Systems Administrator

Network Finance; Durban; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking a Systems Administrator in Durban to oversee day-to-day IT infrastructure, handle the service desk queue, and support field technicians across multiple sites. You will coordinate incidents, manage assets, and ensure security, access control, and DR readiness.

Role combines hands-on server, storage, and network administration with stakeholder communication, vendor management, and operational planning to keep critical systems available and secure in a retail environment.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Systems Administration, Infrastructure Support, IT Operations, or related environment.
• Experience troubleshooting technical issues and coordinating with MSPs and vendors.
• Experience supporting users in a multi-site or distributed business environment is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the IT support queue, prioritising incidents and requests while ensuring service levels are maintained.
• Lead operational response to major incidents and ensure effective stakeholder communication throughout issue resolution.
• Supervise and support field technicians, coordinating site visits, deployments, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Administer server, storage, virtualization, identity, collaboration, and endpoint management environments.
• Coordinate network, wireless, and connectivity troubleshooting with service providers and technology partners.
• Manage patching, user provisioning, access management, endpoint protection, and security-related activities.
• Monitor backup processes, disaster recovery readiness, and recovery testing procedures.
• Maintain IT asset registers, software inventories, warranty information, and lifecycle management records.
• Coordinate infrastructure changes, deployments, upgrades, and migration projects while ensuring operational readiness.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure third-party providers meet agreed service commitments.

Skills

Server administration

Active Directory/Identity Management

Networking

Microsoft collaboration platforms

Security controls

Backup & Disaster recovery

Cybersecurity fundamentals

Team leadership / mentoring

Education

IT Diploma or Degree

Tools

Virtualisation technologies

Ticketing systems

Infrastructure monitoring

Asset management platforms

Remote support tools

Endpoint management

Job description

Join a well-established retail business with a national footprint of stores, warehouses, and corporate operations. This opportunity offers exposure to a diverse technology environment where you'll work closely with both internal stakeholders and technology partners to ensure business-critical systems remain secure, available, and efficient.

As the Systems Administrator, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organisation's IT infrastructure, coordinating service desk activities, supporting field technicians, managing suppliers, and ensuring users receive timely and effective technical support. This role combines hands-on technical administration with operational coordination, making it ideal for someone who enjoys balancing technology, people, and process management.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the IT support queue, prioritising incidents and requests while ensuring service levels are maintained.
• Lead operational response to major incidents and ensure effective stakeholder communication throughout issue resolution.
• Supervise and support field technicians, coordinating site visits, deployments, and preventative maintenance activities.
• Administer server, storage, virtualisation, identity, collaboration, and endpoint management environments.
• Coordinate network, wireless, and connectivity troubleshooting with service providers and technology partners.
• Manage patching, user provisioning, access management, endpoint protection, and security-related activities.
• Monitor backup processes, disaster recovery readiness, and recovery testing procedures.
• Maintain IT asset registers, software inventories, warranty information, and lifecycle management records.
• Coordinate infrastructure changes, deployments, upgrades, and migration projects while ensuring operational readiness.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure third-party providers meet agreed service commitments.

Qualifications

• Relevant IT Diploma, Degree, or equivalent technical experience.
• Infrastructure, Networking, Microsoft, Cloud, or IT Service Management certifications will be advantageous.

Experience

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Systems Administration, Infrastructure Support, IT Operations, or a related technical support environment.
• Proven experience troubleshooting technical issues independently and coordinating with managed service providers and vendors.
• Experience supporting users within a multi-site or distributed business environment will be highly advantageous.
• Previous exposure to retail, logistics, warehousing, or other operationally critical environments is beneficial.

Technical Skills

• Server administration and Active Directory/Identity Management.
• Virtualisation technologies.
• Networking, wireless, and connectivity troubleshooting.
• Microsoft collaboration platforms and endpoint management.
• Backup, recovery, and disaster recovery processes.
• Cybersecurity fundamentals and security controls.
• Ticketing systems, remote support tools, infrastructure monitoring solutions, and asset management platforms.

Personal Attributes

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership capability with experience mentoring or supporting junior technical staff.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to sites as required.
• Ability to provide scheduled after-hours support when necessary.