Director: IT Infrastructure & Operations

Post: Director: IT Infrastructure & Operations

Post Reference: 30000032

With more than 34,400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognised nationally and internationally for its excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement. A proud member of the International Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among the Top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprises six diverse Faculties:

• Accounting and Informatics
• Applied Science
• Arts & Design
• Engineering and the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winning Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Purpose of the Job

To provide strategic and operational leadership for DUT’s ICT infrastructure and operations, ensuring the availability, reliability, scalability, and security of networks, servers, storage, cloud platforms, and communication systems. The Director ensures that ICT infrastructure enables digital transformation and supports DUT’s Strategy 2030 goals of sustainability, innovation, and a digitally enabled academic and research environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Honours degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (NQF Level 8).
• ITIL certification in Service Management.
• minimum of 10 years' experience in ICT infrastructure and operations, including at least 5 years in a senior management role leading multi-disciplinary infrastructure teams."
• Higher education or public sector ICT infrastructure leadership.
• Successful delivery of enterprise-wide ICT modernisation projects

Ideal

• Master’s degree in ICT Infrastructure, Systems Engineering, or Business Administration (NQF Level 9).
• Advanced technical certifications such as:
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or equivalent
  • VMware Certified Professional
• COBIT or ISO 27001 certification in IT Governance / Security.

Summary of Duties

Infrasture Strategy Leadership

• Develop and implement DUT’s ICT infrastructure strategy to ensure reliability, scalability, and alignment with Strategy 2030.
• Provide leadership in adopting next-generation infrastructure technologies to support academic, research, and administrative excellence.
• Advise the CIO and Executive on infrastructure trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Align infrastructure planning with institutional growth, sustainability, and financial constraints.

Network & Communication Systems

• Oversee the design, management, and optimisation of campus-wide networks (LAN, WAN, wireless, and internet).
• Ensure reliable voice, video, and unified communication systems to support teaching, research, and administration.
• Monitor network performance, implement improvements, and address vulnerabilities. Ensure network capacity planning for current and future demands.
• Oversee telephony and contact centre infrastructure.

Cloud, Servers & Storage

• Oversee management of DUT’s server, storage, and cloud infrastructure (on-premise, hybrid, and Microsoft Azure).
• Ensure effective backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity solutions.
• Drive consolidation and optimisation of storage and server environments.

Service Delivery & Operations Management

• Ensure ICT infrastructure services meet defined SLAs and performance standards.
• Implement ITIL-based operational frameworks across the infrastructure team.
• Oversee lifecycle management of infrastructure assets.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Foster partnerships with vendors and external stakeholders for strategic advantage.

People and Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop ICT infrastructure staff across specialist, engineer, and administrator levels.

Salary: Market related

Contact Person: Mr. Viko Mazwi

Status of Position: Permanent

Applications should include:

A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from dut.ac.za (under the QUICK LINKS tab - @careers)

A detailed curriculum vitae (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)

• Cover Letter
• Copies of all relevant academic records and certificates
• ID Copy
• Matric Certificate
• Current contactable referees

Please note:

The University reserves the right not to appoint.

While DUT strives for equal opportunities, preference will be given in terms of the University’s Equity Plan.