Infrastructure Lead

Old Mutual Insure; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A major insurance firm in Johannesburg is seeking an Infrastructure Lead to oversee the design and maintenance of IT systems, including on-premises and cloud resources like Azure. Candidates should have 10+ years of experience in IT infrastructure and demonstrated leadership, particularly with Windows/Linux servers, VMware, and cybersecurity protocols. This role includes leading a team to ensure system reliability, security, and performance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in IT infrastructure roles with proven leadership experience.
• Deep expertise in managing server environments (Windows & Linux).
• Advanced knowledge in cloud platforms, primarily Azure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and maintain Windows and Linux server ecosystems.
• Manage Azure resources and support migration initiatives.
• Lead and mentor the infrastructure team, promoting knowledge sharing.

Skills

Windows server administration

Linux server administration

VMware vSphere/ESXi management

SAN storage management

Azure cloud optimization

PowerShell scripting

Cybersecurity best practices

API/Integration concepts

Kubernetes

DevOps practices

Tools

Fortinet firewalls

Active Directory

Exchange 2019 & O365

IIS

Job description

Overview

The Infrastructure Lead is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the organisation’s IT infrastructure. This includes on-premises and cloud environments, servers (Windows & Linux), storage (SAN), networking (firewalls, switches, load balancers), virtualization (VMware vSphere), backups, disaster recovery, and supporting the migration to Azure. The role also involves leading a team, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring high availability, security, and performance of all infrastructure components.

Key Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Management
  • Oversee and maintain Windows and Linux server ecosystems.
  • Manage and optimize VMware vSphere/ESXi environments, including patching, upgrades, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring.
  • Administer SAN storage, ensuring optimal performance, capacity planning, and data integrity.
  • Maintain and support network infrastructure: firewalls switches, load balancers, and routing.
  • Oversee backup and disaster recovery strategies, ensuring regular testing and compliance.
  • Ensure all systems are compliant with security standards and best practices.
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance PowerShell scripts to automate routine tasks, improve efficiency, and support infrastructure management.
• Cloud & Modern Platforms
  • Manage and optimize Azure cloud resources; support and drive migration initiatives to Azure.
  • Support hybrid cloud networking (e.g., IPSEC tunnels, on-prem AD integration, blob storage).
  • Support and maintain Kubernetes and API Manager environments
  • Implement and support DevOps practices and automation
• Networking & Security
  • Collaborate with the security team for configuration and troubleshooting
  • Document and maintain firewall rules, network diagrams, and security controls.
  • Ensure robust cybersecurity controls and participate in vulnerability management and remediation.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Lead and mentor the infrastructure team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
  • Work closely with development, business, and IT teams to analyze requirements and deliver solutions.
  • Provide expert technical guidance and input on system architecture, integration, and best practices.
  • Participate in architectural design, documentation, and consulting.
• Operational Excellence
  • Ensure high availability and reliability of core services.
  • Monitor and report on infrastructure health, usage, and performance.
  • Document and execute monthly reporting processes.
  • Participate in after-hours support and emergency response as needed.
  • Maintain and improve technical documentation and standard operating procedures.
• Required Experience & Skills
  • Experience: 10+ years in IT infrastructure roles with proven leadership experience.
  • Technical
    • Deep expertise in Windows & Linux server administration.
    • Strong VMware vSphere/ESXi management.
    • SAN storage and backup solutions
    • Advanced Active Directory (on-prem & Azure AD), Exchange (2019 & O365), DNS, IIS.
    • Cloud platforms: Azure (required), AWS (advantageous).
    • Networking: firewalls (Fortinet), switches, load balancers, MPLS/IP routing.
    • Scripting: PowerShell (required), other automation tools (advantageous).
    • Security: certificate management, vulnerability management, cybersecurity best practices.
    • API/Integration concepts, Kubernetes, DevOps (advantageous).
• Soft Skills
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication (oral & written) and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, and deliver quality results.
  • Proactive, self-motivated, and collaborative team player.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Customer-focused and adaptable to changing priorities.