At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise-wide identity services using Microsoft Entra.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on Identity & Access Management.
- Benefits: Competitive contract salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and collaboration with top-tier engineering teams.
- Why this job: Shape the future of identity security in a dynamic, multi-cloud environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Microsoft Entra and extensive IAM experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for a highly experienced Lead Identity Specialist (Microsoft Entra) to take ownership of the design, implementation, and governance of enterprise-wide identity services. This is a senior technical leadership role combining deep hands-on expertise with strategic advisory responsibilities.
You will act as the organisation’s subject matter expert for Microsoft Entra ID, Conditional Access, Identity Protection, Privileged Identity Management (PIM), CIEM, and Microsoft Defender for Identity (or equivalent tools), while guiding engineering teams, application owners, security architects, and business stakeholders. This role is central to shaping and delivering a Zero Trust identity strategy across a complex enterprise and multi-cloud environment.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the enterprise architecture, design, and deployment of Microsoft Entra solutions, including Entra ID, Conditional Access, Identity Protection, PIM, CIEM, and Identity Governance.
- Define and deliver IAM strategy aligned to Zero Trust principles.
- Act as the technical authority and SME for identity integration across application, infrastructure, and security teams.
- Provide expert guidance on IAM modernisation, including migration from legacy identity platforms.
- Oversee application onboarding and ensure secure identity integration patterns across the organisation.
- Drive adoption of identity threat detection capabilities and identity-based risk management practices.
- Partner with Security leadership to ensure compliance with regulatory, audit, and governance requirements.
- Serve as escalation point for critical identity incidents and lead root cause analysis and remediation.
- Define IAM technical standards, governance policies, and best practices across multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP).
- Collaborate with Microsoft product and engineering teams and provide feedback on roadmap and platform improvements.
- Mentor and support Level 3 engineers and Technical Account Managers (TAMs).
- Work closely with Infrastructure, Microsoft 365, and SOC teams to strengthen identity security posture and optimise configurations.
- Expert-level experience with Microsoft Entra architecture and implementation.
- Strong background in hybrid identity, including Active Directory, AD FS, and Azure AD Connect.
- Deep understanding of IAM security controls including Conditional Access, Identity Protection, PIM, CIEM, and Governance.
- Experience with identity threat detection tools and integration into broader security ecosystems.
- Strong knowledge of authentication protocols including SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect, Kerberos, and LDAP.
- Experience working with AWS IAM and GCP IAM in multi-cloud environments.
- Proven ability to translate technical IAM capabilities into business-aligned strategies.
- Strong understanding of B2B and B2C identity models at enterprise scale.
- Extensive experience managing workforce and non-human identities, including automation in hybrid environments.
- Experience conducting IAM security assessments and configuration reviews.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing senior engineers and technical teams.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and consulting skills.
- Microsoft certifications such as SC-100, SC-300, AZ-500 (or equivalent).
- 12+ years of experience in Identity & Access Management (IAM).
- Proven experience delivering IAM transformation or legacy migration programmes.
- Experience presenting IAM strategy and architecture to senior and executive stakeholders.
Lead Identity Specialist employer: Coltech
As a Lead Identity Specialist at our Sheffield location, you will join a forward-thinking team that prioritises innovation and professional growth. We offer a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous learning and mentorship, alongside competitive benefits that support your well-being and career advancement. With a focus on cutting-edge identity solutions and a commitment to a Zero Trust strategy, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of Identity & Access Management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Identity Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the Identity & Access Management space. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal project that highlights your expertise with Microsoft Entra and IAM strategies. This not only demonstrates your capabilities but also gives you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions related to IAM and Microsoft Entra, and practice your responses. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Identity Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Identity Specialist role. Highlight your experience with Microsoft Entra and IAM strategies, as we want to see how your skills align with our needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about identity management and how your expertise can help us shape a Zero Trust identity strategy.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills in your application. We’re looking for someone with deep hands-on expertise, so make sure to mention your experience with tools like Conditional Access and Identity Protection.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coltech
✨Know Your Microsoft Entra Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Microsoft Entra, especially its architecture and implementation. Be prepared to discuss how you've used Conditional Access, Identity Protection, and PIM in past roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tools but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Identity Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership experience. Think of specific examples where you've guided teams or mentored engineers. Highlight how you've managed critical identity incidents and led root cause analysis, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Align with Zero Trust Principles
Familiarise yourself with Zero Trust strategies and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these principles in previous roles. Prepare to explain how you would define and deliver an IAM strategy that aligns with Zero Trust, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about IAM security controls and authentication protocols. Brush up on your knowledge of SAML, OAuth, and other relevant technologies. Being able to translate complex technical concepts into business-aligned strategies will set you apart from other candidates.
