MS Defender SME

Microsoft Defender SME – Azure Security
Fully Remote | 6-Month Initial Contract | Inside IR35

A leading global technology consultancy is seeking an experienced Microsoft Defender SME to support a major transformation programme for one of Ireland’s most critical national infrastructure organisations.
This role sits within a high-profile Cyber Security enhancement programme, focused on strengthening Azure and cloud security posture across enterprise-scale environments.
You’ll work closely with Cyber, Cloud Engineering, IAM, Threat Detection & Response, and Vulnerability Management teams to design, implement, and operationalise Microsoft Defender for Cloud capabilities and broader Azure security best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Cyber pillar within an Azure security enhancement programme
• Assess and optimise existing Microsoft Defender for Cloud configurations
• Analyse and prioritise Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) recommendations
• Work with technical teams to remediate security findings and reduce attack surface exposure
• Implement and align environments with the Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark
• Collaborate with IAM teams to assess and improve Azure RBAC and PIM configurations
• Help operationalise Defender for Cloud processes, governance, and ownership models
• Support Threat Detection & Response teams with alerting and response readiness
• Contribute to the design of cloud vulnerability management processes
• Ensure remediation activities follow established change management procedures
• Produce high-quality technical documentation and provide knowledge transfer to engineering teams

Essential Experience

• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Defender for Cloud, including CSPM and workload protection capabilities
• Proven background improving Azure cloud security posture in enterprise environments
• Experience implementing the Microsoft Cloud Security Benchmark
• Experience remediating cloud security recommendations and advising technical teams
• Strong understanding of cloud security governance and operational processes
• Excellent stakeholder communication and documentation skills

Desirable Experience

• Experience managing and configuring Microsoft Azure resources
• Familiarity integrating Microsoft Defender with Microsoft Sentinel
• Understanding of cloud operational support processes

Contract Details

• 6-month initial contract
• Inside IR35
• Fully remote