Systems Specialist - Hotazel, Northern Cape

G4S Secure Solutions (SA), a leading provider of integrated security management solutions, has a vacancy for a Systems Specialist based at our operations in Hotazel, Northern Cape, reporting to the Regional Technical Manager.

The Systems Specialist will be responsible for delivering advanced level system analysis and design, support and service on systems and software supplied, installed, maintained and developed by the company. The position will also be responsible for the XTime certification aspect within the business unit.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, but SA citizens will have a distinct advantage.

Main Responsibilities

Provide accurate and effective Software / System Testing and Implementation

• Test new software releases from development
• Compile detailed fault analysis report if software is not functioning as per specification.
• Monitor escalated queries against milestones, response and resolution times.
• Communicate new releases and best practice
• Remote and On-Site system support, implementation and configuration

- Fault Finding

- Fault report and analysis

- System Software / Hardware configuration

- Database implementation

- Data conversion

- Data export

- Data import

- Data consistency check

- System Software implementation

Provide accurate and effective Software / System Support

• Assist Helpdesk and field staff in escalated queries & provide support as required
• Investigate all escalated Software / Systems queries and compile a detailed fault analysis report.
• Escalate relevant issues to Development and work in conjunction towards a resolution
• Provide scheduled system support to appointed clients
• System / Database Maintenance

i. Backup Plans

ii. Risk Identification

iii. Redundancy (disaster recovery plan)

iv. Redundancy (Business continuity plan)

• System configuration and support
• Fault finding
• Consult
• Best Practice Implementation
• Automation identification

Business Analysis & Design

• Facilitate the user group workshops and meetings
• Conduct needs analysis based on outcome of the user group workshop
• Conduct business process analysis and compile all relevant documentation.
• Compile development specification documentation and ensure sign-off before the commencement of development.
• Ensure Specification Sign-Off from client before commencing with development
• Ensure development specification departmental handover.

Accurate compilation and management of documentation

• Business Process Analysis
• Functional Specifications
• Compile and update Software module documentation:

- Module Specification

- Module Write-Up

- Module Installation Manual

• Module User Manual

Identify and pursue business development opportunities

New business development

• Identifying new business opportunities within the sphere of operations, as well as in terms of growth of business with existing customers.

Competitors evaluations

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the competitor environment faced by the region.

Conduct, review and drive Training and certification requirements around software internally and externally

• Identify training needs
• Compile and update relevant training manuals and work instructions
• Compile and update relevant documentation required for training i.e. attendance register, agenda, assessments and certificates
• Maintain XTime Certification Register
• Conduct XTime Certification within required levels:

- User

- Super User

- Administrator

- GenSync

System Implementations and system health monitoring and support

• Implementations of systems on-site and remotely.
• Implementations are international and traveling to other countries when required
• Conduct system support and health status reports as well as system clean-ups where required.

Effective management of the project financial performance

• Manage profitability of projects with a focus on maintenance, sustainability, cost effectiveness and labour

- Gross Margin Management

- Overheads control

- Project profitability

- Tracks and reports team hours and expenses on a weekly basis.

- Manages project budget.

- Determines appropriate revenue recognition, ensures timely and accurate invoicing, and

• Develop full-scale project plans and associated communications documents.
• Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools.
• Monitors receivables for project.
• Follow up with clients, when necessary, regarding unpaid invoices
• Analyses project profitability, revenue, margins, bill rates and utilization

Effective management of staff

• Liaise with regional operational teams around resource requirements
• Communicate and schedule work rosters and requirements
• Monitor attendance and performance of technical installation teams. Escalate and manage disciplinary matters and noncompliance with policy and procedure
• Maintain and adhere to G4S Disciplinary code and enforce company policies.

Effective management of operations

• Managing the Project process flow and activities that has a direct/indirect impact on the outcome and success of contract
• Facilitates team and client meetings effectively.

- Holds regular status meetings with the project/Installation team/s.

- Keeps project team well informed of changes within the organization and general

- Effectively communicates relevant project updates and Information to all project roll players

- Delivers informative, well-organized presentations.

- Resolves and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion.

- Understands how to convey difficult/sensitive information tactfully.

• Leadership

- Ensuring that acceptable standards & behavior at work are maintained by all/subordinate employees, as required by G4S’s code of conduct/ disciplinary code

- Co-coordinating the Maintenance/Project process flow and activities that has a direct/indirect impact on the outcome and success of contract/project.

- Plan and coordinate daily tasks and subordinates, with close monitoring of standards and hours.

• Client retention and customer service levels

- Ensuring that all required formal customer meetings are scheduled, attended and minuted.

- Maintenance of positive customer relationships

• Quality Management/Ops Process management – adherence to quality standard

- Conduct and oversee quality controls and inspections

Effective management of business development function

New business development

• Identifying and reporting new business opportunities in the region’s sphere of operations, as well as in terms of growth of business with existing contracts to the office

Health and Safety

• Participate in safety forums created by the company for example safety meetings and safety talks
• Report all safety incidents to the relevant people
• Attend safety education and refresher programs
• Comply with safety policies and procedures at the workplace
• Distribute safety information as and when required

Qualification and Experience

• Grade 12 / Matric Equivalent
• A relevant Tertiary qualification in IT/ Computer Science
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a simliar role
• Broad knowledge of Time and Attendance
• Broad knowledge of Access Control
• Strong knowledge base on communication protocols i.e. TCP/IP, RS485, RS232.
• SQL Database Scripting & Querying Advanced
• Interbase / Firebird Database Scripting & Querying Advanced
• Advanced Computer literacy and proficiency.
• Operating Systems

- Linux (Advantageous)

- Windows Operating System

- Windows Server 2016 & Later

• MSSQL

- SQL Server 2016 and Later

- SQL Scripting and Queries

- MS Office Suite (Full)

• Advanced knowledge pertaining to the OS and Database structures of supported products

Skills and Attributes

• Proficient Computer Literacy (Google Workspace / Microsoft Office)
• Data Analysis
• Detailed Documentation
• Communicating professionally
• Managing Conflict
• Communication (Written and Verbal)
• Negotiation
• Advanced Computer literacy
• Basic financial skills
• Risk identification
• Driving change
• Delivering objectives
• Delivering strategy
• Customer service orientated

Remuneration and benefits will be commensurate with the seniority of the role and in compliance with company remuneration policy and practice