Systems Manager

Network Finance; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an IT Systems Manager to oversee Server and Desktop Support operations in Randburg, ensuring high availability and robust infrastructure performance.

You will drive incident management, continuous improvement, and collaboration with senior leadership to enhance service quality and reduce incidents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 5-10 years hands-on technical experience; certifications acceptable.
• Minimum 4 years' proven experience leading technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of Windows and Linux server environments, virtualization, backups and IT ops.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of Server and Desktop Support teams.
• Ensure infrastructure availability, performance, reliability, and service quality.
• Analyse service desk tickets to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Manage server environments, virtualization platforms, backups, patching, maintenance.
• Drive incident resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Lead and develop technical teams through coaching and performance management.
• Monitor IT projects for timely delivery, quality and budget adherence.
• Produce operational reports, trend analyses and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with security standards and IT policies.

Skills

Team leadership

Windows server

Linux server

Virtualization

Incident management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's in IT/CS

Tools

Hyper-V/VMware

Backup software

IT service desk tools

Security practices

Job description

An established technology-focused organisation is seeking a highly skilled IT Systems Manager to oversee the daily operations of Server and Desktop Support teams. This role is responsible for ensuring the availability, security, performance, and reliability of infrastructure services while driving continuous improvement through proactive ticket analysis, incident management, and team leadership.

You will play a key role in bridging operational and strategic infrastructure objectives, working closely with senior leadership to improve service quality, reduce recurring incidents, and support infrastructure initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on leader who enjoys balancing technical oversight, people management, and operational delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Server and Desktop Support teams.
• Ensure infrastructure availability, performance, reliability, and service quality across all platforms.
• Analyse service desk tickets to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Manage server environments, virtualisation platforms, backups, patching, and maintenance activities.
• Drive incident resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Lead and develop technical teams through coaching, performance management, and skills development.
• Monitor and manage IT projects, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines, quality standards, and budgets.
• Produce operational reports, trend analysis, and recommendations for service improvement.
• Ensure compliance with security standards, governance frameworks, and IT operational policies.
• Support disaster recovery planning, testing, and infrastructure risk management.

Job Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, coupled with 5-10 years of hands‑on technical experience; alternatively, 10 years of relevant technical experience supported by recognised certifications.
• Minimum 4 years' proven experience managing and leading technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of Windows and Linux server environments, virtualisation technologies, backup solutions, and infrastructure operations.
• Solid experience supporting Windows-based desktop environments and end‑user technologies.
• Exposure to cybersecurity practices relating to server and endpoint technologies.
• Experience working with IT service desk tools, ticketing platforms, and service improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of incident, problem, and change management processes.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to identify trends and implement long-term solutions.

Advantageous Certifications

• ITSM Certification
• PMP or PRINCE2
• CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+ or Network+
• Microsoft Certified Windows Server or Azure certifications
• Linux certifications