Infrastructure Support Specialist

Job Title: Infrastructure Support Specialist

This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our server infrastructure. As an experienced Windows Server Administrator, you will play a critical part in designing, installing, configuring, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting all Windows servers.

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

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Omani National
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 7+ years of advanced experience as Windows Server Administrator, including experience in 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 required.
• Working knowledge of 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).
• Solid understanding and experience of 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.
• Working exposure in ITIL model of Service Support and primarily in Problem Management and Incident Management.