Senior Systems Engineer
Sandton, GP, ZA, 2191

The Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, optimisation, governance, and support of AECI's Microsoft Cloud and Digital Workplace ecosystem. The role ensures secure, compliant, and highly available Microsoft services, while driving operational excellence, technology adoption, and continuous improvement to support business productivity and digital transformation.
Roles and Responsibilities
Microsoft Platform Strategy, Governance & Architecture
- Define and maintain the Microsoft platform strategy, roadmap, and standards aligned to business and IT objectives.
- Act as the technical authority for Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID, Teams, SharePoint, Intune, and associated cloud technologies.
- Establish governance frameworks, operating models, and design principles for Microsoft platforms.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend innovation, automation, and optimisation opportunities.
- Drive platform standardisation, lifecycle management, and technology refresh initiatives.
- Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to IT leadership and governance forums.
Microsoft Cloud Infrastructure & Digital Workplace Management
- Lead the administration, optimisation, and continuous improvement of Microsoft Cloud and Digital Workplace platforms.
- Ensure the availability, performance, scalability, and resilience of Microsoft services.
- Oversee platform configuration, upgrades, feature releases, and modernisation initiatives.
- Implement proactive monitoring, capacity management, and operational health reporting.
- Lead the resolution of major incidents and service disruptions.
- Drive automation and operational efficiency through Microsoft and cloud-based technologies.
Security, Risk & Copliance Management
- Own security governance and compliance across Microsoft platforms.
- Implement and maintain identity, access management, and security controls.
- Lead security assessments, vulnerability remediation, and risk mitigation activities.
- Support cyber incident response and recovery in collaboration with Security teams.
- Ensure compliance with organisational policies, regulatory requirements, and audit standards.
- Maintain business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities for critical services.
Service Delivery & Operational Excellence
- Own service performance for Microsoft infrastructure and workplace services.
- Establish and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and service performance metrics.
- Drive continual service improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
- Ensure effective incident, problem, change, and request management practices.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement preventative measures for recurring issues.
- Maintain operational documentation, knowledge management, and service governance processes.
Vendor, Licensing & Financial Management
- Manage strategic relationships with Microsoft, vendors, managed service providers, and partners.
- Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual compliance.
- Oversee software licensing, utilisation, optimisation, and compliance activities.
- Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and improved commercial value.
- Support budget planning, forecasting, and expenditure management.
- Contribute to technology investment planning and business case development.
Project Delivery & Digital Transformation
- Provide technical leadership for Microsoft platform projects and transformation initiatives.
- Support solution design, implementation, migration, and deployment activities.
- Enable business transformation through effective use of Microsoft technologies and digital workplace solutions.
- Promote adoption of emerging capabilities including AI, automation, and Microsoft Copilot.
- Manage technical risks, dependencies, and quality outcomes across project lifecycles.
- Ensure successful transition of project deliverables into operational support.
People Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead, coach, and develop technical teams to achieve business and operational objectives.
- Establish performance standards, development plans, and succession pipelines.
- Build capability through training, certification, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence.
- Manage workforce planning, resource allocation, and recruitment activities where required.
- Promote collaboration across IT, business, and external partner teams.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 8-10 years' experience in enterprise Microsoft infrastructure, cloud platforms, and workplace technologies.
- Minimum 5 years' experience managing technical specialists and/or managed service providers.
- Demonstrated experience owning enterprise Microsoft platform strategy, governance, and service delivery.
- Experience managing large-scale Microsoft 365 environments across multiple business units, geographies, or operating companies.
- Experience contributing to technology roadmaps, architecture decisions, and digital transformation initiatives.
Preferred Certifications
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Microsoft 365 Enterprise Administrator Expert
- Microsoft Identity and Access Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Security Administrator Associate
- Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (preferred)
- ITIL 4 Foundation or higher
Key Competencies
- Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Technical Leadership
- Effective Communication
- Planning & Prioritisation
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Adaptability & Continuous Learning
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