At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design and implement Microsoft 365 solutions that empower our staff.
- Company: Innovative tech company based in Oxford, focused on internal technology excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, dental cover, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising technology for better employee experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience with Microsoft 365 suite and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Based in our Oxford office, you will join the Engineering Team within Internal Technology. The team is responsible for the design, delivery, continual improvement, and escalation support of the core services that provide Aurora's staff with the processes, tools and technology needed to perform their best work.
Key Responsibilities
- Engineering Excellence: Deploy a proactive, detail focused, relentless engineering mindset to implement processes that empower the Internal Technology function to serve Aurora. Lead by example, sharing your technical knowledge, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to the professional and operational growth of the wider Internal Technology team.
- Microsoft Technology Expertise: Advise, collaborate, design and implement well engineered, best practice aligned solutions across Microsoft technologies, including Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, Windows, Entra ID, Intune / Microsoft Endpoint Manager. Stay up to date with the evolving Microsoft technology landscape and provide strategic insights on integrating new solutions.
- Efficiency and Employee Experience: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise Microsoft technology configuration in alignment with business goals. Enhance employee experience by ensuring seamless and efficient utilisation of Microsoft tools to facilitate productivity and collaboration.
- Project Involvement: Participate in projects that enhance or extend the technology landscape within the organisation. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, design solutions, implement changes, and ensure successful project outcomes.
- System Ownership: Take ownership of specific systems and platforms within the Microsoft ecosystem. Leverage your deep technical expertise to troubleshoot issues, implement improvements, and maintain a high level of system availability in conjunction with the IT support function within the team.
Required attributes
- Strong experience with the design and delivery of well-engineered solutions utilising the Microsoft 365 suite (Exchange Online, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams) and Windows.
- Experience with Entra ID and Intune/Microsoft Endpoint Manager (including managed endpoint configuration and deployment).
- Comfortable picking up defined backlog stories and delivering them to completion with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrable experience creating and maintaining knowledge articles, SOPs, and process documentation.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels of the business and with team members to collaboratively design long-lasting solutions.
- Excellent time management, organisational skills, and attention to detail.
- Flexible approach to work, positive, can-do attitude, and a team player.
- Able to work independently to manage priorities and deliver to deadlines.
- A passion for technology and how it can be used to solve real business challenges.
Desirable attributes
- Experience with broader Microsoft technologies – Cloud App Security, Copilot Studio, Defender, Power Platform, and Purview.
- Networking proficiency — DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP fundamentals, VPN, Wi‑Fi, firewall concepts, and hybrid connectivity to Azure.
- Relevant Microsoft certifications.
- Familiarity with PowerShell and Microsoft Graph for automation and reporting.
- Familiarity with CI/CD and DevOps tooling for configuration management across environments including Azure DevOps, Git, Terraform, OpenTofu.
- Experience working with any of our Tier 1 systems: Azure, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Jira, Confluence, Salesforce, SAP SuccessFactors, or Dynamics 365 F&O.
Benefits
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Parental Support
- Salary‑Exchange Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Local Oxford Discounts
- Cycle‑to‑work Scheme
- Flu Jabs
The Company is committed to the principle that no employee or job applicant shall receive unfavourable treatment on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Microsoft 365 Solutions Engineer
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Aurora Energy Research values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Aurora Energy Research might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Aurora Energy Research!
✨Direct Apply to Aurora Energy Research
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Aurora Energy Research website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Microsoft 365 Solutions Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Aurora Energy Research.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Aurora Energy Research. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aurora Energy Research
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.