Senior Infrastructure Architect - Richards Bay

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 827,000 - 1,653,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Challenging projects in industrial IT

Professional development opportunities

Networking in a key SA economic hub

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Infrastructure Architect for a contract role based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The position follows a hybrid model with on-site involvement for critical phases and remote work for planning tasks.

The candidate will design, develop, and implement robust IT infrastructure, spanning on-premises systems, cloud integration, networking, and cybersecurity. Strong leadership and a track record in complex enterprise environments are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related engineering field.
• 8+ years of IT infrastructure design, deployment and management experience.
• Proven experience in enterprise infrastructure architecture (servers, storage, networking).
• Strong knowledge of virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V) and containerization.
• Experience with hybrid cloud (AWS, Azure) and infrastructure-as-code principles.
• Deep understanding of networks, firewalls, VPNs, and cybersecurity best practices.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions (servers, storage, networking, security).
• Develop and oversee hybrid cloud strategies integrating on-prem with cloud.
• Define infrastructure standards, policies, and procedures for reliability and security.
• Lead assessment of current infrastructure to identify improvements and modernization opportunities.
• Collaborate with vendors to select and implement hardware/software solutions.
• Develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical components.
• Provide technical guidance to IT operations and support teams.
• Manage infrastructure projects to meet time, budget, and quality.

Skills

Infrastructure design

Hybrid cloud

Networking

Cybersecurity

Leadership

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / IT / Engineering

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

AWS

Azure

IaC (Terraform/CloudFormation)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the industrial sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Infrastructure Architect for a contract position based in **Richards Bay**, KwaZulu-Natal. This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a blend of on-site presence for critical project phases and strategic planning, with the flexibility of remote work for other tasks. You will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of robust and scalable IT infrastructure solutions that support the company's operational needs and strategic growth. This position requires a deep understanding of on-premises systems, cloud integration, networking, and cybersecurity. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT operations, development, and business units, to ensure infrastructure aligns with business objectives. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented professional with strong leadership capabilities and a proven track record in architecting complex infrastructure environments. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to a large-scale industrial operation and drive technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions, encompassing servers, storage, networking, and security.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of hybrid cloud strategies, integrating on-premises infrastructure with public or private clouds.
• Define infrastructure standards, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency, reliability, and security.
• Lead the assessment of current infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement, optimization, and modernization.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers to select and implement appropriate hardware and software solutions.
• Develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical infrastructure components.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to IT operations and support teams.
• Manage infrastructure projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Ensure infrastructure designs comply with industry best practices, security standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption where beneficial for the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related engineering field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in IT infrastructure design, deployment, and management.
• Proven experience architecting complex enterprise-level infrastructure solutions, including servers, storage, and advanced networking.
• Strong knowledge of virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and containerization.
• Experience with hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure) and infrastructure-as-code principles.
• Deep understanding of network protocols, firewalls, VPNs, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, VCP, or cloud certifications are a plus.
• Experience in industrial environments within **Richards Bay**, KwaZulu-Natal is an advantage.

Benefits

• This contract position offers a competitive daily or hourly rate, commensurate with experience.
• Our client provides access to challenging projects within a significant industrial context, opportunities for professional growth, and exposure to diverse technological challenges.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between focused project work and collaborative team engagement.
• While specific benefits are typically tied to contractor agreements, this role provides substantial professional development and networking opportunities within a key South African economic hub.