Waqas Rana
London,London
Summary
Innovative Technical Consultant with robust experience in delivering cutting-edge solutions and optimising IT infrastructures. Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities and excels in implementing complex projects from inception to completion. Capable of enhancing operational efficiency and driving technological advancements to meet strategic objectives. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and superior performance. Experienced in Azure administration and system migration. Leads cross-functional collaboration to develop IT solutions that align with business objectives. Delivers impactful recommendations for system improvements, enhancing performance and security.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Technical Consultant
Sharp UK
London, United Kingdom
10.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement IT solutions that met business needs and performance goals.
- Provided clear and concise step-by-step technical support to guide clients.
- Created and maintained detailed documentation of technical procedures, user guides, and troubleshooting steps to enhance knowledge sharing.
- Offered recommendations for system improvements and upgrades to support evolving business requirements and technology advancements.
- Analysed system logs and performance metrics in Azure, making recommendations for improvements based on findings.
- Led migration of on-premises systems to Azure Cloud, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing efficiency.
- Implemented Azure Logic Apps for automating workflows between cloud services and on-premise systems, boosting efficiency.
- Designed and implemented scalable Azure infrastructure to support enterprise applications, improving system reliability.
- Administered Office 365 services, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive for Business to boost workplace efficiency.
- Imaged OS and software deployments throughout system and addressed implementation concerns.
- Customised SharePoint sites and Teams channels to meet specific departmental needs, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Kept abreast of new Office 365 features and updates, continually enhancing system capabilities and user knowledge.
- Optimised security monitoring tools (MS Defender, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne) to reduce false positives, ensuring timely response to genuine threats.
- Coordinated cyber security risk assessments at system and enterprise levels and managed formal risk remediation activities to acheieve Cyber Essential Certification.
Solutions Architect
ZiAAS Ltd
London, United Kingdom
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Resolved technical issues related to Azure environments, providing timely support to minimise downtime.
- Configured and maintained Azure Active Directory for secure access management and identity services.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to define cloud strategy and objectives, aligning Azure solutions with business goals.
- Established policies for data encryption and backup in Azure, safeguarding sensitive information effectively.
- Refined and upgraded existing software to continuously improve performance.
- Managed user accounts, permissions, and access, ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across departments.
- Automated routine administrative tasks using PowerShell scripts, increasing operational efficiency and accuracy.
- Documented system configurations, policies, and procedures, ensuring knowledge transfer and operational consistency.
- Trained team members and users in newly implemented and emerging technology to enhance business productivity.
- Operated, maintained and troubleshot network systems.
- Implemented security measures within Office 365 environment, safeguarding against unauthorised access and potential data breaches.
- Performed backup and disaster-recovery operations to protect computer networks.
- Worked with IT Projects team to verify IT security requirements for incoming systems or IT services.
- Audited networks and security systems to identify vulnerabilities.
- Supported management in maintaining compliance with strategic security certifications such as Cyber Essentials+, ISO27001 and GDPR .
Senior Consultant
Codestone
London, United Kingdom
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Handled complex problems and issues by understanding root causes and implementing solutions.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to upskill team members and improve service delivery.
- Evaluated team performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and coaching for continuous improvement.
- Supported teams during implementations and produced clear instructions outlining changes.
- Enhanced client communication strategies, ensuring clarity, transparency, and trust in all interactions.
- Helped organisations manage and implement change with minimal disruption to operations.
- Optimised resource utilisation in Azure environments, resulting in cost savings without compromising on service quality.
- Collaborated across technical and design teams to produce innovative software applications.
- Wrote maintenance procedures for software to help users and administrators get most from designs.
- Gathered requirements from users and wrote definition documents.
- Created and updated operating systems for Fintech industry applications.
- Detailed and evaluated requirements for software applications and operating systems.
- Evaluated emerging technologies and trends in cloud computing, recommending Azure enhancements for competitive advantage.
Consultant
Techquarters
London, United Kingdom
04.2011 - 01.2023
- Interfaced with client leads and became trusted advisor or confidant to client.
- Installed, configured and maintained LAN software and hardware related to servers, personal computers and printers.
- Installed hardware and software components for reliable network system.
- Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
- Collaborate effectively with IT support teams, enabling swift maintenance and repair for system faults.
- Administered user accounts, permissions, and access rights, safeguarding data integrity and access.
- Gathered and defined user requirements for system updates.
- Created and deployed system testing plans to back up deployments.
- Wrote detailed proposals covering system specifications, resource requirements and timelines
- Applied appropriate project management technique to execute ICT projects successfully.
- Led the design and execution of quantitative and qualitative research studies on migration issues, influencing strategic decisions.
- Spearheaded efforts to migrate legacy systems to cloud platforms, modernising IT infrastructure and operations.
- Implemented robust security measures within cloud solutions, safeguarding client data against cyber threats.
- Led cloud migration projects for high-profile clients, resulting in seamless transition to cloud infrastructure.
- Analysed client's existing IT infrastructure to recommend optimal cloud services, enhancing performance and scalability.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments prior to migration, minimising potential disruptions during transition.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for clients' staff on new cloud technologies and best practices.
Education
Master of Science - Telecommunications
Queen Mary University of London
London, England2008
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Management and Technology
Lahore, Pakistan2005
Skills
- Risk assessment
- System migration
- User training
- Azure administration
- Cybersecurity measures
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Performance optimization
- Change management
- Client communication
- Project management
- Security auditing
- Resource management
- Technical documentation creation
- Remote desktop support
- Jira
- End-user training
- Vmware
- Microsoft Azure
- Hardware troubleshooting
- ITIL framework understanding
- Zendesk
- Windows operating systems proficiency
- Server administration
- IT governance
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Urdu
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Upper Intermediate
B2
Punjabi
Advanced
C1
Certification
- AZ-104 certified
- AZ-305 certified
- AZ-700 certified
- Windows 8 certified
- WatchGuard Firewall certified
- SonicWall Certified
- Studied for CCNA/CCNP
- Studied for ITIL
- Studied for TOGAF
Interests
- I believe in contributing and giving back to the community that is why I volunteers for a charity called Felix Project
- I served as a Volunteer School Governor for 2 years in a local school
- I love to solve 3D puzzles like Rubik's
Timeline
Technical Consultant
Sharp UK
10.2024 - Current
Solutions Architect
ZiAAS Ltd
08.2023 - 08.2024
Senior Consultant
Codestone
01.2023 - 08.2023
Consultant
Techquarters
04.2011 - 01.2023
Master of Science - Telecommunications
Queen Mary University of London
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Management and Technology