IT Manager / IT Ops - Dedicated Customer Environment Management

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and professional IT Manager to take ownership of the IT environment for assigned customer organisations operating across corporate offices, branch networks, and retail locations throughout South Africa.

This role is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the customer’s technology environment, including infrastructure, Microsoft 365, Azure, networking, cybersecurity, governance, documentation, operational standards, and strategic IT planning.

The successful candidate will work closely with customer management teams and stakeholders, acting as the primary technology lead to ensure stable, secure, scalable, and well-governed IT environments aligned to business objectives.

This role combines strategic oversight, operational management, infrastructure leadership, governance, and strong technical understanding within complex multi-site environments.

Key Responsibilities

IT Environment Management

• Take ownership of the customer’s overall IT environment across corporate offices and branch/retail locations
• Manage and oversee Microsoft 365, Azure, server, networking, firewall, Wi-Fi, and cloud environments
• Ensure high availability, stability, security, and operational performance across all systems
• Oversee WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, VPN, switching, routing, and branch connectivity environments
• Standardise infrastructure deployments, technical configurations, and operational processes
• Assist with backup, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and business continuity planning

Governance, Compliance & Standards

• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, SOPs, and governance standards
• Ensure infrastructure, systems, and operational processes are fully documented
• Maintain network diagrams, configuration records, and infrastructure documentation
• Assist with compliance, security best practices, risk management, and audit readiness
• Drive operational maturity, consistency, and technology standardisation across environments
• Ensure environments align with business, operational, and security requirements

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Work closely with customer management and stakeholders to align technology with business objectives
• Provide guidance on infrastructure planning, budgeting, lifecycle management, and technology improvements
• Coordinate and oversee IT projects, upgrades, migrations, and infrastructure rollouts
• Assist with escalation management, operational incidents, and vendor coordination
• Ensure service quality, operational efficiency, and continual improvement across the environment
• Coordinate third-party vendors, ISPs, licensing providers, and technology partners where required

Documentation & Process Management

• Maintain accurate and structured technical documentation across all systems and environments
• Ensure operational procedures and support standards are clearly defined and maintained
• Improve infrastructure standards, governance processes, and operational consistency
• Assist in developing scalable and supportable IT operational frameworks

Technical Requirements

Strong experience in:

• Microsoft 365 administration
• Azure infrastructure and cloud services
• SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Exchange Online
• Windows Server environments
• WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, VPN, VLANs, switching, routing, and Wi-Fi
• Firewall and network security management
• Sophos, Fortinet, UniFi, Cisco, or similar platforms
• Backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Cybersecurity best practices and governance
• Infrastructure monitoring and reporting systems
• Documentation standards and SOP development
• Multi-site infrastructure management

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing multi-site corporate and retail environments
• Experience supporting environments with 300+ users
• Strong stakeholder and customer engagement experience
• Experience with governance, compliance, and operational standards
• Valid driver’s license

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Professional and customer-focused
• Highly organised and process-driven
• Strong strategic and operational mindset
• Able to manage both technical and business requirements
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving ability
• Passionate about standards, governance, and continual improvement

Remuneration

• Salary range: R60,000 – R75,000 per month CTC
• Salary dependent on experience, certifications, and technical capability