Key Responsibilities
- Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all network infrastructure including LAN, WLAN, WAN, Data Centres, and Internet services.
- Develop and execute strategic technology roadmaps for Network and Security Infrastructure in collaboration with external partners and industry experts.
- Ensure that developed plans are realistic, comprehensive, kept up to date and revised where necessary, i.e. Project planning, resource planning, support planning.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to align network infrastructure with business growth and digital transformation goals.
- Demonstrate strong financial acumen: Oversee Opex and Capex budgeting, analyze cost drivers, ensure cost-effective operations, collaborate with finance teams to align network investments with business objectives, evaluate ROI on technology initiatives, and support strategic decision-making through accurate forecasting and financial analysis.
- Manage and mentor a larger team of internal staff and external contractors, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
- Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships to maximize value and drive innovation through strategic partnerships.
- Ensure 24/7/365 monitoring, incident response, and proactive maintenance of the network infrastructure.
- Lead disaster recovery planning and implementation for network services.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, data protection regulations, and internal policies.
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Scope of Operations
- Support approximately 7,000 users at Head Office and 3,500 stores across 950 lines in South Africa and other African countries.
- Maintain connectivity to 7 distribution centres, 3 manufacturing warehouses, 4 regional offices.
- Manage a complex network built using multiple ISP clouds for redundancy.
Oversee three data centers housing approximately 1,200 servers and a WAN spanning across multiple geographical regions.
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Security Responsibilities
- Manage enterprise perimeter firewalls, web application firewalls, and other security devices to protect internal infrastructure and ensure secure external access.
- Oversee secure internet browsing and endpoint protection across the organization
- Implement and maintain intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Ensure compliance with cybersecurity frameworks.
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Required Qualifications and Experience
- 10+ years of experience in managing large-scale enterprise network and security infrastructure.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field.
- Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage budgets, and make data-driven investment decisions to maximize value and efficiency.
- Strong leadership and people management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.
- Strong expertise in managing Cisco, Fortinet, Arista, or similar enterprise-grade networking platforms.
- Good working knowledge WAN, LAN, WLAN, data centre networking, and security technologies.
- Experience with capacity planning, demand forecasting, and infrastructure design.
- Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills.
- Ability to stay abreast of emerging technologies and translate them into strategic initiatives.
Lead network-related projects such as store rollouts, data center migrations, and infrastructure upgrades.
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Desirable Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to operate in a geographically dispersed and technically complex environment.
- Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to understand, value, and respond effectively to the needs and concerns of team members.
- Committed to the success and well-being of their team by building a supportive, high-performing environment where people thrive.
Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.
