Job Title: Global Server & Storage Lead (IT)

Location: Woodlands Office Park, Woodmead

Main Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Global IT Operations Manager, you will be responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and supporting on-premises server and storage systems across all regions. This includes managing networks, internet connectivity, and server infrastructure. You will deploy and maintain server and networking hardware and software promptly, develop and maintain detailed documentation of all regional Site IT Infrastructure, perform diagnostics, and identify and resolve faults. Additionally, you will manage backups, Active Directory, security controls, and carry out ongoing evaluation and auditing to ensure efficient performance of servers and networks, alongside other operational duties.

Key Performance Areas and Responsibilities

Operational and People Management

• Develop, interpret, and deploy complex system designs and architecture of varying scales and solutions in collaboration with the IT Architecture team, aligned to project requirements and financial considerations.
• Research, analyse, evaluate, and monitor server infrastructure to ensure networks operate optimally with high availability and uptime, while controlling expenditure.
• Prepare and maintain procedures and documentation for server inventory, recording diagnosis and resolution of network faults, and recommend enhancements where necessary.
• Assess and recommend improvements to IT operations concerning integrated hardware, software, communications, operating systems, and internet connectivity.
• Deploy, configure, test, and maintain new and existing server clusters, software database applications, servers, switches, and site connectivity.
• Act as a strategic contributor in planning and executing current and future initiatives, identifying risks that may affect ongoing operations.
• Monitor server traffic, activity, capacity, and usage to maintain integrity and optimal performance.
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of Anti-Virus and other security solutions and their mechanisms.
• Install, configure, test, and maintain operating systems, application software, and system management tools.
• Proactively ensure the highest levels of systems and infrastructure availability, planning and executing patching with minimal downtime in production environments.
• Maintain data security, backups, and implement redundancy strategies.
• Assign responsibilities and maintain job descriptions for direct reports.
• Develop performance standards and supervise team members.
• Conduct annual performance reviews with direct reports.
• Participate in designing information and operational technology support systems.
• Collaborate closely with IT Service Delivery Team Leads to ensure optimal system performance, availability, and lifecycle management of IT infrastructure.

Service Delivery and Collaboration

• Take ownership of reported issues, ensuring resolution within defined SLAs and group ITSM processes.
• Assist in researching, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and identifying solutions to customer issues.
• Create and maintain detailed and accurate inventories of all IT infrastructure equipment, vendors, and services.
• Ensure thorough documentation and closure of all reported and unreported issues using the group ITSM.
• Provide multi-level support to maintain the highest levels of service delivery.
• Liaise effectively with vendors and other IT departments to resolve problems and address other operational matters.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally in both written and spoken form.
• Provide prompt and accurate feedback to customers and team members.
• Prepare and present accurate, detailed, and timely reports to management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computing or Information Technology (advantageous)
• Relevant IT certifications (e.g. MCSE, CCNE, VMware) (essential)

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ hands-on technical experience in a similar role within the IT and OT industries (essential)

Knowledge Areas

• Computer networking and design (essential)
• Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware technologies (essential)
• Networking, server hardware, and storage technologies (essential)
• ERP systems (Sage X3/Axe) and database administration (advantageous)

Contact information

Yolanda Swart