Support Manager - Unix

Primary objective of the job:

- Platforms Management authority across Group markets with ultimate responsibility for the efficiency and quality of system operations for Hardware, OS (UNIX/Linux/Solaris), Database, Data Centre operations, Backups, and Storage (SAN/NAS/DAS).

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

- Market Support: Regular communication and collaboration with markets and hands on troubleshooting for issues/faults that persist or cause significant disruption to business operations.
- Design Authority: Assessing and devising of platform solutions for new/upgrade/roll out system projects in consideration of business requirements/drivers and allocated budgets.
- Standardization: Formulating standard system configurations and providing hands on guidance to the IT Managers, Unix Administrators and Database Administrators (primarily at the hubs) in achieving and implementing these standards.
- New Technologies: Assessing and recommending emerging IT platform technologies that complement the IT platform roadmap and business operations.
- Budgeting: Budget planning and management
- Performance Management: KPI development and reporting for major areas (ie. availability, performance, major issues,). Service Catalogue definition and maintenance.
- Vendor Management: Liaising and working with suppliers/vendors for escalation, negotiation, contracts, and new product assessment.
- Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures, preventive maintenance and associated training plans for UNIX operating systems, database systems, backups and storage.

REQUIREMENTS: Academic qualifications and experience required for job:

- First/Associate Degree or Diploma in Computer Science or related field
- 6 + years experience in a Senior UNIX administration and/or database administration position, managing and delivering infrastructure and operational excellence with proven technical skills in Unix/Linux operating systems (Kernel level), Oracle, ASM, SAN middle and high end storage environments, Scripting, automation and troubleshooting, virtualization, and backup procedures.
- 6+ years experience working in an environment with a large number of UNIX/Linux Servers (>300) and RDBMS implementations

Functional Skills:

- Comprehensive understanding of IT platforms management, relational database systems management, evaluation, and configuration management.
- Comprehensive working knowledge of Unix/Linux/Solaris platform implementation, tuning, troubleshooting and ongoing support and maintenance.
- Strong knowledge of Oracle RDBMS, RAC, RMAN, DataGuard, ASM, PL/SQL, backup & recovery, tuning and diagnostics, troubleshooting and support required.
- Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server database administration a distinct advantage.
- Strong technical leadership skills. Team building abilities.
- Excellent communications skills.
- Relationship management skills.

Internal/External contacts:

- External: vendors
- Internal: Group IT, Market Heads of IT, Market Unix Administrators, Market DBA's