Microsoft Defender Lead

MNP•Calgary, AB

12h

About The Position

MNP is redefining how organizations succeed in the digital age by bridging strategic vision, technical innovation, and operational execution to deliver transformative results. We are strengthening our Managed Services practice in the role of Microsoft Defender Lead. Join a diverse team of tech-savvy problem solvers dedicated to supporting clients across Canada with innovative collaboration technologies and scalable IT solutions. The ideal candidate would be the technical subject matter expert responsible for the design, implementation, administration, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of Microsoft Defender and Microsoft security solutions across managed client environments. The Microsoft Defender Lead provides advanced technical expertise across the Microsoft Defender security portfolio, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Purview, Microsoft Security Exposure Management, and related Microsoft security technologies. This role supports the design and operation of secure Microsoft environments and provides technical guidance to Service Desk, Infrastructure, Cloud, Security Operations, Project Delivery, Solution Architecture, and Client Account teams. They would be responsible for ensuring Microsoft security solutions are appropriately configured, monitored, maintained, licensed, and optimized. The role also provides advanced incident investigation, threat hunting, vulnerability management, security architecture, automation, and technical advisory services. The ideal candidate also serves as a key technical escalation resource for complex Microsoft security issues and works directly with Microsoft when vendor escalation or advanced product support is required. They would also combine deep Microsoft security expertise, strong troubleshooting and analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, automation experience, and a customer-focused mindset. MNP Digital is Canada's leading consulting and technology partner, delivering innovative solutions that help organizations thrive in a rapidly changing world. Join a collaborative team that embraces innovation, values professional growth, and empowers you to make an impact.

Requirements

7–10+ years of experience in enterprise IT and cybersecurity.
5+ years of Microsoft security experience preferred.
Experience working within an MSP or multi-tenant Microsoft environment.
Strong Microsoft Defender expertise.
Strong Microsoft Entra ID expertise.
Strong Microsoft Intune knowledge.
Advanced KQL knowledge.
Advanced PowerShell knowledge.
Experience with Microsoft security APIs and automation.
Experience performing security investigations.
Strong understanding of Zero Trust.
Experience communicating security risks to technical and executive audiences.
Microsoft Security Platform Integration
Microsoft Entra ID
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Sentinel
Microsoft Purview
Security Operations and Threat Hunting
Vulnerability & Exposure Management
Microsoft Security Licensing
Microsoft Security Architecture
Security Standards & Governance
Strong communication (able to explain IT issues in non-technical terms).
Customer service mindset with patience and empathy.
Team player, able to collaborate with other Service Desk resources.
Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Strong time management.
Attention to detail.
Understanding of the importance of detailed time tracking and recording.
ITIL v4 Foundation
Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst Associate (SC-200)
Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate (SC-300)
Microsoft Certified: Information Security Administrator Associate (SC-401)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset.
Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)
Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert (MS-102)
Microsoft Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

Responsibilities

Act as the technical subject matter expert for Microsoft Defender technologies.
Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting for complex Defender issues.
Assist technical teams with escalated security incidents.
Perform root-cause analysis of recurring security issues.
Develop permanent remediation strategies.
Design, implement, and optimize Defender solutions.
Review existing Defender configurations and identify security improvements.
Develop and maintain Microsoft Defender standards and best practices.
Support Microsoft Defender onboarding and migration projects.
Provide technical guidance for new and existing client environments.
Maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and runbooks.
Work with Microsoft support on complex product issues.