Summary of Role
The Senior DevOps Engineer will play a critical role in optimizing software development and deployment processes across the organisation. This individual will collaborate closely with development, operations, and security teams to automate and streamline workflows, improve system reliability, and ensure the scalability of applications within an agile environment. A core focus of the role is enabling continuous delivery through robust continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.
Responsibilities
Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Develop, maintain, and version-control infrastructure using tools such as Terraform or similar technologies to ensure repeatable, consistent environment provisioning.
Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)
- Design, implement, and manage CI/CD pipelines to automate software builds, testing, and deployment across multiple environments.
Containerization & Orchestration
- Manage and maintain container orchestration platforms (Docker, Kubernetes, Rancher) to ensure the scalability, availability, and reliability of microservices-based applications.
Automation
- Automate repetitive tasks and operational processes using scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash, PowerShell) and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet).
Monitoring, Logging & Observability
- Implement and maintain monitoring, logging, and alerting solutions (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack, Azure Monitor) to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve issues.
Scaling & Optimisation
- Optimise infrastructure for scalability, performance, and cost efficiency while providing data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Security & Compliance
- Collaborate with the security team to implement and enforce security best practices (DevSecOps) throughout the CI/CD pipeline, infrastructure, and applications.
Incident & Problem Management
- Provide 2nd and 3rd level support for all incidents and problems, ensuring timely resolution and root cause analysis.
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to facilitate communication, cooperation, and knowledge sharing. Provide ongoing support and guidance on CI/CD-related issues.
Documentation & Standards
- Maintain clear, up-to-date documentation of infrastructure, processes, configurations, and runbooks. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for relevant environments.
Reporting & Metrics
- Define, track, and report on key DevOps metrics including deployment frequency, lead time, change failure rate, mean time to recovery (MTTR), and adoption rates.
Mentoring and Capability Enablement
- Actively mentor junior DevOps engineers and associates through structured on-the-job coaching, pairing, and guided task execution.
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Ensure transfer of operational knowledge so that day-to-day DevOps activities (CI/CD pipeline support, deployments, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting) can be independently performed by junior team members.
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Develop and maintain clear, reusable documentation, playbooks, and runbooks aligned to approved Africa Technology SOPs. Facilitate regular knowledge-sharing sessions, walkthroughs, and retrospectives to reinforce learning and consistency of execution.
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Identify skills gaps within the DevOps team and contribute to targeted upskilling initiatives in collaboration with DevOps and Technology leadership.
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Promote a culture of continuous learning, quality, and shared ownership across the DevOps function.
Qualifications
- Matric and a Tertiary Degree
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5 years' experience in a DevOps Engineering role
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DevOps Engineer certification — Mandatory (e.g., Azure DevOps Engineer Expert, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, or equivalent)
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Azure Administrator certification — Mandatory
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Relevant degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field — Advantageous
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Rancher)
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Strong knowledge of Git, GitHub, and CI/CD platforms (Azure DevOps)
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Strong knowledge of Infrastructure as Code tools, particularly Terraform
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Experience with cloud platforms (Azure primarily; AWS and GCP advantageous)
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Experience with API platforms, integration patterns, and distributed systems (REST, microservices architectures)
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Experience with monitoring and observability tools (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack, Azure Monitor)
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Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet)
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Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, Bash, PowerShell, JavaScript)
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Understanding of networking fundamentals (DNS, load balancing, firewalls, VPNs)
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Experience with Agentic AI tooling and practices — Advantageous
Knowledge & Competencies
- Strong understanding of SDLC methodologies, particularly Agile and Scrum
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Understanding of data security, compliance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies
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Expert knowledge of current and emerging technologies and their strategic application to business needs
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Basic knowledge of business operations and processes
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Ability to improve operational efficiency and service delivery across lines of business and technology platforms
