Desktop Lead

Duties and Responsibilities The Desktop Lead will be a senior technical leader within the ICT team, responsible for the delivery, support and strategic development of end-user computing services.
While the title reflects a desktop-focused role, the position spans all areas of corporate IT, including infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity and digital transformation.
The role also includes project management responsibilities, leading and coordinating ICT initiatives that improve service delivery, security and operational efficiency.
Technical Leadership: Lead the desktop and end-user computing function, ensuring reliable, secure and efficient IT services.
Act as a senior technical resource across infrastructure, cloud, networking and cybersecurity domains.
Design and implement scalable desktop and application deployment strategies using tools such as Microsoft Intune, Autopilot and SCCM.
Manage endpoint security, compliance and patching across all devices.
Provide Tier 3 support for complex technical issues and act as an escalation point for the ICT support team.
Project Management: Lead ICT projects from initiation to completion, including planning, execution, monitoring and closure.
Develop project plans, timelines and resource allocations in collaboration with stakeholders.
Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
Track project progress, manage risks and report on outcomes to senior management.
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and within budget.
Operational & Strategic Contributions: Collaborate with ICT colleagues on cross-functional initiatives including cloud migration, identity management and business continuity.
Maintain and improve ICT documentation, asset management and configuration records.
Contribute to ICT strategy, policy development and continuous service improvement.
Mentor junior staff and foster a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
Technical Scope: Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, Share Point, Teams, Defender, Purview).
Endpoint Management (Intune, SCCM, Autopilot).
Windows 10/11, mac OS, and mobile platforms.
Azure Active Directory, Group Policy, Conditional Access.
Networking fundamentals (DNS, DHCP, VPN, firewalls).
Security and compliance (MFA, endpoint protection, vulnerability management).
Automation and scripting (Power Shell, Bash, etc.).
Note: The functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time.
The person appointed requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the Authority.
Essential Criteria Please note: In order to satisfy the shortlisting panel that you meet these criteria you must explicitly reference how you meet same in your application.
Failure to demonstrate these may prevent your application progressing to future shortlisting stages.
Each candidate must meet the following requirements at the time of the competition closing: Hold a minimum of an NFQ level 7 qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; Have a minimum 5 years satisfactory experience in a senior technical IT role, with demonstrable experience across desktop, infrastructure, and cloud services; Have 2 years demonstrable experience managing ICT projects and delivering technical solutions in a structured environment; Possess strong knowledge of Microsoft technologies and enterprise IT environments; Excellent problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills; and Have experience with ITIL-based service management and documentation practices.
Desirable Criteria Please note: Should further shortlisting be required after essential criteria above, a selection of the following may be assessed.
The ideal candidate will also have: Experience with IT Governance and Compliance Frameworks: Familiarity with standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, or GDPR compliance; Certifications in Relevant Technologies: Professional certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate, Azure Administrator Associate, or ITIL Foundation; Proven Experience in Change Management and User Adoption: Ability to lead change initiatives and drive user adoption of new technologies, especially in the context of digital transformation and cloud migration; Strong Vendor and Contract Management Skills: Experience managing third-party vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met; and Experience in Automation and Process Improvement: Demonstrated ability to streamline IT operations through scripting, automation tools, or process reengineering to improve efficiency and reduce manual workload.

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