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 options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top engineers and influence strategic identity initiatives.
- 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 in Sheffield 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 in Sheffield
✨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 using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Identity Specialist in Sheffield
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, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant certifications. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences with identity management and how they relate to our Zero Trust strategy. Let’s see your passion for IAM!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior role, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've guided teams in the past, especially in complex environments. We love seeing candidates who can mentor others and drive strategic initiatives!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for!
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 and its components like Conditional Access and Identity Protection. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these tools in past roles, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Identity Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage projects. Prepare examples of how you've guided engineering teams or mentored junior staff, focusing on your leadership style and the outcomes of your efforts.
✨Align with Zero Trust Principles
Familiarise yourself with Zero Trust architecture and be prepared to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous work. Highlight specific strategies you've used to enhance identity security and compliance within multi-cloud environments.
✨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, and be ready to explain how they fit into an enterprise identity strategy.
