I have extensive experience with Ansible, having used it in multiple projects to automate software deployment, configuration, and management. My role involved creating playbooks for various environments, ensuring consistency and reducing manual errors. I also have a good understanding of Puppet and Chef, which I've used to manage configurations across large infrastructures, ensuring compliance with security policies and operational standards.

I implement a rigorous change management process that includes thorough testing in a staging environment before any changes are rolled out to production. I also use version control systems to track all configuration changes, allowing for easy rollback if necessary. Additionally, I maintain detailed documentation of all configurations and changes, which helps in quickly identifying and resolving any issues that may arise.

I leverage configuration management tools to ensure that all environments, from development to production, are identical. I use templates and scripts to automate the setup of these environments, reducing the risk of human error. Regular audits and compliance checks are also part of my strategy to identify and rectify any discrepancies across environments.

Configuration drift is managed through continuous monitoring and regular audits. I use tools that can detect and report deviations from the standard configuration. Upon detection, I investigate the cause and apply corrective measures, which might include re-applying the baseline configuration or updating the configuration management scripts to prevent future drifts.

In a recent project, we faced significant challenges in integrating multiple legacy systems with new cloud-based services. I led the team in developing a hybrid configuration management strategy that combined traditional tools with cloud-specific solutions. We overcame the challenges by breaking down the project into manageable phases, ensuring thorough documentation, and conducting regular training sessions for the team to adapt to the new tools and methodologies.