IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Competent Candidates; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A technology solutions firm based in Pretoria is seeking an experienced IT Infrastructure and Operations Manager. This role involves leading the IT service delivery team, ensuring optimal IT infrastructure management, and maintaining high-performance standards across systems and networks. Ideal candidates will have 8-10 years of ICT experience, with a strong ability to manage operations and lead teams effectively.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years relevant ICT experience in operations management.
• Previous experience leading an operations management team within IT.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large project implementations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure policies align with strategy and best practices.
• Plan and manage all infrastructure areas and resources.
• Oversee network security and minimize downtime.

Skills

ICT operations management

Leadership

Technical support services

Cloud infrastructure services

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Systems or Engineering

ITIL certification

Job description

IT INFRASTRUCTURE & OPERATIONS MANAGER | Pretoria

Our client is hiring an experienced IT Infrastructure and Operations Manager to lead their service delivery and systems teams. This person is responsible for maintaining and managing an organization's technology infrastructure. This includes everything from servers, data centers, and operating systems to network infrastructure and security measures. The infrastructure manager also ensures that these systems are online and fully operational, minimizing downtime and maximizing uptime. This role is both strategic and operational. It sets the strategic direction for the organization’s IT infrastructure while also managing day-to-day operations.

Minimum Requirements

Formal Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Systems or Engineering or related field from an accredited institution is required;
• ITIL certification.

Experience:

• 8-10 years relevant ICT experience in operations management;
• Previous experience of leading an operations management team within an IT capacity;
• Proven knowledge and experience of delivering technical support services;
• Demonstrated experience with IT systems and IT management as a senior level with a sequence of increasing responsibilities in large and diverse business settings;
• Experience in working through major organizational change;
• A track record of providing cloud infrastructure services to a geographically diverse and complex organisation;
• A track record of successful large project implementations;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with other managers to achieve key business and technology goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure policies and procedures are aligned to strategy, legislative, regulatory and internal requirements (including standards and best practice);
• Plan all aspects of the infrastructure environment to deliver service to the Group optimally;
• Plan staff and resource requirements to deliver on the agreed ICT strategy;
• Manage all infrastructure areas – plan, implement, operate, monitor and measure according to the agreed standards and best practices selected;
• Conduct technology research related to Infrastructure to remain abreast of current developments and future trends;
• Managing the day-to-day operational and project tasks within the IT Infrastructure team;
• Managing the organization’s network infrastructure, overseeing network security, ensuring that the network is stable and efficient, and minimizing downtime;
• Ensure that servers are properly maintained, secure, and optimized for performance;
• Responsible for managing changes to the IT environment. This includes evaluating new software and hardware, implementing upgrades, and ensuring that all changes are properly documented and tested;
• Responsible for managing data centers, including ensuring that data is stored securely, managing access, and minimizing the risk of data loss;
• Keep meticulous records of everything related to systems and processes to ensure consistency and reliability;
• Managing the IT Infrastructure staff by recruiting and training employees, communicating job expectations and monitoring performance;
• Overseeing the annual IT Infrastructure budget and ensuring cost effectiveness;
• Monitoring daily operations, including server hardware, software and operating systems;
• Coordinating technology installations, upgrades and maintenance;
• Selecting and recommending new and replacement hardware and software, when necessary;
• Testing, troubleshooting and modifying information systems so they operate effectively;
• Generating performance reports for operating systems and the Service Desk function;
• Ensuring all IT activities are performed within the parameters of applicable laws, codes and regulations;
• Evaluating technology risks in order to develop a robust disaster recovery plan and backup procedures;
• Keeping up to date with advances in technology and industry best practice;
• Demonstrating a deep technical and strategic understanding of the IT Services and Operations;
• Solving complex and diverse problems by continually re-evaluating new and/or conflicting factors;
• Managing internal and external communications and being the primary contact of escalation for business issues;
• Assisting with the management of relationships with external organisations and suppliers;
• Manage ICT equipment and license portfolio for utilisation, warranty, support and contract compliance;
• Create asset lifecycle plans for hardware and software;
• Ensure audit compliance;
• Implement ITSM, ITIL and other standards relevant to the job role;
• Discuss and agree Infrastructure elements of Service Level Agreement (SLA) with business;
• Manage and measure according to SLA;
• Report to CIO monthly on SLA achievement stats and exception;
• Create and oversee implementation of development plans for staff;
• Liaise with business and other members of the ICT management team to ensure alignment.