Senior Systems Administrator (JHB)

Datafin; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial solutions provider is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to manage and secure their network infrastructure and systems. Responsibilities include administering networks, servers, and hardware, ensuring robust cybersecurity protocols, and implementing disaster recovery plans. The ideal candidate should have over 3 years of experience with certifications like CompTIA Network+ and exposure to cloud services. This role requires a proactive problem-solver with a strong technical background.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience with infrastructure maintenance.
• Understanding of Cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Experience with Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain all company network infrastructure.
• Install, configure, and maintain physical and virtual servers.
• Implement and oversee regular system backups and recovery processes.

Skills

Infrastructure maintenance

Cybersecurity principles

Network administration (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)

Scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python)

Microsoft Azure experience

Education

BSc in Computer Science or related field

CompTIA Network+

CompTIA Security+

Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator

Tools

Veeam

Commvault

Nagios

SolarWinds

AWS

Google Cloud

Hyper-V

Job description

Senior Systems Administrator (JHB) Finance/Admin ~ IT - Support

Johannesburg - Gauteng - South Africa, Cape Town - Western Cape - South Africa

Overview

BE responsible for administration and maintenance of all company networks, servers, and hardware; as well as ensuring there is robust Cybersecurity and data security protocols in place as the next Senior Systems Administrator wanted by a provider of tailored financial solutions. You will install, update and configure systems, taking proactive steps to monitor and identify any potential issues, and implement preventative measures; ensure system back-ups are taking place as required, and handle any down time effectively. The ideal candidate must possess a strong technical background, hands‑on experience, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving in a dynamic business environment. You will also need certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator or similar with 3 years experience with infrastructure maintenance including SQL, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, Windows Server, Linux/Unix, Active Directory, Veeam, Commvault, Acronis, Nagios, SolarWinds, Zabbix, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, PowerShell, Bash & Python.

Duties

Security

• Analyse security risks and develop response procedures.
• Evaluate, recommend, and implement other security and monitoring devices.
• Install computer security software.
• Conduct regular security audits.
• Prepare security status reports.
• Educate users on computer security.
• Create security documentation for users.
• Assist in Disaster Recovery and gather evidence regarding Cybercrimes.
• Oversee Patch Management policy.
• Manage user access, permissions, and security policies across network and server environments.

Network and System Infrastructure

• Administer, monitor, optimise and maintain all company network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, VPN, wireless, and firewalls).
• Install, configure, and maintain physical and virtual servers (Windows, Linux, etc.), ensuring optimal performance and availability.
• Manage and maintain telephony infrastructure and systems and the optimisation thereof.
• Steer and administer the cloud migration process with cost projections, planning, and implementation.
• Monitor systems for performance, reliability, and security, responding to alerts and resolving issues proactively.
• Manage and report on root‑cause analysis for faults with remedial action.
• Troubleshooting and monitoring network related performance focusing on the remote and on‑site deployment.
• Setup monitoring software for performance on servers to do preventative maintenance.
• Assist Support team on complex technical issues.
• Work together with the Department Manager to define policies and procedures relating to network performance and security.
• Secure server environments by creating documented policies with procedures, implementation, and monitoring thereof.
• Ensure network protocols are documented refining security between network devices.

Backups and Disaster Recovery

• Implement and oversee regular system backups, performing test‑restores to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Document network/server configurations, processes, and recovery procedures.
• Develop, update, and test Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans to minimise downtime and data loss.

General

• Budget control and administration of software licensing.
• Maintain vendor and supplier relations.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices to recommend improvements and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, Cisco CCNA, or similar.

Experience/Skills

• Minimum of 3 years experience with infrastructure maintenance.
• Understanding of SQL backups.
• Understanding of Cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Previous experience in developing and testing Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans.
• Microsoft Azure experience.
• Proven expertise in network administration (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, wireless).
• Strong knowledge of server technologies (Windows Server, Linux/Unix, Active Directory, virtualisation platforms such as VMware or Hyper‑V).
• Experience with backup solutions (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, Acronis) and Disaster Recovery planning.
• Extensive experience with Hyper‑V replication, Veeam backup and replication.
• Familiarity with monitoring and management tools (e.g., Nagios, SolarWinds, Zabbix).
• Experience in cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Knowledge of scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, Python) for automation.

Advantageous

• BSc in Computer Science or a related field.
• Microsoft Certifications.
• Security Certifications.
• Expertise or experience with ManageEngine range of products.

Attributes

• Strong skills for daily operational challenges.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, including participation in an on‑call rotation if required.