Appointed to lead the IT team to provide strategically focused, robust, highly available, secure and well maintained IT systems: Replaced ISP-managed VPN with SD-WAN solution saving money, improving speed, security, reliability and control.  Took a hands-on approach to reconfiguring firewalls, storage systems, password database, network design, Microsoft 365 authentication and processes to improve security.  Implemented change control with documented policies and Jira ITSM as the change management system.  Automated many processes, such as user offboarding, with PowerShell scripts.  Installed Wi-Fi networks across homesteads of remote cattle stations in the Kimberley.

Five Group is the parent company of Structerre Consulting Engineers.Appointed to work at a group level on building the overriding strategy to integrate existing and newly acquired businesses and to build the forward IT plan that supports future growth. The role reports to the Group CIO.  Provided the vision, strategy, and technical input into the forward IT roadmap to deliver a scalable framework whilst transitioning acquired companies into the Five Group umbrella.  Reviewed and identified synergies across all business entities with a future focus on a centralised IT services and operational model to support 700 staff and 15 offices throughout Australia, the Philippines and Vietnam.  Project managed changes to regional infrastructure including the open and closing of business locations.  Led changes to improve stability across networks, to harden security controls, and to deliver an enhanced digital collaboration framework. This has included the introduction of new Workplace tools, Asset Management, NBN services, back-up and storage, and VMWare updates.

The position of IT Manager reports to the Group CIO and is responsible for driving the roadmap and strategy, leading technology evolution, project leadership, infrastructure transformations, disaster recovery, contingency planning, capacity planning, service delivery, and contract outsourcing governance.  Provided leadership and direction across a team of 12 FTEs geographically spread. Directed and led the entire IT infrastructure operations to support company growth from around 100 to 600FTEs, with 12 offices spanning Australia, the Philippines and Vietnam.  Managed the IT OpEx budget and prepared business case justifications to secure CAPEX investment funding.  Virtualised physical servers using VMWare to decrease costs and increase reliability of services.  Interconnected 10 offices via Cisco site-to-site VPNs and led complete network design experience (inter-site links, provider links, routing, switching, IP Addressing schemes, DNS, DHCP, etc.).  Deployed the very latest in security infrastructure including iptables, Palo Alto firewalls, AWS, and pfSense.

Reports to the CIO and was responsible for the maintenance and overall integrity of the Australia and Asia wide services to ensure full availability and maximum efficiency. Key accountability was given for helping to integrate new business operations, day-to-day system infrastructure needs, risk management, contingency planning, and service delivery.  Delivered a high availability and robust network and systems infrastructure framework including Server, Storage Management, Network Security, DR systems and processes and Data Centre Operations.  Managed 200+ virtual servers, 40+ physical servers, 400Tb+ storage, and 40+ routers and switches. Virtualised services onto VMWare vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and storage (NAS & SANs iSCSI, AFP, SMB, NFS, etc).  Planned for and project-managed changes following business integrations and acquisitions.  Set priorities within the defined ITIL service processes for the support of Network systems.  Reviewed processes, identified & validated automation opportunities, established the capability to deliver, created opportunity qualification and pipeline process, identified tools, resources and the BAU strategy needed.  Improved business continuity through Business Recovery and Disaster Recovery plans. Documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and performed knowledge transfer to others.  Implemented Active Directory: set up domain controllers and joined all servers and workstations.  Rolled out new video conferencing services and infrastructure.  Replaced legacy intranet site with a newer, cleaner, more responsive intranet site which allowed easy modification by staff. Wrote a bespoke CMS specifically for the business’ needs using MySQL & PHP  Project managed the physical relocation of offices.

Dr James is a mobile computer repair shop for homes and small businesses servicing the Southern suburbs of PerthThe role of IT Consultants worked on the field to provide clients with hands-on IT support.  Consulted with clients to understand their short- and long-term needs, providing guidance to clients in identifying, evaluating and developing systems and infrastructure that are cost effective and meet client needs.  Installed, maintained and troubleshoot client networks and systems, configured Cisco WAN/LANs, Windows Servers, RAM upgrades, Wireless networks, ADSL, RAM/Memory, and Virus solutions.  Worked with clients on strategies to mitigate risk, install effective disaster recovery plans, managed applications and systems, and on all aspects of 1st to 3rd level support.

Computer sales & advice