Senior Manager, IS Operations (MS Platforms)

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in New York or Washington D.C., the Senior Manager, IS Operations will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, monitoring, and optimization of the company’s Microsoft infrastructure ecosystem, which includes on-premises and cloud-based solutions. This position ensures the continuous, secure, and efficient operation of Microsoft platforms, supporting business objectives and enabling technological growth.

This role reports to the Chief Information Officer and will lead a team of Microsoft platform engineers and technicians, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and drive innovation in Microsoft technologies and management practices.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute strategies for maintaining and improving the organization’s Microsoft platform infrastructure to align with business goals, best practices, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee the integration of on-premises and cloud-based Microsoft solutions to ensure seamless operations.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and professional networks focused on Microsoft platforms and cloud technologies.

Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Microsoft platform professionals.
• Set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews, and create development opportunities to build technical and leadership skills.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Microsoft platform team.
• Provide guidance, support, and opportunities for skill development and career growth for Microsoft platform professionals.

Platform Operations Oversight:

• Oversee daily operations of Microsoft platforms, including Microsoft 365, PowerBI and Power Apps, and SharePoint.
• Ensure optimal performance, reliability, scalability, and availability.
• Manage incident response, troubleshooting, and resolution of complex platform issues.

Project Management:

• Direct platform-related projects, including upgrades, migrations, expansions, integrations, and new deployments.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Develop project plans, manage resources, and monitor progress.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement and maintain robust security strategies for Microsoft platforms, including identity and access management, threat detection, and vulnerability assessment.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and internal policies, including data privacy and protection.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments as necessary.

Vendor Management:

• Select, negotiate, and manage relationships with Microsoft and third-party vendors, service providers, and consultants.
• Evaluate vendor performance, manage contracts, and ensure service levels are met.
• Monitor vendor support and escalation processes.
• Monitor vendor performance and service levels, addressing any issues or escalations as needed.

Budgeting and Cost Control:

• Develop and manage budgets for Microsoft platform operations, including forecasting for technology upgrades, licensing, and maintenance.
• Optimize spending without compromising quality or security.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Develop and implement tools and processes for continuous platform monitoring, including system health, performance, capacity planning, and security.
• Generate and present regular reports on platform performance, incidents, usage metrics, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay abreast of emerging Microsoft technologies, trends, and threats.
• Drive adoption of innovative solutions to enhance platform performance, security, and user experience.
• Lead initiatives to automate processes and improve operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular reviews of platform architecture and performance, recommending improvements and upgrades as necessary.
• Engage in regular professional development and maintain certifications relevant to Microsoft technologies and management practices.
• Develop and deliver training programs for end users and IT staff to enhance proficiency in Microsoft platform tools and services.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with other IT teams, business units, and executive leadership to understand requirements, communicate progress, and address concerns related to Microsoft platform services.
• Act as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor for Microsoft technologies throughout the organization.
• Lead cross-functional teams in the assessment and implementation of new Microsoft technologies, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:

• Design and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plans for Microsoft platforms.
• Conduct regular tests and updates to ensure readiness and minimize downtime.
• Lead response efforts in the event of platform outages or disasters.

Risk Management:

• Identify and mitigate risks related to Microsoft platform infrastructure, including security vulnerabilities, data protection, and service continuity.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies and controls.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure documentation and knowledge management for Microsoft platform environments are comprehensive and up-to-date.
• Support compliance initiatives and participate in external and internal audits related to Microsoft platforms.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Microsoft cloud environments (Azure, Microsoft 365) as well as hybrid and on-premises deployments.
• Proficiency in PowerShell and other automation tools for managing Microsoft platforms.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to balance technical requirements with organizational objectives.
• Deep understanding of Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, SharePoint, Intune, Teams, and related technologies.
• Knowledge of security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and industry compliance standards (e.g., ISO, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA) as they pertain to Microsoft platforms.
• Innovative mindset and passion for continuous learning and professional development.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience with network integration, virtualization, and cloud migration strategies in the Microsoft platform ecosystem.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Microsoft platform operations, with at least 3-5 years in a management or leadership capacity.
• Advanced certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Microsoft Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated expertise in Microsoft platform architecture, protocols, security, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with enterprise-grade Microsoft hardware and software (servers, endpoints, virtualization, cloud services, etc.).
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, regulatory requirements, and industry compliance standards as they apply to Microsoft technologies.

 

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $240-275k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

Locations:

New York, Washington, D.C.

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.