Senior Active Directory Architect

We are seeking a Senior Active Directory Architect to support the design, modernization, and standardization of directory services across a complex hybrid enterprise environment. This role focuses primarily on Active Directory architecture in a multi-domain hybrid landscape. The successful candidate will help define and implement the strategic direction for Active Directory and its integration with Microsoft Entra ID, establishing a secure, scalable, and maintainable model across multiple countries and environments. The position combines architectural design, technical leadership, and hands-on expertise to improve the current platform, remediate legacy issues, and support modernization initiatives across SYNLAB. While the primary focus is on on-premises Active Directory and hybrid identity, the role also requires solid understanding of Microsoft 365 identity dependencies, particularly Microsoft Entra ID, Exchange hybrid, and identity-related integration points with endpoint management. Active Directory Architecture - Assess and document the current Active Directory landscape across multiple environments. - Define and implement target architecture and standards for Active Directory. - Improve OU structures, delegation models, tiering, and Group Policy design. - Address architectural inconsistencies and legacy configuration issues. Identity Stabilization and Remediation - Lead remediation of architectural weaknesses, security findings, and legacy Active Directory issues. - Troubleshoot complex directory and authentication issues across domains and hybrid environments. - Drive improvements in directory design, authentication, and operational resilience. - Strengthen Active Directory resiliency, recovery preparedness, and restore processes. Hybrid identity and Microsoft 365 Integration - Ensure reliable integration between Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID. - Support and improve directory synchronization architecture, troubleshooting, and operational stability. - Contribute to standards for authentication, administration, and lifecycle processes across hybrid identity. - Provide architectural input into identity-related dependencies across Microsoft 365, particularly Microsoft Entra ID, Exchange hybrid, and endpoint identity integration with Intune. - Support design decisions affecting access, device identity, and cloud-connected provisioning. Technical Leadership - Act as the technical authority for Active Directory within the Workplace team. - Provide technical guidance to the team. - Support identity-related architectural decisions across infrastructure projects. Collaboration - Work closely with infrastructure and application teams across the organization. - Align directory and hybrid identity design with broader infrastructure and security initiatives. - Support technical workshops and coordination with country IT teams where required Required skills and experience - Strong experience designing and operating enterprise Active Directory environments. - Experience working in large, complex AD environments (multiple domains, trusts, or distributed environments). - Deep knowledge of AD domain architecture, OU structure and delegation models, Group Policy architecture, authentication and identity security. - Ability to analyze legacy environments and define practical remediations. - Deep knowledge of directory synchronization (Entra ID Connect/Cloud Sync). - Solid understanding of Microsoft Entra ID administration beyond synchronization, including authentication methods, hybrid identity design, and identity-related access controls. - Experience with Exchange hybrid identity dependencies, including recipient-related Active Directory attributes and operational considerations. - Good understanding of identity dependencies for Microsoft Intune and Entra-joined / hybrid-joined devices. - Experience with identity lifecycle automation and provisioning flows across HR systems, Active Directory, and Microsoft Entra ID. - Strong troubleshooting capabilities in complex identity infrastructures. - Ability to handle both architectural topics and deep technical issues. - Ability to work independently, drive delivery end-to-end, and follow through to completion. - Clear communication skills (technical topics to mixed audiences) and solid documentation habits. - Exposure to broader Microsoft 365 services and their dependency on hybrid identity design. - Knowledge of identity governance or privileged access solutions Example deliverables in the role - Active Directory current-state architecture documentation covering domains, trusts, OU structure, delegation model, and Group Policy design. - Technical review and validation of the target Active Directory architecture proposed by an external project partner. - Implementation roadmap translating architecture recommendations into prioritized technical work for the team. - Standardized enterprise design for Active Directory structure, including OU hierarchy, delegation model, and Group Policy architecture. - Technical guidelines and implementation standards for integrating Active Directory with Microsoft Entra ID and maintaining reliable directory synchronization. - Architecture principles and operational standards for Active Directory and hybrid identity environments. - Active Directory resiliency review covering backup scope, restore preparedness, and forest recovery readiness. Working style - Proactively identifies risks, structural weaknesses, and improvement opportunities, and drives them through to practical implementation. - Works effectively in complex and ambiguous environments, bringing structure, priorities, and clear technical direction. - Translates architectural concepts into actionable next steps and supports delivery through the internal engineering team. - Balances strategic design with hands-on pragmatism, ensuring solutions are supportable and realistic in the operational environment. - Thinks in systems: understands dependencies across Active Directory, hybrid identity, infrastructure, and security, and designs accordingly. - Challenges assumptions and proposed solutions constructively, including from external partners, to ensure technical quality and long-term maintainability. - Promotes standardization, resiliency, and reduction of technical debt without losing focus on operational stability.