Senior Systems Administrator

Paracon; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT service provider in Gauteng is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to ensure operational stability, improve infrastructure, and lead technical projects. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Windows Server, VMware, and networking security. The role emphasizes collaboration and mentoring within a small team. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven deep expertise in Microsoft Windows Server administration.
• Hands-on experience with VMware managing virtual environments.
• Familiarity with Fortigate firewalls and switching environments.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical escalation point for complex infrastructure issues.
• Assist with technical improvements across the existing infrastructure.
• Manage and maintain the core infrastructure for system uptime.

Skills

Microsoft Windows Server administration

VMware

Fortigate firewalls

Cisco and Alcatel switching

Veeam backup and replication

Monitoring tools

Cloud services awareness

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification (Diploma / Degree)

Tools

Veeam software

Symantec patching software

Job description

Senior Systems Administrator is a technical leadership role responsible for the operational stability, strategic improvement, and modernization of the organization's core infrastructure environment.

This position requires deep technical expertise to handle system escalations, drive improvement projects, and contribute to long‑term infrastructure planning.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Act as the technical escalation point for the two System Administrators on complex infrastructure issues.
• Assist in and implement technical improvements across the existing infrastructure environment.
• Manage and maintain the core infrastructure, ensuring high availability and adherence to service delivery targets for system uptime and incident resolution.
• Manage, configure, and troubleshoot systems within the existing technology stack (VMware, HPE Hosts, Dell / Exagrid Storage, Cisco / Alcatel Switches, Fortigate firewall).
• Oversee backup and disaster recovery processes utilizing Veeam software, Exagrid, and LTO9 tape libraries across two onsite datacentres and one offsite DR site.
• Execute patching using existing tools (Symantec) and ensure all devices comply with security standards.
• Manage systems running primarily Microsoft Windows Server environments.

(Linux is managed by the SAP Basis Administrator).

Strategic & Project Delivery (Top 3 Priorities)

• Assist with the modernization of the datacenters.
• Identify and implement improvements to the existing infrastructure environment and processes.
• Contribute to infrastructure strategic planning and assist with improving existing technical policies.

Team Collaboration & Decision Authority

Work collaboratively within a small infrastructure team (2 System Administrators and 2 PC Support Technicians) within a total IT staff of 14. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff; the role is focused on technical expertise rather than formal people management. Be involved in the selection of tools, hardware purchases, and system design, without holding direct budget responsibility.

Required Skills and Experience

• Operating Systems: Proven deep expertise in Microsoft Windows Server administration.
• Virtualization: Hands‑on experience with VMware and managing virtual host environments (4 Production Hosts, 2 DR Hosts).
• Networking / Security: Familiarity with Fortigate firewalls, and managing Cisco and Alcatel switching environments.
• Storage & Backup: Strong knowledge of storage platforms (Dell, Exagrid) and expertise in Veeam backup and replication software, including tape library operations (LTO9).
• Monitoring / Patching: Experience with hardware‑provided monitoring tools (HPE, Dell) and Symantec patching software.
• Cloud Awareness: Familiarity with cloud services and the ability to investigate and plan for the potential use of cloud components.

Qualifications and Soft Skills

• Relevant tertiary qualification (Diploma / Degree) is highly advantageous.
• Proven experience in a senior or technical leadership capacity.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to lead complex escalations to resolution.
• Excellent communication skills, essential for policy influence and strategic planning input.