For an industry customer in West Flanders, we are searching for a freelance Microsoft System Architect with a strong background in the manufacturing sector to design, implement, and optimize enterprise IT infrastructures.
The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Microsoft technologies and a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, including ERP, MES, OT/IT integration, cybersecurity, and cloud transformation initiatives.
The Microsoft Systems Architect will work closely with business stakeholders, production teams, and IT operations to ensure that technology solutions support operational excellence, business continuity, security, and digital transformation objectives.
Architecture & Strategy
* Design and maintain enterprise architecture based on Microsoft technologies, including Azure, Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and hybrid cloud environments.
* Develop IT roadmaps aligned with manufacturing business objectives and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
* Define infrastructure standards, governance models, and best practices.
* Lead infrastructure modernization and cloud migration projects.
Manufacturing Systems Integration
* Collaborate with production, engineering, and operations teams to integrate IT systems with manufacturing environments.
* Support the integration of ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365) with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SCADA, and shop-floor technologies.
* Design secure and reliable architectures connecting OT (Operational Technology) and IT environments.
* Ensure high availability and resilience of critical manufacturing applications.
Microsoft Technology Leadership
* Architect and manage Azure landing zones, hybrid cloud solutions, and disaster recovery environments.
* Design identity and access management solutions using Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), Conditional Access, and Zero Trust principles.
* Implement Microsoft security solutions including Microsoft Defender, Sentinel, Purview, and Intune.
* Lead Microsoft 365 architecture initiatives covering collaboration, endpoint management, and productivity solutions.
Security & Compliance
* Ensure infrastructure designs comply with cybersecurity frameworks and industry regulations.
* Implement secure architectures for manufacturing environments, including segmentation between OT and IT networks.
* Support vulnerability management, patch management, and security monitoring programs.
* Participate in risk assessments and business continuity planning.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders, plant managers, and IT teams.
* Translate business requirements into scalable technical solutions.
* Provide technical leadership during project planning, implementation, and operational handover.
* Mentor infrastructure engineers and technical specialists.
Profile
* Minimum 8-10 years of experience in IT infrastructure and systems architecture.
* Minimum 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, industrial, or production environments.
* Strong knowledge of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Windows Server, and hybrid cloud architectures.
* Experience with Active Directory, Entra ID, Intune, Defender, and Microsoft security solutions.
* Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
* Understanding of manufacturing technologies including MES, SCADA, PLCs, and Industrial IoT.
* Experience with high-availability, disaster recovery, and business continuity architectures.
* Strong documentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* Exposure to Manufacturing IT/OT Integration and Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0
Additional Details
SENIORITY: Senior
START DATE: July
DURATION: 6 Months
EXTENSION: TBC
CONTRACT: Freelance
LOCATION: West Flanders
ONSITE POLICY: 3 days per week
HOURS PER WEEK: 40
LANGUAGES: Fluent English and Dutch
INTERVIEW PROCESS: 1-2 stages
If you are interested, please forward your updated resume to jay.kukoyi@vividresourcing.com to be considered.