Director: Networks & Infrastructure
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
Information and Communications Services (ICS) provides integrated technology services across UKZN. The Director: Networks & Infrastructure provides strategic direction and leadership across network, infrastructure and communication services across all five campuses and affiliated institutions where relevant.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
The purpose of the post is to drive the ICS division toward its overarching objective of compliance with the UKZN IT Strategy. The Director provides strategic direction and leadership across application and database administration, operating systems and services, IT infrastructure, CCTV and physical access control systems, innovation and efficiency, staff leadership, and financial responsibilities.
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for server and network hardware acquisition, implementation and maintenance.
- Plan for anticipated procurement requirements and prepare the necessary tender documentation.
- Lead planning for university internet and inter-campus connectivity requirements.
- Provide oversight on the configuration and provisioning of servers and network infrastructure.
- Maintain server and network hardware and manage service provider delivery in terms of maintenance contracts.
- Provide leadership and oversight for operating systems administration and third-line support, including server, domain, DNS and DHCP services.
- Oversee email, file and print, document management, network-based communication systems, remote access and related support services.
- Support communications implementation and maintenance, including Audio Visual, voice and data services.
- Provide strategic direction for application and database administration, including ITS system administration and third-line support.
- Oversee database administration, server operator functions, and disaster recovery planning and testing.
- Oversee the cybersecurity architecture and external SOC providers to UKZN.
- Ensure appropriate change control and planning for services that support core University business processes.
- Provide strategic direction for CCTV acquisition, implementation, maintenance and support.
- Provide strategic direction for physical access control acquisition, implementation, maintenance and support.
- Coordinate relevant infrastructure projects involving ICS and other University stakeholders.
- Innovate and apply experience to achieve business process, service delivery and cost efficiencies.
- Monitor industry trends, identify needs and contribute to the strategic direction of ICS.
- Provide leadership to staff reporting to the post, both directly and indirectly.
- Perform annual financial budgeting, cost containment, reporting of actual versus budget spend, and financial spend approval in line with procurement policies and practices.
Minimum requirements
- Relevant three-year bachelor's degree in computing or a technical related field, or equivalent; and
- A minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant working experience in a dynamic environment in a large organisation.
- People, problem, customer relationship and project management skills
- Technical IT knowledge in Microsoft, infrastructure and network environments
- Communication skills, planning and financial administration skills
- Accuracy under pressure
- Professional client interaction
- High integrity and confidentiality
- Client focus, self-confidence and reliability
- Proactive, team-oriented and able to work unsupervised
- Incident management software experience
- Audio Visual systems experience
- Wireless networking systems experience
- Large database administration responsibility
- Microsoft qualifications or certifications
Short-listed candidates may be required to undertake a skills test.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 23 October 2026.
To apply please click on the link https://ukzn.ci.hr/applicant/index.php OR visit the career portal on https://ukzn.ac.za/
Enquiries and details regarding this post, as well as the request for the job profile may be directed to Mr Gcina Mabaso on Email: MabasoG@ukzn.ac.za.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
- Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
- Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
- The University is committed to Employment Equity.
- The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
- Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
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