About Company
Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, operating a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Kariega (Uitenhage), Eastern Cape. As a cornerstone of the South African automotive industry, VWSA is a leading employer and a significant contributor to the region’s economic landscape. Our operations encompass world-class vehicle assembly, advanced component manufacturing, and extensive sales and marketing activities across South Africa and numerous export markets. We are dedicated to pioneering sustainable mobility solutions and fostering a dynamic, inclusive work environment where innovation, collaboration, and individual growth are highly valued. At VWSA, we don’t just build iconic vehicles; we build robust careers and empower our employees to reach their full potential. Join our diverse and talented team and contribute to a legacy of engineering excellence and technological leadership within a global automotive giant.
Job Description
Volkswagen Group South Africa is actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Network Administrator to join our Corporate IT team at our Kariega facility. This is a critical on-site role, pivotal to maintaining the stability, security, and high performance of our extensive network infrastructure that underpins our sophisticated manufacturing processes and expansive corporate operations. As a Network Administrator, you will be directly responsible for the daily administration, meticulous monitoring, proactive troubleshooting, and strategic optimization of our entire network environment. This includes managing complex LAN/WAN architectures, wireless networks, advanced firewall systems, VPNs, and ensuring seamless, secure connectivity for thousands of users, critical machinery, and vital production systems.
Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring continuous operational efficiency and resilience. This role demands a proactive individual with an in-depth understanding of enterprise-level network architecture, various networking protocols, and robust cybersecurity best practices. You will collaborate extensively with various internal IT specialists, engineering departments, and business units, contributing to diverse projects, facilitating the integration of new technologies, and swiftly resolving any network-related challenges. Your contributions will directly impact the smooth flow of our advanced manufacturing lines and corporate functions, supporting our unwavering commitment to producing world-class vehicles. If you thrive in a demanding, fast-paced industrial setting, possess exceptional problem-solving abilities, and are passionate about building and maintaining high-performing, secure network infrastructures, we invite you to apply and help drive the future of automotive innovation with Volkswagen Group South Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, configure, and maintain all network hardware and software components, including routers, switches, firewalls, VPN concentrators, and wireless access points.
- Proactively monitor network performance, availability, and security using various tools, performing regular audits and identifying potential issues to prevent disruptions.
- Implement and rigorously manage network security measures, including access control lists (ACLs), intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and data encryption protocols.
- Perform routine network administration tasks such as user account management, permissions assignment, and resource allocation to ensure optimal network utilization.
- Diagnose and resolve complex network problems, ranging from connectivity issues and latency to performance bottlenecks, often requiring swift action under pressure.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for all network configurations, operational procedures, and infrastructure topology maps.
- Collaborate effectively with other internal IT teams (e.g., server, cybersecurity, helpdesk) and external vendors to ensure seamless integration and robust security solutions.
- Participate actively in the planning, design, and successful implementation of new network architectures, upgrades, and technology rollouts.
- Ensure strict adherence to company IT policies, industry standards, and relevant regulatory compliance requirements.
- Provide expert technical support and guidance to end-users regarding network connectivity and related services.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 4 years of proven experience as a Network Administrator in a large corporate or industrial environment.
- Strong practical knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, and other advanced networking protocols.
- Hands-on experience with configuring and managing Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent enterprise-grade networking equipment.
- Proficiency in administering and troubleshooting next-generation firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Cisco ASA).
- Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Zabbix).
- Solid understanding of network security principles, threat mitigation, and best practices.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a demanding, high-stakes operational setting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related engineering field.
- Industry-recognized certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, or equivalent advanced networking credentials.
- Experience with Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technologies.
- Familiarity with ITIL frameworks and best practices for IT service management.
- Prior experience in an automotive manufacturing or similar large-scale industrial environment.
Perks & Benefits
- Highly competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive medical aid and robust retirement fund contributions.
- Extensive opportunities for continuous professional development, training, and certification programs.
- Clear pathways for career advancement within a leading global automotive organization.
- Subsidized on-site canteen facilities.
- Exclusive employee vehicle purchase programs.
- A dynamic, diverse, and inclusive work culture that values innovation and collaboration.
- Supportive work-life balance initiatives.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a detailed cover letter outlining their relevant qualifications, experience, and why they are an ideal fit for this role. Please click on the application link below and navigate to our careers section to search for this ‘Network Administrator’ role or other similar exciting opportunities within Volkswagen Group South Africa. Ensure your application clearly highlights your alignment with the required skills and experience outlined above. Only shortlisted candidates who meet our stringent criteria will be contacted for an interview.