Cronje Stadler
Group IT Manager
Ladysmith
Summary
Dynamic IT leader with a proven track record at Mortimer Motor Group, excelling in risk mitigation planning and team collaboration. Spearheaded technology strategies that enhanced operational efficiency and safeguarded systems against cyber threats. Adept at managing vendor relationships and optimizing IT budgets, driving significant improvements in service delivery and user satisfaction.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Group IT Manager
Mortimer Motor Group
11.2016 - Current
- MMG has 31 dealerships (Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia and Mahindra) across South Africa
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
- Guided organizational technology strategy and roadmaps.
- Implemented and maintained technology and software budget.
- Oversaw IT department operations and training.
- Communicated with executive team and CEO to maximize development efficiencies and resolve technology issues.
- Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance on WAN and LAN over SDWAN and MPLS
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted action plans for continuous enhancement of IT services.
- Developed and implemented measures and procedures to protect IT systems from cyber threats and data breaches.
- Optimized helpdesk performance through process improvements, enabling faster response times and increased user satisfaction levels.
Business & Finance Manager
MicroSure Financial Services
05.2005 - 10.2016
- Collaborated with executive leadership on strategic planning initiatives, aligning organizational goals with financial objectives.
- Provided financial guidance during merger and acquisition activities, ensuring seamless transitions for affected departments.
- Optimized cash flow management strategies, enhancing liquidity and supporting investment activities.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats to the organization''s financial health and mitigate losses.
- Implemented internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Managed financial reporting process, ensuring accuracy and timely submission of all required documents.
- Managed relationships with banks/investors leading to enhanced credit lines at lower interest rates.
- Developed comprehensive financial models to support decision making processes for management teams.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving working capital management while maintaining healthy debt levels.
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Performed banking, business administration and financial tasks to guarantee five-star service for clients.
Group IT Manager
Sun International
01.2002 - 04.2005
- Led a skilled IT team in providing exceptional technical support, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted professional growth.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the organization''s IT landscape.
- Oversaw technology budget planning and allocation to optimize resource utilization while meeting organizational objectives.
- Streamlined processes through the automation of routine tasks, increasing team productivity and reducing manual effort.
- Developed custom IT solutions to address specific business needs, driving operational improvements and cost savings.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by implementing comprehensive IT policies and procedures covering data privacy, security, and access controls.
- Spearheaded disaster recovery efforts during critical incidents, restoring systems functionality quickly to minimize downtime and maintain business continuity.
- Contributed to the successful completion of numerous high-profile projects by providing expert guidance on technology strategy, infrastructure design, and implementation best practices.
- Championed employee training initiatives focused on enhancing technical skills and promoting best practices across the organization.
- Managed life cycle replacement of hardware and software.
- Oversaw IT department operations and training.
- Guided organizational technology strategy and roadmaps.
Senior Network Architect
Sun International
03.1999 - 12.2001
- Spearheaded and led major network installation and upgrade project.
- Implemented disaster recovery plans, minimizing data loss during unforeseen events or system failures.
- Designed scalable networks capable of supporting rapid organizational growth without compromising performance or reliability.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery of large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Increased overall reliability of the organization''s networking systems through ongoing maintenance and updates.
- Played a key role in developing the organization''s IT roadmap, aligning network infrastructure goals with long-term strategic objectives.
- Researched and recommended network products, services, protocols and standards for network development.
- Implemented WAN and LAN designs in multi-datacenter configurations for 5 major Sun International Casinos built during this time
- Worked closely with business stakeholders to identify requirements for custom network solutions tailored to their unique challenges.
- Streamlined IT processes, resulting in improved productivity and reduced operating costs.
- Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives by conducting thorough post-implementation reviews aimed at identifying areas for enhancement in future projects.
- Acquired and maintained advanced knowledge of networking protocols.
- Identified means to reduce and control expenses by conducting cost, schedule and contract performance analysis and improving resource allocation.
- Protected forensic value of data and established monitoring and incident reporting and response procedures.
Senior Network Engineer
Liberty Life
01.1998 - 02.1999
- Analyzed existing network and application architectures, presenting findings on possible enhancements and improvements to senior decision-makers.
- Backed up support desk team to handle user problems and technical concerns.
- Configured, tested and maintained LAN/WAN components and connections.
- Streamlined troubleshooting processes by creating detailed documentation of network infrastructure, configurations, and topologies.
- Architected high-availability networks incorporating redundancy at all levels for seamless failover during outages or maintenance events.
- Protected company assets and users with effective firewall solutions and strict security protocols.
- Monitored network activities to quickly detect and resolve operational and security issues.
- Optimized network security with the implementation of firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and access control mechanisms.
- Enhanced network performance by designing and implementing advanced network solutions.
IT Manager
Barnard Jacobs Mellet
10.1996 - 12.1997
- BJM was the biggest Independent Stockbroking Firm in South Africa. I was the first to move a company away from the JSE to a remote office in Johannesburg.
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems.
- Improved network efficiency by implementing new server configurations and optimizing system operations.
- Reduced downtime by promptly addressing hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
SO 2 Planning
South African National Defence Force
07.1993 - 09.1996
- Simple terms - Army Stuff
- Integration Officer for APLA, MK and the old SADF
- Development for new courses for the Intelligence Corps
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Rand Afrikaans University
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Team collaboration
Timeline
Group IT Manager
Mortimer Motor Group
11.2016 - Current
Business & Finance Manager
MicroSure Financial Services
05.2005 - 10.2016
Group IT Manager
Sun International
01.2002 - 04.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Rand Afrikaans University
04.2001 -
Senior Network Architect
Sun International
03.1999 - 12.2001
Senior Network Engineer
Liberty Life
01.1998 - 02.1999
IT Manager
Barnard Jacobs Mellet
10.1996 - 12.1997
SO 2 Planning
South African National Defence Force
07.1993 - 09.1996