Senior IT Administrator

Thwack is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior IT Administrator to join our team. The Senior IT Administrator will play a critical role in managing our IT infrastructure and providing end-user support to ensure the efficiency, security, and reliability of our systems. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership ability, and the flexibility to provide 24/7 on-call support as needed.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the IT department, including network administration, system maintenance, and end-user support.
- Develop and implement IT policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure the security and integrity of our systems and data.
- Design and maintain network infrastructure, including servers, routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices.
- Provide 24/7 on-call support to address critical IT issues and minimize downtime.
- Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
- Manage IT vendors and service providers, including contract negotiation and performance evaluation.
- Provide technical guidance and support to junior IT staff, assisting with problem resolution and skill development.
- Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends, making recommendations for technology upgrades and enhancements.
- Collaborate with other departments to understand their IT needs and develop solutions to meet their requirements.
- Participate in IT budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring cost-effective use of IT resources.

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- 5+ years of experience in IT administration, with a focus on network and system administration.
- Proven experience managing and maintaining complex IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and security systems.
- Strong knowledge of network protocols, hardware, and software, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, routers, switches, firewalls, and antivirus/anti-malware solutions.
- Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure) preferred.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail, with the ability to analyze issues and implement effective solutions.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Proven leadership ability, with experience mentoring and coaching junior IT staff.
- Availability to provide 24/7 on-call support to address critical IT issues.

**Salary**: R15 000,00 - R30 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

- Can you describe your experience in managing and maintaining complex IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and security systems?
- How do you stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends in the field of IT administration, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your work?
- Provide an example of a challenging IT issue you encountered and resolved. What steps did you take to troubleshoot the issue, and what was the outcome?
- How do you prioritize and manage tasks in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and urgent requests for support?
- Describe your experience providing end-user support, including your approach to handling user inquiries and troubleshooting technical issues effectively. Additionally, how do you ensure a high level of customer satisfaction in your interactions with end-users?

Ability to Commute:

- Johannesburg, Gauteng (required)