Manager, Platforms and Databases at Kenya Airways

Brief Description        

This role is responsible for leadership and delivery of a standardized enterprise-wide Data Centre, Platforms (on-Premises and Cloud) and Database for use across all Kenya Airways operations and sites.

The role is to plan, direct, and coordinate the design, installation and support of Data center Hardware, Platforms (Cloud and On-premises) and Databases. This includes developing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all new and existing Data center hardware and software, as well as Cloud Platforms.

This role is also responsible for data center (including data center facilities), data center Infrastructure, Cloud platforms, Databases and UPS power systems.

Detailed Description        

• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for databases and platforms administration and appropriate use of Data centers.
• Practice asset management, including maintenance of Data Center component inventory, life cycle management and related documentation.
• Managing the existing team that builds and administers the in-house servers (e.g. MS Active Directory, Virtualization, Databases, SAN and NAS). Provides “ownership” of problem through final resolution.
• Plan, acquire, and coordinate installation of in-house and remote hardware and software across the organization’s network.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on Platforms and Databases products, services, protocols, and standards in support of Equipment and services procurement and development efforts.
• Prepare RFPs, bid proposals, contracts, scope of work reports, and other documentation for Platforms and Databases projects and associated efforts.
• Perform cost-benefit and return on investment analyses for proposed systems to aid management in making implementation decisions.
• Negotiate with vendors, outsource service providers, and contractors to secure Databases and platforms products and services.
• Assess, approve, and administer all equipment, hardware, and software upgrades.
• Manage and ensure effectiveness observers, including backup servers, Cloud platforms, Oracle Mini-cluster, and their associated operating systems. Responsible for on-site and off-site datacenters and Cloud platforms
• Manage and ensure optimal operation of all Data Center hardware and equipment, including ACs, UPSs and DC generator.
• Ensuring scalability, performance and resilience e platform and Databases, including adequate backups, disaster recovery etc., and ensuring the processes to respond to and resolve to incidents are defined and resourced 24x7.
• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organization’s executives, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent changes in Platform and Database activities.
• Manage operational costs; conduct near- and long-term financial forecasts for expanded functionality/user base.
• Test Databases and Platforms performance and provide performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining High Availability for Databases and Platforms.
• Establishing and line managing a best-in-class team of Database administrators, Cloud specialists, and Datacenter Engineers.
• Leading collaboration with the development teams, project management, IT service and support teams to support their activities, respond to their needs and incidents.
• Coordinate development of the IT Continuity / Disaster Recovery Plans and Direct quarterly Data Centre disaster recovery testing by failing over to the secondary Data Centre and back.
• Represent Technology department in the Business continuity Planning and Crisis Management committee that is responsible for business continuity in case of a disaster, major incident and/or crisis.

Job Requirements        

• Bachelor of Science in IT or related field
• Qualifications in Microsoft, Oracle, VMware and Cloud Technologies
• Experience with storage area networks, WAN acceleration, virtualization.
• 7 years of relevant work/management experience

Additional Details        

• Demonstrated leadership and personnel management skills.
• Good understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating needs assessments, budgets, and forecasting.
• Able to conduct research into networking issues and products as required.
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Ability to present ideas in a user-friendly language.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.