IT Specialist (Hardware, Systems & Networks)

SUMMARY:
Job objective:
The IT Specialist is responsible for ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient IT infrastructure across the manufacturing plant and commercial functions. The role supports production systems, business operations, OEM customer requirements, and compliance standards typical to Automotive Tier-1 suppliers.
 
The incumbent will manage hardware, systems, and network environments to guarantee operational continuity, data security, and manufacturing uptime.
 
Key responsibilities:

1. IT Infrastructure & Hardware Management

• 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 & tracking, and replacement planning.
• Coordinate procurement and supplier management for IT equipment.
• Management of all cell phone contracts  

1. Systems Administration (Collaboration with various clients)

• 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.

1. Network & 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

1. Cybersecurity & 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.

1. Production & 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.

1. User Support & 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.

1. Documentation & Governance

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

1. Commercial Data & 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

• Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR): The average time taken to resolve a reported IT incident.
• First Contact Resolution (FCR): The percentage of user issues resolved during the first interaction without escalation.
• First Response Time (FRT): The average time it takes for IT to acknowledge a newly submitted ticket.
• Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT): End-user ratings on the quality and helpfulness of the IT support they received.
• System Uptime Percentage: The availability of critical business systems and networks.
• Backup Success Rate: The percentage of scheduled system and data backups that complete without errors.
• Patch Compliance Rate: The percentage of company endpoints and production servers successfully updated with critical security patches by established deadlines.
• Time to Detect (TTD): The average time taken by the IT or security team to identify an attempted breach or threat.
• Time to Contain (TTC): The average time required to neutralize and isolate a detected threat to prevent widespread damage.
• Security Incident Rate: The total number of successful breaches, malware infections, or security anomalies over a set period.

• B-Tech / Hon Degree in Information Technology (preferred) or
• 2–4 years’ experience (internship or graduate experience in a manufacturing IT environment is advantageous)
• Exposure to Cyber Security standards in particular TISAX / ISO 2700 compliance

• Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Self-motivated with a strong willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• Ability to translate data into actionable insights
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Curiosity and interest in digital transformation
• Structured problem-solving approach

• Good planning, organisational, and administrative skills
• Ability to communicate clearly
• Ability to manage Conflict

• Cost awareness
• Drive continuous improvements in the IT environment

• Value increasing
• Customer focussed
• Solution orientated
• Thinking Globally
• Willing to integrate into the groups culture
• Respect
• Sensitivity to the environment

POSITION INFO:
Job objective: The IT Specialist is responsible for ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient IT infrastructure across the manufacturing plant and commercial functions. The role supports production systems, business operations, OEM customer requirements, and compliance standards typical to Automotive Tier-1 suppliers. The incumbent will manage hardware, systems, and network environments to guarantee operational continuity, data security, and manufacturing uptime. Key responsibilities: IT Infrastructure & Hardware Management 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 & tracking, and replacement planning. Coordinate procurement and supplier management for IT equipment. Management of all cell phone contracts Systems Administration (Collaboration with various clients) 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & Governance Maintain IT policies, procedures, and infrastructure documentation (IMS) Support management reporting on IT performance and risks. Commercial Data & 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 Key Performance Indicators (KPI's): Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR): The average time taken to resolve a reported IT incident. First Contact Resolution (FCR): The percentage of user issues resolved during the first interaction without escalation. First Response Time (FRT): The average time it takes for IT to acknowledge a newly submitted ticket. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT): End-user ratings on the quality and helpfulness of the IT support they received. System Uptime Percentage: The availability of critical business systems and networks. Backup Success Rate: The percentage of scheduled system and data backups that complete without errors. Patch Compliance Rate: The percentage of company endpoints and production servers successfully updated with critical security patches by established deadlines. Time to Detect (TTD): The average time taken by the IT or security team to identify an attempted breach or threat. Time to Contain (TTC): The average time required to neutralize and isolate a detected threat to prevent widespread damage. Security Incident Rate: The total number of successful breaches, malware infections, or security anomalies over a set period. This position has a key function within the groups organisation. Educational Requirements & Experience B-Tech \/ Hon Degree in Information Technology (preferred) or 2-4 years' experience (internship or graduate experience in a manufacturing IT environment is advantageous) Exposure to Cyber Security standards in particular TISAX \/ ISO 2700 compliance Personal Competencies Strong attention to detail and analytical mindset Self-motivated with a strong willingness to learn Ability to work independently and collaboratively Good communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Professional Competencies Ability to translate data into actionable insights Strong organisational and planning skills Curiosity and interest in digital transformation Structured problem-solving approach Social Competence Good planning, organisational, and administrative skills Ability to communicate clearly Ability to manage Conflict Strategy Competence Cost awareness Drive continuous improvements in the IT environment Company Culture Competence Value increasing Customer focussed Solution orientated Thinking Globally Willing to integrate into the groups culture Respect Sensitivity to the environment