Systems IT Manager (Senior)

Systems IT Manager (Senior)
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng (office-based, flexible)
Type: Permanent
Experience: 5+ years

About the role
We’re working with a growing business that needs a hands-on, senior IT Systems Manager to take full ownership of its technology environment. This is the company’s internal IT person, covering systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud platforms, business applications, ERP, website, integrations, automation, physical technology, and internal support.
It’s a broad, all-round senior role, not a narrow helpdesk job and not a pure developer job. You’ll independently manage, troubleshoot, improve, and build across the whole technology stack. A big part of it is using AI-assisted tools well: to help develop, configure, automate, document, and troubleshoot. You don’t need to hand-write every line of code, but you do need to understand what the AI produces, test it properly, spot mistakes, and apply changes to live systems safely.

What you’ll do
• Take full ownership of the IT environment: systems, devices, users, cloud, email, domains, networks, software, websites, ERP, cybersecurity, and physical tech
• Support staff across all IT issues (laptops, printers, Wi-Fi, email, logins, permissions, devices)
• Administer Microsoft 365, email, domains, DNS, mailboxes, and deliverability (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
• Configure and maintain cloud platforms, servers, hosting, backups, SSL, and access control
• Implement and maintain cybersecurity controls (MFA, password policies, endpoint protection, backups, disaster recovery)
• Support and customize ERP and business systems: configuration, automation, reporting, workflows, and integrations
• Use AI-assisted tools to build, review, test, and maintain code, automations, scripts, and internal tools
• Support website and eCommerce: configuration, domains, payment integrations, tracking, and technical fixes
• Connect systems through APIs, webhooks, imports/exports, payment gateways, and third-party services
• Support physical technology: CCTV, access control, alarms, fingerprint and clock-in systems
• Support networks: routers, switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls, VPNs, connectivity
• Document systems, settings, processes, and user guides clearly
• Spot inefficiencies and risks, then recommend and build better tools and automations

What you’ll bring
• 5+ years in IT systems administration, cloud, technical support, cybersecurity, software development, ERP support, integrations, or a similar senior technical role
• A strong generalist who can manage and troubleshoot the full IT environment independently
• Comfortable using AI tools responsibly for coding, configuration, automation, documentation, and troubleshooting
• Solid grounding in software development concepts: code structure, databases, APIs, testing, debugging, version control, deployment
• Familiarity with Python, JavaScript, XML, HTML, CSS, SQL, JSON, Git, and REST APIs
• Strong mathematical and logical thinking, able to work with calculations, margins, pricing, costings, taxes, and business logic
• Strong Microsoft 365, email, domain, and DNS knowledge; Azure or similar cloud experience a plus
• Cybersecurity best practice across MFA, access control, backups, and incident response
• Comfortable with ERP, accounting, inventory, CRM, and eCommerce systems
• Strong Excel and structured-data skills
• Basic accounting and business process understanding is beneficial
• A valid driver’s license
• A formal IT-related qualification, though proven practical ability matters more

Worth knowing
• This is a high-ownership role with broad technical exposure across the full IT environment
• Discretionary annual performance bonus
• An AI-assisted development environment, with the chance to use modern tools to build and improve systems
• Some after-hours availability is needed for urgent issues, with remote access when required