stack Mastery: Strong technical proficiency across Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID, Active Directory, Intune, and modern workplace tools.
- Enterprise Security & SaaS: Experience administering security platforms like Mimecast, Cisco Umbrella, identity management suites, and endpoint management tools.
- Automation Competency: Hands-on experience with PowerShell or Python scripting for IT administration.
- On-Premise & Virtualization Foundations: Solid grasp of Windows Server, VMware, storage solutions, and basic SQL/networking concepts.
- Certifications (Desirable): Relevant Microsoft credentials (e.g., AZ-104 Azure Administrator, MS-102 Microsoft 365 Administrator, or SC-300 Identity and Access Administrator).
Job Role Comparison Table
| Feature / Aspect | 2nd-Line Desktop Support | Microsoft Cloud Engineer (Fruition) | Senior Azure DevOps Architect |
| Primary Scope | User hardware, basic ticketing & password resets | Hybrid M365/Azure infrastructure, security & project delivery | Large-scale IaC pipelines, Kubernetes & cloud architecture |
| Tooling & Stack | Windows 10/11, basic AD, Active Directory | Azure, Entra ID, Intune, PowerShell, M365, VMware | Terraform, Bicep, Azure DevOps, Kubernetes, CI/CD |
| Work Arrangement | Onsite daily | Hybrid (3 days/week onsite in Leeds or Doncaster) | Hybrid / Fully Remote |
| Automation Level | Basic GUI administration | Scripted automation via PowerShell / Python | Full Infrastructure as Code (IaC) pipelines |
Key Benefits of This Role
- Competitive Financial Package: Salary up to £55,000 per annum plus an attractive corporate benefits package.
- Hybrid Work Flexibility: Balance 3 days onsite in modern Leeds/Doncaster offices with flexible home-working options.
- Broad Technology Exposure: Hands-on involvement across both modern cloud solutions (Azure/M365) and enterprise virtualization/networking stacks.
- Equal Opportunity Culture: Inclusive recruitment environment prioritizing merit, professional development, and equal opportunity.
How to Prepare a CV for This Position
- Highlight the Microsoft Ecosystem Early: Place technical keywords (Azure, Entra ID, Intune, PowerShell, M365) right near the top of your professional summary.
- Detail Automation Impact: Give specific examples of scripts you wrote using PowerShell or Python (e.g., “Automated user onboarding via PowerShell, saving 5 hours per week”).
- Showcase Project Involvement: Highlight major upgrades or migrations you contributed to, such as moving on-premise Exchange to M365 or implementing Intune device policies.
- List Certifications Clearly: Prominently feature any completed or in-progress Microsoft certifications (AZ-104, MS-102, SC-300).
Career Guide Tips for Growth
- Advance from Scripting to IaC: Expand your PowerShell knowledge into Terraform or Azure Bicep to position yourself for Senior Cloud Architect roles.
- Master Security & Identity: Deepen your focus on Microsoft Entra ID Protection, Zero Trust models, and Privileged Identity Management (PIM) as cloud security demands increase.
- Learn Modern CI/CD Workflows: Familiarize yourself with basic Git, YAML, and Azure DevOps pipelines for automated infrastructure deployments.
How to Prepare for the Interview
- Review Key Microsoft Services: Be ready to articulate the differences between Azure Active Directory/Entra ID, Azure IaaS, and M365 SaaS management.
- Prepare Automation Examples: Expect to discuss a script you wrote from scratch, including how you handled error logging and security credentials.
- Demonstrate Troubleshooting Methodology: Practice explaining how you diagnose complex hybrid environment issues (e.g., AD Sync failures or Intune policy conflicts).
Interview Questions & Guidance
1. “How do you troubleshoot a failure in Entra ID Connect (Azure AD Connect) where on-premise updates are not syncing to the cloud?”
How to answer: Outline a structured approach: check service status on the sync server, inspect the Synchronization Service Manager for staging errors, review Event Viewer logs, verify network/port connectivity, and check account permissions.
2. “Can you describe how you would design and deploy an automated Microsoft Intune compliance policy for remote corporate laptops?”
How to answer: Detail configuring conditional access policies, defining baseline requirements (BitLocker encryption, OS build version, Antivirus enablement), creating deployment groups, testing on a pilot ring, and setting automated remediation actions for non-compliant devices.
3. “How have you used PowerShell or Python to automate repetitive cloud or identity administration tasks?”
How to answer: Walk through a specific scenario (e.g., bulk provisioning users with specific licenses, generating inactive user reports, or auditing M365 permissions), detailing the modules used (
Microsoft.Graph), error handling, and business time saved.
Salary Insight
- Base Salary Range: Up to £55,000 per annum (plus comprehensive corporate package).
- Work Model: Full-time, Permanent (Hybrid: 3 days onsite per week in Leeds or Doncaster).
How to Apply
To apply for the Microsoft Cloud Engineer position via Fruition IT:
- Online Application: Submit your CV and cover details directly through the official Fruition IT recruitment portal or designated UK job platforms.
- Location Options: Leeds or Doncaster, United Kingdom.
- Process Expectations: Initial CV evaluation followed by a talent screening call and technical interview rounds.
Disclaimer
This job summary and career guide has been independently created for candidate preparation and informational purposes. Fruition IT and its hiring partners retain all primary rights to their official job descriptions, brand assets, and selection criteria. Applicants should verify precise salary details, office expectations, and contract terms directly with their assigned Fruition IT consultant.