IT Systems Administrator

Surgo PTY Ltd; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

DENIS is seeking an experienced IT System Administrator to maintain, support and improve the organisation's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, cloud services, and end‑user systems.

The role emphasizes IT security, vulnerability management, backup/recovery, business continuity and regulatory compliance, with a hands‑on, proactive mindset and clear communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate or higher (not shown but implied as minimum), with a Diploma/Degree in IT or related field.
• Experience with Windows/Linux server administration and enterprise IT environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage security controls, backups, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain Windows and Linux servers and AD, DNS/DHCP, GPOs.
• Support and administer Microsoft 365, Exchange, and Azure AD/Entra ID.
• Monitor, patch, and backup systems; ensure disaster recovery readiness.
• Administer virtualisation platforms (VMware/Hyper‑V) and file/print services.
• Maintain security, incident response, vulnerability management, and logs.
• Coordinate with business units and document procedures.

Skills

Windows Server

Linux

Active Directory

Azure AD/Entra ID

VMware/Hyper-V

Microsoft 365/Exchange

Networking TCP/IP

Security SIEM/EDR

Veeam/Backup

PowerShell/Bash

Scripting & automation

Documentation

Education

Diploma or Degree in IT/CS

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Exchange Online

Azure

Microsoft 365

Active Directory

DNS/DHCP

SQL databases

Veeam

Job description

About DENIS

Dental Information Systems (DENIS) (DENIS) has been a leader in dental managed care services since 1996. With extensive experience in dental risk management and a strong focus on technology and innovation, DENIS delivers world‑class managed care solutions tailored to the South African market.

DENIS currently provides dental managed care services to nine medical scheme clients and operates within an environment where technology, information security, data integrity and business continuity are critical to its success.

About the Position

DENIS is seeking an experienced and solutions‑driven IT System Administrator to maintain, support and continuously improve the organisation's IT infrastructure and technology environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the administration and support of servers, networks, storage, cloud services, end‑user systems and core business applications. The role also has a strong focus on IT security, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, business continuity and regulatory compliance.

This is a hands‑on technical role suited to a highly analytical and proactive IT professional who can troubleshoot complex technical issues, identify opportunities for improvement and automation, and maintain a strong security‑first approach. The successful candidate will need to work confidently both independently and as part of a team, while communicating effectively with stakeholders across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Systems Administration

• Manage, monitor and maintain Windows and/or Linux servers.
• Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP and identity services.
• Perform regular system maintenance, patching, upgrades and backups.
• Manage and support virtualisation platforms, including VMware and/or Hyper‑V.
• Maintain file servers, print servers and core business systems.
• Oversee email platforms, including Exchange and Exchange Online or equivalent.
• Support cloud environments, including Microsoft 365 and Azure.
• Perform daily system monitoring and verify the integrity, availability and performance of hardware, server resources, systems and key processes.
• Review system and application logs and verify the successful completion of scheduled jobs, including backups.
• Research and recommend innovative and, where possible, automated approaches to system administration.
• Diagnose, repair and recover from hardware and software failures.
• Coordinate and communicate with impacted business units and elevate issues where necessary.
• Apply operating system patches and upgrades and maintain administrative tools and utilities.
• Configure and implement new services as required.
• Perform ongoing performance tuning, hardware upgrades and resource optimisation.
• Conduct periodic performance reporting to support capacity planning.
• Maintain the data centre environment and monitor associated equipment.
• Install new servers and rebuild existing servers while maintaining appropriate installation and configuration procedures.
• Install and maintain firewall access rules and security policies.
• Monitor communication links and identify potential connectivity issues.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and procedures.
• Apply and adhere to Change Control policies.

Networking

• Monitor and manage firewalls, routers, switches and wireless infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot network connectivity, VPN and network performance issues.
• Implement and maintain network segmentation and access control policies.
• Support LAN and WAN environments and associated network infrastructure.

IT Security

• Support security assessments, vulnerability scans and the remediation of penetration test findings.
• Implement, monitor and maintain endpoint protection, EDR and SIEM solutions.
• Support compliance with POPIA and other applicable regulatory and security requirements.
• Maintain appropriate access controls, multi‑factor authentication (MFA) and least‑privilege principles.
• Assist with IT security incidents, incident response and forensic investigations.
• Conduct log analysis and security event monitoring.
• Participate in and provide technical input into ICT audits.
• Support IT security awareness initiatives.
• Maintain a strong security‑first approach across systems, servers and endpoints.

Backup, Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Maintain backup systems and monitor successful completion of backups.
• Conduct and support recovery testing to verify backup integrity.
• Support the implementation, maintenance and testing of disaster recovery plans.
• Contribute to business continuity planning and organisational resilience.

User Support & Technical Administration

• Provide high‑level technical support for escalated IT issues.
• Identify approaches that leverage existing company resources and create opportunities for improved efficiency and economies of scale.
• Configure CPU, memory and disk partitions as required.
• Provide technical guidance and support to users and internal stakeholders where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve the reliability, performance and efficiency of the IT environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of operating systems, particularly Windows Server and Linux.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Exchange and Azure AD/Entra ID.
• Strong knowledge of networking, including TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, LAN and WAN environments.
• Experience with security technologies such as antivirus/EDR, vulnerability scanners and SIEM solutions.
• Experience with virtualisation technologies, particularly VMware and/or Hyper‑V.
• Experience with backup and recovery technologies, preferably Veeam.
• Experience with patch management.
• Knowledge of SQL databases and administration would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of VoIP and associated voice solutions would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of server and endpoint security, including intrusion detection and related security controls.
• Scripting knowledge, particularly PowerShell and/or Bash, would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with a range of operating systems, platforms and enterprise IT environments.

Professional & Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Highly numerate with the ability to logically work with volumes of data.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong business acumen.
• Solutions‑driven approach with a focus on achieving practical outcomes.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and can work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate confidently with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong documentation and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple deliverables effectively.
• Ability to operate confidently in a dynamic environment.
• Flexible and agile approach to changing business and technical requirements.
• Resilient mindset and ability to remain effective under pressure.
• Adaptive thinking and ability to respond appropriately to changing situations.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also taking ownership of individual responsibilities.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate.
• Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
• Proven experience in a Systems Administrator, Server Administrator, Network Administrator or similar technical role.
• Strong technical support and systems administration experience, with at least 5 years' experience preferred.
• Solid experience in server administration, preferably 3–4 years or more.
• Experience with Microsoft environments, networking and infrastructure administration.
• Experience with patch management and system security.
• Experience with data backup and recovery.
• Experience working with LAN and WAN networks.
• Experience with SQL databases would be advantageous.
• Experience with VoIP and associated voice solutions would be advantageous.
• Experience within the healthcare insurance, financial services or administration environment would be highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the relevant legislative and regulatory environment would be advantageous.

Advantageous Certifications & Experience

• Microsoft certifications, including MCSA, MS‑100/101 and/or AZ‑104.
• CompTIA Network+, Security+ and/or CySA+.
• VMware VCP.
• Cisco CCNA.
• ITIL Foundation.
• A+.
• N+.
• SQL Administration experience.
• VMware and Veeam experience and/or certifications.
• Cybersecurity certifications or demonstrable cybersecurity experience.

Closing date for application:
30 September
Email CV to:[e-mail]
Salary:Market related
Hybrid position, office located at Century City, Cape Town