Assistant Manager, IT Infrastructure

A reputable multinational Group of Companies based in Accra, is seeking to recruit highly motivated and results driven individuals with the requisite professional competencies and experience to fill the following role: Assistant Manager, IT Infrastructure

REPORTS TO: MANAGER, IT SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURE  

JOB PURPOSE

To maintain an effective network/server infrastructure and IT security system for the Company and provide technical support to Users to support business operations and satisfy clients’ needs in a timely and professional manner.  Scope of work includes the installation, configuration and monitoring of the overall network system of the Company.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

IT Strategy & Policy Implementation

• Provide support in the development of strategy/business plan for the Service Delivery Department and implement same. 
• Implement approved policies, standards operating procedures (SOPs), work plan and other support systems including monitoring mechanisms in managing the Technology Department of the Company to achieve targeted objectives.

IT Infrastructure Maintenance

• Conduct studies/research and recommend infrastructure requirements and technical specifications based on existing projects and future computing needs to facilitate procurement activities.
• Implement approved maintenance schedule for all infrastructure systems, including LANs, WANs, Internet, intranet, security, wireless installations, etc.
• Test network/server performance and provide performance statistics/reports to Supervisor for upgrades and development of strategies for maintaining network/IT infrastructure.

• Supervise and coordinate the installation and configuration of hardware, software (i.e. PCs, laptops, Printers, Scanners, etc.) and other peripherals to facilitate business operations.
• Provide troubleshooting solutions in times of IT disasters in the Company to ensure timely remedies. 
• Deliver solutions and provide technical support to End Users on complex technical issues as appropriate.
• Prepare proposals, bid documents, contracts and other documentation for IT infrastructure projects for review by Supervisor.
• Negotiate with vendors, outsourcing companies and contractors to secure infrastructure-specific products and services.
• Deploy IT hardware and other supporting equipment to operational areas as approved by Supervisor.

Operational Management

• Supervise the day-to-day activities of the Unit to support the Company’s IT infrastructure by
  • Creating, changing and deletion of user accounts per request (Email Administration).    
  • Monitoring backups and business continuity of the infrastructure of the Company
  • Providing security and protection of infrastructure
  • Building capacity and changing control of infrastructure
  • Managing Hardware and software inventory 
  • Implementing new systems and upgrading existing infrastructures
  • Training users in support of changes to infrastructure.
• Maintain and manage the Company’s IT assets; including maintenance of component inventory and related documentations.
• Research and recommend innovative and automated approaches for system administration tasks for approval and implementation.

Monitoring Standards

• Monitor and maintain suitable security levels on network, infrastructure and servers throughout the Company and its operational areas. 
• Monitor to ensure that Users adherence to approved IT Infrastructure governance, policies and regulations to ensure maximum protection of the Company’s IT systems and operations.
• Investigate IT related issues and recommend corrective actions to Supervisor for improvement.
• Monitor User Units and clients to ensure strict adherence to IT standards in line with approved guidelines/principles and international best practices. 

Stakeholder Relations & Management

• Maintain professional relationship with Service Providers, Corporate Organisations and other stakeholders to facilitate the operations of the Service Delivery Department of the Company.
• Liaise with suppliers/vendors to ensure services are delivered to agreed standards, required quality and within timeframe.

Financial Management

Provide inputs for the preparation of the annual budget of the Service Delivery Department and implement same.

Information & Reporting

• Stay abreast with legislations, rules/regulations, new and emerging developments in the IT infrastructure and support operations to enhance IT projects and infrastructure to facilitate the operations of the Company.
• Maintain and update data of all IT infrastructure, equipment and tools to track and monitor their usage.
• Prepare Weekly WAN, LAN, etc. status reports as well as periodic reports on issues relating to IT infrastructure.

Employee Performance & Development

• Conduct performance appraisal and provide input for career development and recommend performance incentives for direct reports.
• Identify training needs and facilitate training for direct reports.

Required Skills or Experience

• Master of Science Degree/ a good first Degree in Computer Science, Electronic/Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Five to Seven years relevant working experience in a related field.
• Membership of a Professional Association will be an added advantage.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• In-depth knowledge and experience of the implementation of IT security tools and techniques. 
• Knowledge and understanding of Information Governance and its application within IT. 
• Good knowledge and understanding of current network hardware, protocols and standards.
• Experience in application support with proven knowledge in IT infrastructure planning and development.
• Good planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to investigate and diagnose problems in a wide range of IT systems. 
• Good knowledge and experience in Operating and Security Systems.
• Good knowledge/understanding of Data and Telecommunication Systems.
• Good knowledge of Databases.
• Must be abreast with ICT trends/developments.
• Negotiation and conflict management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical skills and a logical approach to solving problems.
• Good project management skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and execute projects. 
• Must be abreast with ICT trends.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively with all categories of employees.
• Managerial, coaching and interpersonal skills in a "team" setting.