Job Description

GROW A GREAT CAREER WITH THE COMPANY THAT GROWS GREAT BRANDS!
Why this role matters
We run critical business systems across multiple brands, reliable, secure and well-architected networks are the backbone. You'll design, deploy and optimise the connectivity architecture that keeps people selling, factories running and customers served. If you enjoy solving thorny issues, improving systems and sharing knowledge, this is a role with impact.
What you'll own

• Design, deploy and optimise enterprise LAN/WLAN/WAN and Data Centre switching platforms.
• Provide third-line operational support for complex incidents and ensure network stability and performance (target: 98% SLA).
• Maintain and upgrade systems (patching, firmware, lifecycle planning) according to governance schedules.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure, Security and Systems teams to drive operational excellence and share knowledge.
• Research and advise on strategic network decisions and emerging technologies that deliver business value.

What success looks like

• Stable, well-documented network platforms with measured improvements in availability and performance.
• Proactive identification and remediation of risk and degradation, measured against SLAs and monitoring alerts.
• Clear technical input into IT strategy and successful delivery of projects aligned to business needs.

Essential qualifications & Certs:

• CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional (Enterprise Infrastructure)
• CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate
• NSE4: FortiNet Network Security Expert

Desirable Certs:

• CCIE/CCNP (Data Centre, Wireless, Security)
• NSE7 or equivalent design certifications

Your Experience & technical strengths:

• Minimum 3 years' hands-on experience designing and managing enterprise-scale networking, Wi-Fi, security and data-centre networks (5 years desirable for senior hires).
• Strong protocol & platform knowledge: STP, VRF, vPC, BGP, MPLS/SD-WAN, VLANs, QoS, NetFlow, SNMP and modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax).
• Practical security experience: zone-based firewalling, IPS, IPSec VPNs, web filtering and Fortinet platforms.
• Data-centre skills: iSCSI, Fibre-Channel concepts, high-availability switching topologies.

Other practicals

• On-site presence is required and travel in South Africa and to regional sites (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia) may be required from time to time
• Manager: Networks Team Lead; this role does not carry direct reports but offers opportunities for cross-skilling and leadership in projects.

What we offer

• A stable, brand-diverse employer with development opportunities, certification support and clear career pathways.
• Competitive package (negotiable by experience), study leave for certifications and a practical, supportive IT team that values craftsmanship over buzzwords.

Take the Next Step with Us
At the heart of our AVI Shared Services Divisions is a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. If reliable, well-engineered networks are your thing (and yes, we mean that in the neat-rack, zero-downtime way) this is the place for you. Apply today to become a key player in our Infrastructure Network Team!
About AVI Limited & IT Shared Services Division
At our company, we believe in collaboration and innovation to drive exceptional results. Our Shared Services departments, spanning IT, Finance, HR, Logistics, Digital, Marketing, and Field Marketing are essential to the growth of our industry-leading brands. We foster a high-performance culture where teamwork, accountability, and creative problem-solving are celebrated.
Our AVI IT Shared Services Division is the backbone of AVI's operational efficiency. As a proud SAP house, we utilise world-class ERP solutions to streamline operations and ensure seamless integration of technology across our businesses. The team is dedicated to maintaining robust systems and infrastructure, driving automation, improving processes, and safeguarding cybersecurity. By leveraging SAP and other cutting-edge tools, IT empowers our teams to work smarter, innovate, and deliver exceptional results.

Skills Required