About Company
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a leading pan-African technology group, building Africa’s digital future through strategic investments and innovative solutions. With a robust presence across the continent, Liquid owns and operates Africa’s largest independent fibre network, stretching over 100,000 km across 14 countries. Our comprehensive suite of services spans Cloud, Cyber Security, and Digital services, designed to empower businesses, governments, and individuals. In Zimbabwe, Liquid Intelligent Technologies is at the forefront of connectivity and digital transformation, providing high-speed internet, voice, and cloud services that are critical for economic growth and social development. We are committed to connecting people, improving lives, and driving progress by leveraging cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of local market needs. Joining Liquid means becoming part of a diverse, innovative, and rapidly growing organization dedicated to making a tangible impact on Africa’s digital landscape. We foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving, inviting you to contribute to a future where every African is connected.
Job Description
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is seeking an exceptional and dynamic Director of IT Infrastructure to lead our technology backbone in Harare, Zimbabwe. This pivotal role demands a visionary leader to spearhead the strategic planning, development, and operational excellence of our critical IT infrastructure. As the Director, you will be entrusted with ensuring the availability, scalability, security, and efficiency of all underlying systems and networks that power our innovative services and operations across Zimbabwe. This comprehensive responsibility includes the strategic oversight and hands-on management of our data centers, sophisticated network architecture (both national and regional), server ecosystems, storage solutions, virtualisation platforms, and evolving cloud infrastructure. You will be instrumental in defining the future state of our infrastructure, driving the adoption of next-generation technologies, and ensuring seamless integration with our global standards.
You will lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of infrastructure engineers and specialists, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and professional growth. This includes setting clear performance objectives, managing team dynamics, and ensuring the team is equipped with the necessary skills and resources to meet ambitious goals. Beyond team leadership, you will manage significant vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for essential IT hardware, software, and services, always ensuring optimal value and performance. Budgetary oversight for IT infrastructure will also fall under your purview, where you will be expected to manage costs effectively while supporting rapid expansion and technological advancements.
A critical aspect of this role involves the implementation and rigorous enforcement of robust IT security policies, comprehensive disaster recovery plans, and resilient business continuity strategies to safeguard our assets and ensure uninterrupted service delivery. You will drive initiatives for automation, leveraging scripting and modern tools to enhance operational efficiency and system capabilities. Proactive monitoring of system performance, swift troubleshooting of complex issues, and ensuring strict compliance with local and international regulatory standards will be daily imperatives. Collaboration with other departments is key; you will serve as a trusted advisor, understanding their evolving IT needs and delivering effective, scalable, and secure solutions. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership capabilities, and a proven track record in managing complex, mission-critical IT environments within a fast-paced, high-growth telecommunications and technology company. Your strategic insights and operational prowess will directly influence our ability to deliver superior digital services, maintain our competitive edge, and solidify our position as a leader in Africa’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. This is an opportunity to make a profound impact on connectivity and digital innovation in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the IT infrastructure strategy aligned with business objectives and global growth plans.
- Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all network, server, storage, data center, and cloud infrastructure.
- Ensure high availability, reliability, security, and performance of all IT systems and services.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of infrastructure engineers and specialists, fostering professional growth and high performance.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for IT hardware, software, and services to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
- Develop and manage the IT infrastructure budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and optimal resource allocation.
- Implement and enforce robust IT security policies, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity strategies.
- Drive adoption of new technologies and automation to enhance operational efficiency and capabilities.
- Monitor system performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to understand their IT needs and deliver effective, scalable solutions.
Required Skills
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven expertise in network architecture (LAN/WAN, VPN, Firewalls), server management (Windows/Linux), storage solutions (SAN/NAS), and virtualisation technologies (VMware, Hyper-V).
- Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and hybrid cloud environments.
- In-depth knowledge of IT security principles, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
- Experience with ITIL, COBIT, or similar IT service management frameworks.
- Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, VCP, CISSP, ITIL Expert.
- Demonstrated experience in the telecommunications or ISP industry.
- Proficiency in automation tools and scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Ansible).
- Proven track record of managing large-scale, complex IT projects from inception to completion.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off and observance of public holidays.
- Extensive professional development opportunities and training allowances.
- Access to cutting-edge technology and participation in innovative, impactful projects.
- Opportunity to contribute to a leading pan-African technology group's growth.
- Dynamic, collaborative, and challenging work environment.
- Company vehicle or transport allowance.
- Retirement savings plan contributions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their detailed CV and a comprehensive cover letter outlining their qualifications, experience, and suitability for this pivotal role. Please click on the application link below to apply for this exciting opportunity.