Operating System Support Specialist

Job Title: Operating System Support Specialist

Department: Enterprise IT Infrastructure

Principal Accountabilities:

• Manage the installation, configuration, monitoring, maintenance, upgrade, and support of all Windows servers.
• Install and maintain all applications and software components and relevant patches and application updates.
• Support and ensure the mission critical systems are operational 24x7.
• Monitor and analyze Operating System performance and ensure effective and efficient utilization of all system resources.
• Facilitate the required support and coordination with the ongoing maintenance, upgrades or enhancements of all servers.
• Execute and support the required activities to investigate and resolve hardware / software related issues that are affecting the availability and reliability of the servers.
• Handle the service desk tickets for service requests and incidents relating to the server infrastructure as well as prioritize and respond to tickets as appropriate.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Infrastructure support, network engineering, business application, and database administration functions to ensure the prompt resolution of issues in line with the defined SLAs.
• Extend the required support and manage the execution of various processes as they relate to business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Maintain all system backup and assist in supporting the backup restoration requirements.
• Use PowerShell scripts to schedule and automate processes.
• Support the required effort as part of the feasibility studies for various system upgrade projects, improvements, and various migration and application upgrade efforts.
• Work with various stakeholders to support development of strategies and deliver service improvement initiatives to enhance availability and reliability of server infrastructure.
• Contribute to product evaluations, service selections and tender assessment in accordance with bank policies and procedures.
• Act as technical lead in the design and review of new server systems, applications, and hardware and provide support for capacity planning as needed.
• Support the execution of all business and IT projects with server-related deliverables ensuring the proper allocation of resources as well as the close management and monitoring of the project scope and schedule.
• Provide reliable expert technical advice, analysis and recommendations, build relationships across key stakeholder groups, and identify opportunities to meet the business goals and objectives.
• Support the development and maintenance of the required policies, procedures and documentation pertaining to the management, security, maintenance, usage, problem detection/resolution, for all supported systems.
• Maintain and monitor all patch releases and develop the required patch installation strategies in order to maintain all systems according to the defined patching / security standards at all times.
• Ensure compliance with corporate / security policies and governmental regulations, and manage interaction with internal and external auditors, as needed.
• Maintain an accurate, detailed and up to date inventory of all server assets.

Personal Specifications:

• Omani National
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information System or a related field.
• 7+ years of advanced experience as Windows server administrator, including experience in the design, installation, configuration, maintenance, monitoring and troubleshooting
• Previous experience in an Enterprise Environment preferably in the banking sector.
• Technical background and extensive knowledge working with versions of Windows Server Operating Systems.
• Industry recognized, relevant professional certifications in Windows server administration is required.
• Working knowledge with VMware is a plus.
• Hands-on experience working with PowerShell scripting.
• Experience with backup/recovery best practices.
• Experience with server performance tuning and monitoring tools.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Applications and Services (IIS, DNS/DHCP, WINS).
• Must possess a solid understanding and experience of and with Active Directory.
• Experience with implementation of best security practices.
• Familiarity with TCP/IP and other network protocols.
• Working knowledge of Project management methods
• Ability to conduct research into server issues and products as required.
• Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and evaluative skills to resolve problems that are technical in nature, deal with all inquiries effectively and responsively, recognizing difficult situations and respond accordingly.
• Must have working exposure in ITIL model of service support and primarily into Problem Management and Incident Management.