Port Elizabeth: IT Specialist posted by Abantu Staffing Solutions

About the Role

Abantu Staffing Solutions is seeking an experienced IT Specialist to join our client’s team in Port Elizabeth. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient IT infrastructure across the manufacturing plant and commercial functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient IT infrastructure across the manufacturing plant and commercial functions
• Support production systems, business operations, OEM customer requirements, and compliance standards typical to automotive Tier-1 suppliers
• Manage hardware, systems, and network environments to guarantee operational continuity, data security, and manufacturing uptime
• Install, configure, and maintain all IT hardware including desktops, laptops, industrial PCs, printers, scanners, handheld devices, and shopfloor terminals
• Support production-line IT equipment and operator stations
• Manage hardware lifecycle, asset register and tracking, and replacement planning
• Coordinate procurement and supplier management for IT equipment
• Management of all cell phone contracts

• Systems administration (collaboration with Swisscom and TenacIt)
• Administer Windows server environments, Active Directory, and user access management
• Maintain ERP, manufacturing, and commercial system availability
• Manage Microsoft 365, cloud services, and collaboration platforms
• Implement system updates, patching, and performance monitoring
• Maintain structured data backups and disaster recovery processes
• Support EDI systems and OEM customer portals where applicable

• Network and connectivity management
• Maintain plant LAN/ WAN infrastructure, Wi-Fi networks, and VPN connectivity between sites
• Configure and manage switches, routers, firewalls, and network security appliances
• Ensure stable connectivity for production systems (Checkmate), remote users
• Monitor network performance and proactively resolve issues
• Support multi-site connectivity aligned with company expansion plans

• Cybersecurity and automotive compliance
• Manage cybersecurity standards aligned with automotive industry requirements
• Support compliance for TISAX, ISO 27001 principles, OEM customer IT security requirements (Cyber Security supply chain), POPIA data protection compliance
• Manage endpoint protection, antivirus, and access controls
• Conduct vulnerability monitoring and incident response
• Manage all internal and customer IT audits

• Production and operational support
• Provide IT support to manufacturing operations ensuring uninterrupted production
• Support barcode systems, label printers, traceability systems, and quality data capture
• Work closely with operations to support automation and digitalisation initiatives
• Assist with system integration for new production lines and equipment
• Participate in plant projects and continuous improvement initiatives

• User support and service delivery
• Provide first- and second-level IT support to plant and office users
• Manage onboarding/ offboarding processes (accounts, devices, permissions)
• Maintain IT helpdesk and incident tracking
• Train employees on systems usage and cybersecurity awareness

• Documentation and governance
• Maintain IT policies, procedures, and infrastructure documentation (IMS)
• Support management reporting on IT performance and risks

• Commercial data and reporting
• Maintain and develop dashboards and commercial KPIs
• Maintain commercial databases and analytical tools
• Improve data accuracy and reporting automation
• Maintain customer pricing databases and commercial agreements