Technical Specialist
Listing reference: tship_000070
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 30 September 2026
Position summary
Industry: Mining & Quarrying
Job category: IT-Consulting
Location: Kathu
Contract: Permanent
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: No
Introduction
Tshipi é Ntle Manganese Mining is seeking an experienced and technically credible Technical Specialist / Technical Support to take full accountability for all Information Technology and Operational Technology (IT/OT) services delivered on site.
This is not a hands-on technical role — it is a senior leadership and management position. The successful candidate will build, structure and lead a large, multi-disciplinary IT/OT department covering network infrastructure, wireless communications, two-way radio systems and IT/OT convergence. All site IT and OT personnel — including network, infrastructure, radio/wireless communications and support teams — will report into this role either directly or through team leads.
The incumbent will serve as the single point of accountability for all IT/OT-related matters on the mine, bridging the gap between technical delivery and site leadership while translating business needs into a well-resourced, governed and high-performing department.
Job description
Leadership & Department Management
- Lead and manage the site's IT/OT function, ensuring effective service delivery across all technology environments.
- Oversee network, infrastructure, wireless communications, radio systems, support teams, and project resources.
- Manage team leaders and technical personnel, driving performance, accountability, and staff development.
- Assist with IT/OT operational and capital budgets, cost control, and reporting.
- Represent the department at governance, operational, and stakeholder meetings.
Strategy & Business Partnership
- Support the development and execution of the site's IT/OT strategy and roadmap.
- Drive IT/OT convergence and digitalisation initiatives.
- Manage technology risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, vendors, and service providers.
Service Delivery & Governance
- Ensure effective Incident, Problem, and Change Management processes.
- Oversee major incident management and root cause analysis activities.
- Drive compliance with service levels, governance standards, and security requirements.
- Ensure disaster recovery preparedness and business continuity readiness.
- Maintain 24/7 support and escalation capabilities where required.
Technical Oversight
Provide strategic oversight and direction regarding:
- Enterprise LAN/WLAN environments
- Industrial wireless networks
- Rajant Kinetic Mesh technologies
- Two-way radio and critical communications systems
- Network architecture, routing, switching and IP design
- Network security, segmentation and access control
- Technology vendor and supplier management
Minimum requirements
Qualifications
- Grade 12 / Matric.
- Relevant Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology – Essential.
- RCNA (Rajant Certified Network Associate) – Essential.
- RCNP (Rajant Certified Network Professional) – Advantageous.
- Valid South African Driver’s Licence.
Professional Certifications (Advantageous)
- ITIL Foundation.
- PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent Project Management Certification.
Experience
- Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience within IT/OT network environments.
- At least 1 year of management experience.
- Proven experience working within a project environment, including planning, managing and delivering IT/OT projects on time, within scope and within budget.
- Strong experience with wireless network technologies.
- Enterprise LAN/WLAN environments experience.
- Mining or heavy industrial experience highly advantageous.
- Experience with Rajant or similar industrial wireless mesh networking solutions advantageous.
- Experience with two-way radio and critical communication systems beneficial.
- Experience managing technology vendors and supplier relationships.
- Exposure to ITIL-aligned service delivery frameworks.
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management capability.
- Strategic thinking and business acumen.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial and budget management abilities.
- Influencing, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced mining environment.
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability.
- Willingness to participate in a 24/7 escalation and standby structure.
Working Conditions
This is a permanent, on-site position based at a mine in Kathu, Northern Cape. The role forms part of a 24/7 escalation structure and may require site visits, standby duties and out-of-hours availability. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, operationally critical mining environment.