Lizo Ngqula

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, supporting 450+ users, my responsibilities included (but not limited to):

• Developing and implementing the IT Strategic Plan and objectives of the company as pertained to IT Infrastructure and supporting systems
• Capital and Operational Expenditure (CAPEX and OPEX) Projects - Cloud Migrations, Infrastructure upgrades, Cybersecurity initiatives.
• Finance and Admin - Ensure Stock Receiving / Dispatching and Transfer procedures followed. Maintaining server, network, and endpoint documentation.
• Supplier Management - Evaluated vendor proposals for equipment procurement, selecting optimal solutions based on performance requirements. Negotiated with suppliers to secure high-quality materials at cost-effective prices.
• Performance management - Enhanced team performance by implementing structured onboarding program for new and existing I.T personnel, reducing ramp-up time. Updated Performance Plans and Completed Performance Evaluations
• Corporate Governance and Risk Management

Cyber security - Ensured that windows, antivirus updates are implemented monthly. Facilitated cybersecurity user awareness campaigns. Implemented a network penetration testing. Ensured that firewalls are in place, configured and updated.

Disaster Recovery - Ensured that company data is backed up, secured and stored safely, including but not limited to Online, Offsite & Offline backups.

IT Policies and Operating Procedures - Assist in developing, implement suitable policies and procedures that will govern the proper use of IT resources. Controlled Domain, Network and Internet Access.

Maintained I.T Risk Register.

• Managed network (LAN and WAN) and hardware infrastructure (including servers) in an expanding environment.

Reporting to the ICT Manager, supporting 500+ users, my responsibilities included (but not limited to):

• Lead a team of Junior to Senior IT Support Technicians and Application developers.
• Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
• Manage key projects, architecture, solution design, analysis and implementation of new technologies.
• Collaborate with Executive Management to ensure that technology implementations and changes are aligned with the ICT strategy.
• Manage the ICT budget, ICT infrastructure environment and Application Development.
• Complete and Coordinate RFI and RFPs.
• Facilitate Agile SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS implementation and projects namely:

 Warehouse Management System Project / Inventory Management (Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP)

 Setup the Floor computers and industrial scanners to scan finished goods/pallets from production floor to the warehouse.

 Verification of stock – ensure scanned items pull through to Warehouse Inventory on ERP

 Verify that Sales department can see available goods for order processing using ERP system

 Launching of 3 Distribution centres (Warehouses)

 Infrastructure installation at East London, George, and Port Elizabeth new distribution centres

 Training of Warehouse personnel on scanning in (receiving of goods) from the production plant to the Warehouse

 Training of Warehouse personnel on viewing and printing of posted sales invoices for deliveries to customers, including scanning out of goods.

 Ensure received and dispatched goods reflect correctly on ERP system for stock take.

 Report ERP inventory system issues with the service provider.

• Technical Support (Network, Servers, Endpoints)

Reporting to the ICT manager, my responsibilities included (but not limited to):

Business Analysis

• Strategic Planning
• Budgeting and Cost Saving
• Identifying required system improvements and give advice to management
• ERP System Performance Analysis
• Give recommendations on budget planning relating to I.T assets
• Supplier contracts management and negotiations
• Assist accountants on I.T asset register
• Information Gathering and documentation
• Formulation of ICT Policies and standards
• I.T Project Management
• Incident Response Planning + Disaster Recovery Planning & Business Continuity Planning

I.T Auditing

• Pull domain controller reports to check policy implementations
• Administering user access documents for accuracy
• Pulling computers compliant reports using remote software
• Ensure audit requirement compliance

Desktop Support

• P.C Formatting and Reloading of O.S
• Installation of licensed software
• Troubleshooting
• Internet and E-mail support
• Local users and groups administration
• Set-up P.C neatly for users in office and cable tying
• Set-up e-mail on mobile devices
• Remote support for off-site users
• Production Systems configuration and implementation
• After hours I.T Support – Standby duties

Network Support

• Set-up Wireless , VPN, and 3G/4G devices
• Make-up network cable (TIA-568 A and B)
• Troubleshooting network connectivity
• Working with Cisco and D-Link switches - Configuration
• Working with service providers to ensure project completion

Server Administration

• Creating Domain User accounts on Exchange Server and Active Directory
• Creation of Mailing Distribution Groups and Administration
• Reset Passwords and Unlock accounts
• Group Policy Management
• Running scripts using GPO and OUs
• IP Reservation and DHCP Management
• DNS Management
• ERP System Implementation (MS Dynamics NAV)
• Working with service provider to ensure successful backup and monitoring

Telephone Support

• Deploying new telephones and troubleshooting lines
• Allocating and creating speed dials and extensions on hosted PBX
• Call forwarding and re-routing administration
• Working with suppliers + providers to ensure connectivity, Data loading, and stock ordering

Printer Support

• Installation and set-up of printers and printer drivers
• Installation of scanners and scanner drivers
• Troubleshooting printing and scanning problems
• Web Interface administration for scan to e-mail/folder
• Working with suppliers to ensure compliance with SLAs

• Managed IT asset inventory efficiently, ensuring accurate tracking and timely replacement or upgrades as needed.
• Provided input during technology refresh cycles to ensure alignment between business needs and IT capabilities going forward.
• Offered troubleshooting of connectivity issues across networks such as Wi-Fi, cellular and physical cabling.
• Reduced support tickets through proactive maintenance of hardware, software, and systems.
• Diagnosed complex technical problems, saving time and resources by providing effective solutions quickly.
• Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
• Configured hardware, devices, and software to set up work stations for employees.
• Configured and tested new software and hardware.
• Created user accounts and assigned permissions.
• Removed malware, ransomware, and other threats from laptops and desktop systems.

Reporting to the Technical Support Specialist, supporting 80+ users, my responsibilities included but not limited to:

1. Business Analysis
 Information gathering and documentation
 Business process diagrams
 Creating access databases
 Advising on system usage and system privileges

2. Desktop Support
 Computer repairs
 Printer support
 Laptop/Desktop configurations
 Windows OS installations
 Hardware and software installations
 Setup new laptops, desktops and thin client for office users, tenants and at investor sites
 Setup docking stations for users in offices
 Complete checklist with 100% accuracy
 Wireless and VPN access configurations
 Adding laptops/Desktops to the domain
 Adding network printers to the Laptops/Desktops/Thin Clients
 Troubleshoot
 Creating local user accounts
 Working with procurement department for asset register and asset disposal
3. Network administration
 Active directory (Windows Server 2008 R2)
 Administering user rights exposure
 Password reset exposure
 Configure internet access exposure
 Cabling (T568A & B) (network cabling with RJ45)
 Understanding of the functioning of LAN environment
 Cisco switches configurations
 LAN connection via patch panel
4. Administration duties
 Processing procurement request
 Administering user access/exit forms
 Meeting minutes capturing
 Service request logging
5. Data Analysis
 Identifying areas of improvements
 Information security advisor
6. Records management
 File plan management

Reporting to the Lab Technician, my responsibilities included (but not limited to):

1. Networks student assistant
 Assisting on CCNA1 and 2 skills/practical
2. End User Skills
 Assisting on MS Office (Word, Excel, File management, Access DB, Outlook, Visio)
3. Printer support
 Loading papers and removing paper jams
4. Assisting in 5 year PC roll-out
5. Advising on ICT Lab rules and policies
6. Assisting in 3rd Year projects
7. ICT Lab monitoring