Darren Roderick Kirsten
Senior IT Support Technician & Systems Administrator
Cape Town
Summary
Senior IT Support Technician with over 10 years of experience delivering onsite and remote technical support across diverse client environments. Strong expertise in Microsoft 365, Azure, networking, and endpoint management, supporting both local and international users across the UK, UAE, and USA.
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues, optimize system performance, and maintain high service availability. Recognized for a proactive approach, strong problem-solving skills, and consistently delivering solutions within demanding timelines.
Known for excellent customer engagement, reliability, and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies while maintaining high service standards and user satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
2
2
Language
Work History
Senior IT Technician / Supervisor
Synch.cc
11.2013 - Current
(Client: Pegasys Global Consulting – Current Assignment) Key Responsibilities Key Achievements Client Environments Supported
- Deliver onsite and remote IT support across multiple client environments
- Provide technical support to international users across UK, UAE, and USA regions
- Administer and maintain Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and Azure environments
- Perform daily system health checks to ensure server and network stability
- Conduct monthly WiFi audits and infrastructure assessments
- Manage IT asset inventory using Snipe-IT
- Lead, mentor, and support junior technicians, including onboarding and delivering end-user training to Pegasys staff on Microsoft 365 tools, including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive synchronisation
- Manage and resolve Tier 1 and Tier 2 support tickets via Zendesk and osTicket
- Provide AV support and oversee technical setup for meetings and events
- Consistently exceeded client expectations by delivering effective solutions within tight deadlines
- Built and maintained strong, long-term client relationships through reliable and professional support
- Improved team efficiency through mentoring and knowledge sharing
- Identified and implemented improvements to internal processes and workflows
- Maintained high levels of user satisfaction across multiple client sites
(Contracted via Synch.cc – Managed Services & Client Assignments)
- Pegasys Global Consulting (Current assignment)
- Mergence Investment Managers (2017 – 2023)
- BFG Africa Rail (Mergence Group)
- Lasercraft (Mergence Group)
- BroadReach (2016 – 2017)
- OLX (2015 – 2016)
- BroadReach Healthcare (2013 – 2015)
- Spintelligent (2013)
IT Technician (Contract)
Pioneer Foods (via Dimension Data)
11.2012 - 11.2013
- Assisted with large-scale Windows 7 migration projects
- Upgraded Outlook and configured user environments
- Managed Active Directory configurations and OU migrations
- Performed user data backups and restorations
- Deployed and configured end-user machines
- Provided user support and basic training post-migration
IT Technician
IT Resources
12.2011 - 07.2012
- Provided onsite technical support, installations, and troubleshooting
- Performed server and network maintenance
- Built, configured, and repaired desktops and laptops
- Includes roles at:
- Woolworths (Server and Till upgrade Technician)
- Cape Town Municipality (Desktop Support Technician)
- Southern Computer Services (Head Technician / Office Manager)
- Cycol Software (Head Technician)
- Freelance IT Support
Education
IT Diploma (3 Years) -
IT Business Campus
Skills
Microsoft 365 Administration (Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams)
Azure & Microsoft Intune
Active Directory & User Lifecycle Management
Networking (LAN/WAN, WiFi Audits & Troubleshooting)
End-User Support & Training (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive)
AV Support & Technical Setup
Printer Deployment & Troubleshooting
Team Leadership, Mentoring & Site Support Management
Certification
A+ Essentials & Practical
Timeline
Senior IT Technician / Supervisor
Synch.cc
11.2013 - Current
IT Technician (Contract)
Pioneer Foods (via Dimension Data)
11.2012 - 11.2013
IT Technician
IT Resources
12.2011 - 07.2012
IT Diploma (3 Years) -
IT Business Campus
Technical Expertise
- Microsoft 365 Administration (Exchange, SharePoint, Teams)
- Microsoft Azure (Self-taught, hands-on experience)
- SharePoint & OneDrive Management
- Microsoft Teams Administration
- Endpoint Management (Intune, device provisioning)
- VoIP Systems (3CX, Yealink)
- Hardware Support (Dell laptops & enterprise devices)
Professional Recognition
- Recognised by peers and management for reliability, professionalism, and strong work ethic
- Commended for consistently going the extra mile to support users and ensure business continuity
- Known for excellent customer service and ability to build lasting client relationships
- Trusted to resolve complex technical issues efficiently and effectively
- Valued team member with a strong willingness to assist and mentor others
Additional Information
- Driver’s License: Yes
- Own Vehicle: Yes
- Languages: English, Afrikaans
Hobbies
Competitive sailing (yacht racing), demonstrating teamwork, strategy, and decision-making under pressure