IT Senior Systems Lead

JOB DESCRIPTION Role Title: IT Senior Systems Lead Department: IT & Information Security Reports to: Head of Information Security Employment Type: Full Time - Remote, USA Travel Required: Less than 10% ABOUT HADRON Hadron Insurance (a multi-national insurance group, rated A-/VIII by A.M. Best, and comprising insurance carriers domiciled in the US (Arkansas), the UK, and soon to be Belgium) provide capacity to enable specialty underwriters and risk capital partners to thrive in a data-centric and niche risk marketplace. As a modern, technology-enabled hybrid insurance carrier, we combine underwriting expertise with operational agility to deliver tailored insurance programs. Hadron partners with MGAs, captives, and other intermediaries to develop niche insurance products that meet the evolving needs of businesses across various industries. Our commitment to transparency and data to build sustainable, profitable programs for our partners is at the core of our business. ROLE PURPOSE The IT Senior Systems Lead is the senior technical lead for Hadron's IT operations and Microsoft platform services, and the day-to-day lead for the IT support function. This position owns IT end user operations, systems administration, and oversees support — setting standards, prioritizing work, and making operational decisions for the internal support team and external help desk support — while remaining hands-on in the environment. The role works closely with the Head of Information Security and directs Hadron's Managed Service Provider (MSP) on the resolution of technical issues and the performance of contracted services. The ideal candidate is a seasoned Microsoft administrator and MSP manager who can operate as a lead — mentoring and directing IT resources whether or not they report directly — and who can be handed an IT or security initiative and trusted to run it end to end. They pair a service-oriented mindset with the security fluency to administer Microsoft's security tooling, support InfoSec's compliance and audit needs, and drive Hadron's IT & InfoSec initiatives forward. The role also extends into hands-on ownership of security platform administration, working alongside Hadron's Information Security Manager. Framework interpretation and formal control ownership remain with Information Security; this role leads the technical configuration and evidence work underneath that oversight and may be assigned security initiatives to deliver. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES Leadership and Project Delivery Act as lead for the IT support function — setting priorities, standards, and escalation paths, allocating work across internal and MSP resources, and making day-to-day operational decisions on behalf of IT. Provide direct or indirect management of IT resources, including internal staff, contractors, and MSP personnel: work assignment, quality review, coaching, and development of junior team members. Take handoff of IT and security initiatives and run them end to end — scoping, planning, budget input, vendor coordination, execution, and post-implementation review — reporting progress and risks to the Head of Information Security. Define, monitor, and report on service levels, operational metrics, and initiative progress; drive continuous improvement of IT processes and MSP performance. IT Support and Administration Own the IT support queue as senior point of contact and escalation: triage incoming issues, direct cases to the Managed Service Provider (MSP), and hold the MSP accountable for resolution within agreed SLA timeframes, driving remediation where performance falls short. Serve as subject matter expert for Microsoft systems including Entra ID, Intune, Azure, Defender, and Office 365 — administering these environments hands-on and setting the standards and configuration baselines others work to. Support the InfoSec team through proper utilization of Microsoft Purview for compliance and data governance reviews. Document IT procedures, configurations, and solutions for knowledge management, including review and updating of policies and procedures to support GDPR, ISO, NIST, and SOC certification requirements. Systems Administration Configure and maintain user accounts, permissions, and access controls across Microsoft and third-party application platforms, including email groups, SharePoint, and Teams, and review these regularly to ensure accuracy of email groups, proper access across SharePoint, and proper governance over these tools. Monitor patch management tooling to ensure critical patches are received and applied; work with the MSP to ensure system maintenance, patching, and updates are completed regularly with minimal impact to users. Operate as admin on key systems to maintain proper segregation of roles between IT and end users. Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new technologies and system integrations. Technical Support and Training Create and maintain documentation for end-user training and self-service. Troubleshoot hardware, software, and system issues as needed. Implement developed security policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures to support the ongoing maintenance of information security and privacy. Work with the MSP on SOC services to perform regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and security reviews — identifying weaknesses, recommending mitigation, and capturing reviews to meet quarterly, semi-annual, or annual audit requirements. Work cross-functionally with Underwriting, Finance, HR, and Legal to integrate technology solutions — including AI — into business processes, ensuring enterprise IT solutions meet Hadron's security requirements. Assess and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and services to recommend secure, innovative solutions that optimize operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with security standards. Stay current on emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and industry trends, and recommend proactive measures to address potential risks. Prepare and present reports to the Head of Information Security summarizing findings, incidents, and recommended actions. Work alongside the MSP on phishing simulation campaigns using KnowBe4 PhishER, and with the Information Security Manager to build and deliver annual Security Awareness Training. Security Engineering Administer Data Loss Prevention, sensitivity labelling, and encryption enforcement across Exchange, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, and endpoint through Microsoft Purview, and support eDiscovery, retention, and legal hold requests. Work with our SOC provider to help own day-to-day administration of Microsoft Defender (XDR, for Cloud, for Endpoint) and Sentinel — policy tuning, connector/log source onboarding, and verifying required log sources are flowing — with detection authoring and alert triage remaining with the MSP or dedicated SOC provider. Lead implementation of technical controls to the specification set by the Information Security Manager, mapped to SOC 2, NYDFS 23 NYCRR 500, UK/EU GDPR, and ISO 27001; work with the Information Security Manager to maintain the mapping of configuration to control and automate evidence collection for audits. Drive remediation of penetration test, vulnerability, and posture findings through change management, and lead the design and upkeep of Entra ID Conditional Access, Privileged Identity Management, and access reviews per our defined review periods. Serve as the final internal escalation point for technical issues beyond help desk and MSP scope — identity/authentication failures, Conditional Access blockers, and endpoint protection conflicts — resolving to root cause where possible. EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE Minimum of 8 years of IT experience in insurance or financial services organizations, including at least 2 years in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity, with preference given to candidates from property and casualty insurance companies. Must demonstrate deep, hands-on expertise in system administration and technical support, including Microsoft platform management. Strong knowledge of Microsoft administration tools and platforms, including Microsoft Defender for endpoint security management, Microsoft Entra ID for identity and access management, Microsoft Purview for compliance and data governance, Microsoft Intune for device management, Azure cloud platform administration, and Office 365 administration and support. Understanding of IT security principles and best practices, including exposure to vulnerability assessment, cybersecurity controls, compliance auditing, or security operations; a deeper background in these information security practices is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to lead IT initiatives through effective collaboration with internal teams and external vendors, using Agile methodologies to plan, implement, and complete technology projects from conception to delivery. Proven experience leading people and work without formal authority — directing internal staff, contractors, and managed service providers, mentoring less experienced technicians, and making decisions on behalf of an IT function. Track record of independently owning IT or security projects end to end, including stakeholder management, vendor coordination, risk escalation, and reporting to senior leadership. Preferred : Hands-on exposure to Microsoft Sentinel administration and working KQL proficiency. Preferred : Knowledge of encryption technologies, data protection, identity and access management principles, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and risk mitigation strategies. Preferred : Experience with cloud-based integration technologies: API management (Azure API Management, MuleSoft, Postman), iPaaS (Power Automate, Zapier, Dell Boomi), ETL tools (SSIS and similar), REST/SOAP/OAuth, and low-code platforms (Power Apps, ServiceNow App Engine). Preferred : Data platform security exposure across Snowflake, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI. Preferred : PowerShell (including Microsoft Graph) and Terraform/CI-CD pipeline experience. Preferred : Experience defining IT budgets, license and vendor renewals, and managed service contracts or statements of work. QUALIFICATIONS Preferred : Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Preferred : Microsoft certifications (e.g., MS-100, MS-101, AZ-104, SC-900, SC-200, SC-300). Preferred : Project delivery or service management credentials (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, ITIL, Certified ScrumMaster). SKILL SET Proficiency in troubleshooting Windows operating systems and Microsoft applications. Strong customer service orientation with excellent communication skills; comfortable sending IT communications company-wide as needed, and able to explain technical concepts to non-technical users. Sound judgment on when to decide, when to escalate, and when to say no — with the ability to balance operational urgency against security and compliance obligations. Ability to leverage AI tools (e.g., Claude) to enhance productivity and support role-specific responsibilities BENEFITS Ability to work remotely as a member of a fast-paced, international workforce Excellent benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(K) retirement plan with up to 4% match by Company Individualized long-term incentive plan for every qualified full-time employee Flexible Time Off Policy Hadron Insurance Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Hadron does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Hadron will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law; if you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please notify your recruiting contact.