We are seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Specialist Support Engineer Systems Virtualization & Storage Infrastructure to join our MIS team.

This is a senior SME-level role with end-to-end accountability for the organisations virtualization, storage, server, and backup infrastructure environments.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of the infrastructure portfolio from conceptualisation, solution design, and architecture through to implementation, optimisation, and ongoing operational support.

This is not a pure operational support role. The incumbent is expected to act as a technical authority and solution owner, providing architectural direction, design leadership, and engineering decisions across the infrastructure stack.

The Specialist will:

• Own the full infrastructure lifecycle (design build operate optimise)
  
• Lead solution design and architecture decisions
  
• Provide technical direction and input into infrastructure projects
  
• Drive infrastructure optimisation and continuous improvement
  
• Act as the SME for virtualization, storage, backup, and Windows Server environments
  
• Be accountable for end-to-end solution outcomes, not just execution or support
  

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure Ownership & Solution Design (NEW EMPHASIS)

• Lead the design and architecture of VMware, storage, backup, and server environments
  
• Develop infrastructure solutions aligned to business and operational requirements
  
• Provide technical leadership and recommendations for infrastructure improvements
  
• Evaluate, select, and standardise infrastructure technologies
  
• Ensure scalability, resilience, and performance are designed into all solutions from the outset
  

Virtualization Infrastructure Management

• Manage and maintain VMware environments (vSphere/ESXi)
  
• Design and optimise virtual infrastructure for performance and availability
  
• Ensure high availability, clustering, and workload balancing
  
• Lead upgrades, migrations, and architecture improvements
  

Backup & Storage Architecture (Veeam + IBM)

• Architect and manage enterprise backup solutions using Veeam Backup & Replication
  
• Ensure backup architecture supports business continuity and DR objectives
  
• Design and administer IBM storage environments (SAN, fibre, tape systems)
  
• Lead storage optimisation, capacity planning, and performance tuning
  
• Validate backup integrity and disaster recovery readiness
  

Server & Infrastructure Engineering (Windows + Hardware)

• Architect and manage Windows Server environments
  
• Design server infrastructure for performance, resilience, and security
  
• Oversee hardware lifecycle management and infrastructure refresh cycles
  
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis
  

Project & Vendor Leadership

• Lead infrastructure-related projects from design to implementation
  
• Provide technical input into project planning and execution
  
• Manage and coordinate third-party vendors and OEMs (IBM, VMware, etc.)
  
• Ensure solutions delivered align with architectural standards
  

Governance, Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain complete and accurate infrastructure documentation
  
• Ensure compliance with internal standards, audit requirements, and safety practices
  
• Support risk management, governance, and audit processes
  
• Adhere to operational safety standards (including BSP requirements)
  

Operational Support (Secondary to Design Responsibility)

• Participate in standby, after-hours, and weekend support rotations
  
• Provide escalation support for critical infrastructure incidents
  
• Travel to sites when required for infrastructure support or implementation
  

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, or equivalent
  

Certifications (Required)

• MCSA / MCSE Windows Server
  
• MCITP Enterprise Administrator (Windows Server)
  
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP 6/7/8/9)
  
• IBM certifications (System X, Storage, Tape, Fibre)
  
• Veeam Certified Backup Specialist
  

Experience Requirements (CRITICAL)

• 10+ years Windows Server administration (enterprise environments)
  
• 10+ years VMware administration and architecture experience
  
• 10+ years IBM storage administration (SAN / fibre / tape systems)
  
• 10+ years enterprise backup experience using Veeam
  
• Proven experience in solution design and infrastructure architecture (mandatory)
  
• Experience in mission-critical, high availability environments
  
• Demonstrated history of end-to-end infrastructure ownership (design implementation support)
  

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Advanced VMware architecture and optimisation
  
• Windows Server enterprise architecture and administration
  
• IBM storage systems (SAN, fibre channel, tape libraries)
  
• Veeam backup architecture and DR design
  
• Disaster recovery planning and execution
  
• Infrastructure capacity planning and performance tuning
  
• Strong root-cause analysis and troubleshooting
  
• Server hardware architecture and lifecycle management
  
• Infrastructure security and compliance awareness
  

Behavioural Competencies (UPDATED EMPHASIS)

• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem solving
  
• Ability to operate as a technical SME and decision-maker
  
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
  
• High attention to detail and engineering accuracy
  
• Ability to work independently with full accountability
  
• Strong ownership mindset (end-to-end responsibility)
  
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and delivery discipline
  
• Customer-focused with proactive engineering approach
  

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license and own transport
  
• Willingness to travel to operational sites
  
• Availability for standby, shift, and after-hours support
  
• Ability to operate in high-pressure production environments
  

Preferred Industry Experience

• Manufacturing
  
• Industrial / engineering environments
  
• Mining / utilities / large enterprise IT operations
  
• Any 24/7 mission-critical infrastructure environment