It Systems Engineer

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Durban; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 70 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Durban is seeking a Senior IT Systems Engineer to maintain and enhance its IT infrastructure. The role involves leading technical projects, mentoring staff, and ensuring that all IT systems are secure and scalable. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in managing IT environments and strong technical skills across multiple platforms and technologies. Interested applicants should submit their CV via email.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior IT systems engineer or team leader.
• Strong technical expertise in required IT platforms and technologies.
• Experience in system monitoring and security hardening.
• Familiarity with ITIL and data protection best practices.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement reliable IT infrastructure solutions.
• Manage IT projects and ensure timely delivery.
• Monitor and maintain IT systems for compliance and efficiency.
• Mentor junior team members and provide technical training.
• Act as a point of escalation for technical issues.

Skills

Microsoft Windows Server & Azure platforms

Microsoft 365 administration and support

Active Directory

Networking (routing, switching, security, wireless)

Virtualisation technologies (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware)

CCTV & Access Control Systems

Veeam Backup

System monitoring

Patch management

Security hardening

Troubleshooting and analytical skills

Service-oriented mindset

Commitment to continuous learning

Leadership and mentoring qualities

Job description

Overview

Kearsney College is a leading independent boarding and day school for approximately 650 boys from Grades 8 to 12. The 125-acre estate is set in a country atmosphere on the edge of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, just outside Durban.

Kearsney has an outstanding record of academic achievement in the IEB Matriculation Examinations and provides a dynamic sporting and cultural offering.

Kearsney College invites suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for the position of

The IT Systems Engineer plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing the College’s IT infrastructure. This position is responsible for planning, implementing and supporting innovative technology solutions that enable teaching, learning and administration. The role involves leading on escalated technical issues, managing IT projects, and providing guidance to junior team members, while ensuring that all systems are secure, reliable, and scalable.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and maintain reliable and innovative IT infrastructure solutions;
• gather and analyse requirements for IT projects to support academic and operational needs;
• co-ordinate with staff, technical resources and external vendors to ensure seamless IT service delivery;
• scope, manage and deliver IT projects on time, maintaining accurate documentation and reporting;
• monitor, audit and maintain IT systems to ensure compliance, security and efficiency;
• provide mentoring, technical training, and leadership to junior team members;
• act as the point of escalation for high-priority technical issues;
• support capacity planning and ensuring that systems are scalable to meet future requirements;
• collaborate with academic and administrative staff to ensure IT solutions align with the College’s goals;
• ensure compliance with IT policies, ITIL best practices and data protection standards;
• deliver reports, insights and recommendations on IT system performance and improvement areas.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a senior IT systems engineer or team leader, ideally in an education or enterprise environment;
• strong technical expertise in: Microsoft Windows Server & Azure platforms, Microsoft 365 administration and support, Active Directory, Group Policy and Certificate Services, Networking (routing, switching, security, wireless). Virtualisation technologies (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware), CCTV & Access Control Systems. Veeam Backup;
• experience in system monitoring, patch management and security hardening;
• familiarity with ITIL, ISO27001 and data protection best practices;
• strong troubleshooting and analytical skills;
• service-oriented mindset, enabling staff and pupils through technology;
• commitment to continuous learning and innovation;
• professionalism and approachability in working with staff and pupils;
• ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment;
• leadership and mentoring qualities; fostering a positive team culture.

Working hours Monday to Friday 07:00 to 15:30, some after-hours work may be required.

Interested candidates must please apply in writing by submitting their CV to [e-mail] with the job title in the subject line.

Kearsney College reserves the right not to make an appointment. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If applicants are not contacted within 21 days of submitting their application, they may assume their application has been unsuccessful.

In terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013, section 11(1)(a), by applying for this vacancy, you grant Kearsney College consent to use your CV and personal details for the purpose of application to this specific role. The personal information of unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed once the purpose for which the personal information was collected ceases to exist.

Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa