IT Infrastructure Lead

IT Infrastructure Lead

Purpose of the job
Oversee and manage the SADAFCO IT infrastructure to ensure stability, security, and efficiency. This involves strategic planning, design, implementation, and ongoing support of the infrastructure components such as servers, firewalls, networks, storage systems, and data centers. He will be responsible for maintaining high availability, performance, and security of the infrastructure while ensuring compliance with SADAFCO & industry standards. Moreover, manage vendor relationships and drive continual improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and support the organization's technology needs.

Key Accountabilities

Strategy & Projects:

1. Infrastructure Planning and Strategy: Developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for the SADAFCO IT On-Prem infrastructure, aligning it with business goals and objectives. Assessing current infrastructure capabilities, identifying areas for improvement, and planning for future technology needs.
2. Continual Improvement: Identifying opportunities for On-Prem infrastructure improvement, such as automation, optimization, and process enhancements, to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs. Staying updated with emerging technologies and industry trends to leverage innovative solutions.
3. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Developing and maintaining plans and procedures to ensure business continuity in the event of infrastructure failures or disasters. Implementing & monitoring backup and recovery strategies, conducting regular testing, and documenting recovery processes.
4. Budget Management: Managing the IT On-Prem infrastructure budget, including forecasting and allocating funds for infrastructure projects, maintenance, and upgrades. Monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and efficiently using allocated resources.
5. Day-to-Day Operation:
6. Infrastructure Operations and Support: Managing the day-to-day operations of the IT On-Prem infrastructure, including monitoring systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring high availability and performance. Implementing proactive monitoring and maintenance practices, incident management, and problem resolution. Ensuring that all the committed service level agreements (SLA) for self and team are met to ensure the smooth operation of IT services to enhance the overall user experience.
7. Security and Compliance: Ensuring the security and compliance of the IT On-Prem infrastructure by implementing and maintaining appropriate security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, access controls, and data encryption. Staying updated with the latest security threats and industry standards to mitigate risks proactively.
8. Asset Management: Responsible for logging, managing, tracking, and maintaining an accurate inventory of IT assets, including hardware devices (such as servers, network equipment, and storage devices) and software licenses. Recording detailed information about each asset, such as make, model, serial number, and location.
9. Team & Relationship:
10. Backup for IT Cloud Lead: Be the backup to manage the day-to-day operations of the cloud infrastructure.
11. Vendor and Contract Management: Managing relationships with technology vendors, overseeing procurement processes, and negotiating contracts to ensure cost-effective and reliable infrastructure solutions. Evaluating vendor performance, conducting vendor assessments, and ensuring compliance with service level agreements (SLAs).
12. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating with various stakeholders, including business units, IT teams, and senior management, to understand their infrastructure needs, provide updates on infrastructure initiatives, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Job Requirements

1. Educational level: Minimum bachelor’s degree in IT, preferably a master’s degree in IT, i.e. Bachelor/Master in Computer Infrastructure, Infrastructure Planning & Management.
2. Specific diploma/education: Microsoft and CISCO Certifications for System Administration, Office 365, Azure, Computer Security Certificate.
3. ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Certification.
4. Minimum 7 years relevant experience in system administration.
5. Expert level experience in virtualization, data center, Microsoft server products, MS licensing, Office 365, Azure, Linux and Citrix. Linux experience is a big plus.
6. Working experience of installation and configuration of firewall, routers and switches.
7. Good experience in configuring and maintaining disaster recovery, backups and contingency plans.
8. Good understanding of servers’ technologies including operating systems, physical and virtual servers, storage and backup, and disaster recovery.
9. Good understanding of cyber security relevant risks and vulnerabilities.
10. Intermediate knowledge of ERP, Sales Force and Warehouse Management Systems.
11. Experience diagnosing problems including hardware and software.
12. Intermediate knowledge of Database servers.
13. Ability to Plan, organize and document complex system design activities.
14. Languages: Fluent in English & Arabic.

Competencies

1. Educational level: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology/systems, or a related field is required, Preferably a Master's degree in IT.
2. Specific diploma/education: Microsoft Certified for System Engineer, CISCO network Certification, Computer Security Certification, such as Project Management Professional (PMP). CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, Certified Network Security Administrator, Certified Network Security Professional, Backup Certified Engineer, CompTIA A, CompTIA Network+ Relevant certifications such as ITIL.
3. Experience: Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in IT Infrastructure & IT system administration.
4. Technical Knowledge: Strong technical knowledge and expertise across various IT infrastructure domains, including networks, servers, storage systems, virtualization, security, and data centers. Familiarity with relevant technologies, industry trends, and best practices is essential.
5. Project Management: Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools to effectively plan, execute, and deliver infrastructure projects. Skills in project scoping, resource allocation, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder management.
6. Strategic Planning: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans for IT infrastructure, aligning with SADAFCO goals and objectives. Ability to analyze business requirements, anticipate technology needs, and make informed decisions regarding infrastructure investments and upgrades.
7. IT Governance and Compliance: Familiarity with IT governance frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, PCI-DSS) to ensure infrastructure operations align with regulatory requirements and industry best practices. Understanding of data privacy and security regulations is essential.
8. Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with stakeholders, IT teams, and end-users.
9. Continuous Learning: A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in IT infrastructure management. Attending industry conferences, participating in professional development activities, and acquiring relevant certifications.
10. Cybersecurity Knowledge: Understanding fundamental cybersecurity principles, concepts, and best practices. Knowledge of security, security controls, risk assessment methodologies, and incident response procedures.
11. Network Security: Familiarity with network security technologies and protocols.