Infrastructure Manager - Durban, South Africa - Armstrong Appointments

Description

The Infrastructure Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and maintenance of the IT infrastructure including servers, networks, storage, and data centers and ensure its reliability, performance, and security.

Main job function

Infrastructure Planning and Strategy

• Develop and implement the organization's IT infrastructure strategy and roadmaps aligned with business goals.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends for potential infrastructure enhancements.
• Plan and forecast infrastructure capacity to meet current and future business requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on IT infrastructure performance, uptime, and security.
• Monitor and plan infrastructure-related costs including end-of-life technology upgrades.

Cloud Infrastructure

• Develop and execute strategic plans for cloud infrastructure, including planning, strategy, and operational aspects including patch management.
• Evaluate and select suitable cloud platforms and providers, considering the banking organization's requirements for security, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Oversee the implementation and operation of cloud services, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and applications.
• Monitor and optimize cloud infrastructure performance, availability, and costs using appropriate tools and methodologies.
• Stay abreast of emerging cloud technologies and industry trends, assessing their potential for driving innovation and competitive advantage in the banking sector.
• On-Premises Infrastructure
• Define and implement strategic plans for on-premises infrastructure, encompassing planning, strategy, and operational aspects including patch management.
• Assess the Banks current on-premises infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and propose solutions aligned with business goals.
• Coordinate the deployment, maintenance, and upgrade of on-premises hardware, servers, and networking equipment.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of on-premises infrastructure to meet the banking industry's demanding requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure proper integration between on-premises and cloud environments.
• Database Management (Windows and Oracle Databases)
• Develop and execute strategic plans for database management, encompassing planning, strategy, and operational aspects for both Windows and Oracle databases including patch management.
• Oversee the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of database systems, ensuring optimal performance, security, and data integrity.
• Define and enforce data management policies and procedures, including backup, recovery, and disaster prevention measures.
• Collaborate with application development teams to optimize database performance and scalability.
• Stay updated on emerging database technologies, trends, and best practices, evaluating their potential benefits and risks in the banking industry.

Networks

• Develop and implement strategic plans for network infrastructure, encompassing planning, strategy, and operational aspects.
• Design and maintain secure and reliable network architectures to support the Banks operations and connectivity requirements.
• Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks or vulnerabilities, and implement appropriate measures to ensure optimal network availability and performance.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers to manage network services, such as WAN, LAN, and internet connectivity across multiple mediums.
• Stay informed about evolving network technologies, standards, and protocols, assessing their applicability and potential impact on the bank.

Firewalls and Security

• Develop and implement strategic plans for firewalls and security systems, encompassing planning, strategy, and operational aspects.
• Oversee the design, deployment, and configuration of firewalls and security infrastructure to protect the banks systems and data.
• Monitor and analyze security logs and alerts, responding to and mitigating potential security incidents.
• Stay updated on the latest security threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as IT security teams and compliance officers, to develop and enforce security policies and procedures.
• Ensures that the server room is secured by ensuring that there is no unauthorized access.
• Ensures that the server environment is conducive e.g. temperature.
• Takes responsibility to ensure that the server room has the functional equipment e.g. firefighting, GAS systems, etc.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

• Develop and execute strategic plans for backup, disaster recovery and infrastructure redundancy, encompassing planning, strategy, and operational aspects.
• Define and implement backup and recovery procedures to ensure the availability and integrity of critical systems and data.
• Regularly test backup and recovery processes to verify their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and maintain disaster recovery plans, including off-site data storage and redundant infrastructure.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and technologies for backup and disaster recovery, evaluating their relevance and feasibility.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and manage a team of infrastructure professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation within the infrastructure team.
• Identify skills gaps and implement training and development programs to enhance the team's capabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as CCNA, MCSA, ITIL, or CISSP are preferred.
• Certifications in Cloud Solutions Architecture or similar would be advantageous.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Experience in the banking or financial services industry is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in leading and delivering infrastructure projects and initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth understanding of IT infrastructure components, such as servers, storage systems, networks, and virtualization technologies.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, industry standards, and best practices.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies and hybrid infrastructure environments.

A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.