Mark Anthony Swart

Work History

Senior IT OPS and Security Manager

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation Corp

Sandton

01.2019 - Current

Partnering with business units to deliver and implement information technology solutions to meet their business needs
Review and approve security policies, controls and cyber incident response planning
Approve identity and access policies
Constantly update cyber security strategy to leverage new technology and threat information
Maintenance and enhancement of information systems to remedy defects and/or provide additional functionality or required changes to existing functionality; and maintaining availability and security of systems including management of overnight processing and maintenance disaster recovery capability
Ensures adherence to established standards and may consult with senior managers on technology solutions
Supports existing business systems applications and may be responsible for leading technical aspects of project.
Responsible for assigning resources and delegating tasks to meet project deliverables
Responsible for technical architecture, design, development and support of switching application
Core technical role including VMware, IBM hardware, FortiGate Firewalls, Storage, Data center management, Disaster recovery management and production support as well as troubleshooting technical problems
Interface with business and technology partners to determine project technical requirements, design alternatives and resolve issues
Ensures adherence to established development standards and methodologies and may consult with stakeholders on technology solutions
Supports existing business systems applications and responsible for leading technical aspects of project
May be responsible for assigning resources and delegating tasks to meet project deliverables
Performs additional job duties as required
Managing security incidents, patch management and leading any security incident investigations in conjunction with our Cybersecurity Partner
Develop and lead IT Security governance and risk management to safeguard organization’s applications and systems
Develop and maintain audits, frameworks, policies, compliance, processes, and procedures aligned with industry standards such as ISO27001, NIST & PCI DSS across the organization
Develop and maintain both Security Strategy and associated three-year roadmap to support continual improvement of organization’s Information Security posture and maturity
Plan, manage, coordinate and drive delivery of outcomes, while also ensuring work is completed to required quality standards
Coordinate & connect various specialists from the IT organization, including Wintel Engineers, Network Engineers, Desktop Engineers, Security Specialists, to work cross functionally to provide seamless IT service for our customers
Develop and maintain automation tools best practice for Network management and Systems management
Automate current processes to allow for rapid growth and scalability
Optimize monitoring and alerting for symptoms affecting critical applications
Design and implement strategy to improve uptime of systems and achieve Service Level Objectives
Provide high level, quality communications to customers
Managing BAU changes (e.g.: Rollout of new procedures, tools, operating models or coordination of logistics to delivery outcome on BAU piece of work.)
Developing and maintaining process documentation
Ensuring staff are trained and following procedures
Measuring adherence to defined procedures
Responses to customer and stakeholder compliance audits of IT Operations
Service delivery to ensure customer satisfaction
Maintain service, quality and desired outputs across business process by ensuring compliance to tactical policies, procedures and standards
Establish productive operational relationships with key stakeholders in various channels and administrative teams
Develop work routines in line with operational plans / schedules in order to manage achievement of service delivery goals
Share knowledge on, and participate in creation of new standards, control systems and procedures to maintain service delivery
Ensure cost efficiency through financial and corporate governance
Contribute to development and implementation of fit for purpose budgets
Manage supplier relationships, and budgets associated with projects
Manage quality people practices
Align own behavior with organization culture and values
Share and transfer product, process and systems knowledge to colleagues and team members
Collaborate and work with business to deliver required service levels
Actively share information with other team members regarding successes, issues, trends and ideas
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
Use critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively
Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion
Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems
Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance
Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility
Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic
Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others
Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through development of innovative solutions
Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively
Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance
Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility
Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic
Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members
Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations
Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through development of innovative solutions

IT Operations Manager

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation

01.2019 - 01.2019

Partnering with business units to deliver and implement information technology solutions to meet their business needs
Review and approve security policies, controls and cyber incident response planning
Approve identity and access policies
Constantly update cyber security strategy to leverage new technology and threat information
Maintenance and enhancement of information systems to remedy defects and/or provide additional functionality or required changes to existing functionality; and maintaining availability and security of systems including management of overnight processing and maintenance disaster recovery capability
Ensures adherence to established standards and may consult with senior managers on technology solutions
Supports existing business systems applications and may be responsible for leading technical aspects of project
Responsible for assigning resources and delegating tasks to meet project deliverables
Responsible for technical architecture, design, development and support of switching application
Core technical role including VMware, IBM hardware, Storage, Data center management, Disaster recovery management and production support as well as troubleshooting technical problems
Interface with business and technology partners to determine project technical requirements, design alternatives and resolve issues
Ensures adherence to established development standards and methodologies and may consult with stakeholders on technology solutions
Supports existing business systems applications and responsible for leading technical aspects of project
May be responsible for assigning resources and delegating tasks to meet project deliverables
Performs additional job duties as required
Managing security incidents, patch management and leading any security incident investigations in conjunction with Cybersecurity Partner
Develop and lead IT Security governance and risk management to safeguard organization’s applications and systems
Develop and maintain audits, frameworks, policies, compliance, processes, and procedures aligned with industry standards such as ISO27001, NIST & PCI DSS across the organization
Develop and maintain both Security Strategy and associated three-year roadmap to support continual improvement of organization’s Information Security posture and maturity
Plan, manage, coordinate and drive delivery of outcomes, while also ensuring work is completed to required quality standards
Coordinate & connect various specialists from the IT organization, including Wintel Engineers, Network
Engineers, Desktop Engineers, Security Specialists, to work cross functionally to provide seamless IT service for customers
Develop and maintain automation tools best practice for Network management and Systems management
Automate current processes to allow for rapid growth and scalability
Optimize monitoring and alerting for symptoms affecting critical applications
Design and implement strategy to improve uptime of systems and achieve Service Level Objectives
Provide high level, quality communications to customers
Managing BAU changes (e.g.: Rollout of new procedures, tools, operating models or coordination of logistics to delivery outcome on BAU piece of work.)
Developing and maintaining process documentation
Ensuring staff are trained and following procedures
Measuring adherence to defined procedures
Responses to customer and stakeholder compliance audits of IT Operations
Service delivery to ensure customer satisfaction
Maintain service, quality and desired outputs across business process by ensuring compliance to tactical policies, procedures and standards
Establish productive operational relationships with key stakeholders in various channels and administrative teams
Develop work routines in line with operational plans / schedules in order to manage achievement of service delivery goals
Share knowledge on, and participate in creation of new standards, control systems and procedures to maintain service delivery
Ensure cost efficiency through financial and corporate governance
Contribute to development and implementation of fit for purpose budgets
Manage supplier relationships, and budgets associated with projects
Manage quality people practices
Align own behavior with organization culture and values
Share and transfer product, process and systems knowledge to colleagues and team members
Collaborate and work with business to deliver required service levels
Actively share information with other team members regarding successes, issues, trends and ideas
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Set, enforced, and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands
Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices
Introduced new methods, practices, and systems to reduce turnaround time
Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines
Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow
Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers
Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services
Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths
Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards
Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends
Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members
Reported issues to higher management with great detail
Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit

IT Technical Manager

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation

01.2017 - 01.2019

Ensures adherence to established standards and may consult with senior managers on technology solutions
Supports existing business systems applications and may be responsible for leading technical aspects of project
Responsible for assigning resources and delegating tasks to meet project deliverables
Responsible for technical support of switching application
Core technical role including VMware, IBM hardware, Fortigate firewalls, Storage, Data center management, Disaster recovery management and production support as well as troubleshooting technical problems
Interface with business and technology partners to determine project technical requirements, design alternatives and resolve issues
Ensures adherence to established development standards and methodologies and may consult with stakeholders on technology solutions
Supports existing business systems applications and responsible for leading technical aspects of project
May be responsible for assigning resources and delegating tasks to meet project deliverables
Performs additional job duties as required
Managing security incidents and leading any security incident investigations
Cybersecurity Partnering
Develop and lead IT Security governance and risk management to safeguard organization’s applications and systems
Develop and maintain audits, frameworks, policies, compliance, processes, and procedures aligned with industry standards such as ISO27001, NIST & PCI DSS across organization
Develop and maintain both Security Strategy and associated three-year roadmap to support continual improvement of organization’s Information Security posture and maturity
Plan, manage, coordinate and drive delivery of outcomes, while also ensuring work is completed to required quality standards
Coordinate & connect various specialists from IT organization, including Wintel Engineers, Network
Engineers, Desktop Engineers, Security Specialists, to work cross functionally to provide seamless IT service for customers
Develop and maintain automation tools best practice for Network management and Systems management
Automate current processes to allow for rapid growth and scalability
Optimize monitoring and alerting for symptoms affecting critical applications
Design and implement strategy to improve uptime of systems and achieve Service Level Objectives
Provide high level, quality communications to customers
Managing BAU changes (e.g.: Rollout of new procedures, tools, operating models or coordination of logistics to delivery outcome on BAU piece of work.)
Developing and maintaining process documentation
Ensuring staff are trained in and following procedures
Measuring adherence to defined procedures
Responses to customer and stakeholder compliance audits of IT Operations
Service delivery to ensure customer satisfaction
Maintain service, quality and desired outputs across business process by ensuring compliance to tactical policies, procedures and standards
Establish productive operational relationships with key stakeholders in various channels and administrative teams
Develop work routines in line with operational plans / schedules in order to manage achievement of service delivery goals
Share knowledge on, and participate in creation of new standards, control systems and procedures to maintain service delivery
Ensure cost efficiency through financial and corporate governance
Contribute to development and implementation of fit for purpose budgets
Manage supplier relationships, and budgets associated with projects
Manage quality people practices
Align own behavior with organization culture and values
Share and transfer product, process and systems knowledge to colleagues and team members
Collaborate and work with business to deliver required service levels
Actively share information with other team members regarding successes, issues, trends and ideas
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Liaised between business and technology units to manage delivery schedules for applications.
Developed suggestions for technical process improvements to optimize resources
Recruited and trained IT team members
Assisted product owners with prioritization of backlogs
Managed implementation of new technological improvements resulting in increased efficiency
Analyzed project-related information and made recommendations based on discoveries
Managed deliverable estimates, negotiated resource conflicts and allocated resources
Worked closely with customers to evaluate various types of risks such as impact, reputation and regulatory
Analyzed company processes to determine outsourcing feasibility
Guided, coached and lead project teams, delegating tasks and evaluating performance and progression of project pace

Snr System Engineer

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation

01.2004 - 01.2017

Ensure that fit for purpose network (LAN/WAN) is developed and maintained
Core technical role including VMware, IBM hardware, Fortigate Firewall, Storage, Data center management, Disaster recovery management and production support as well as troubleshooting technical problems
Develop and implement enterprise-wide network maintenance and growth plans
Define and implement initiatives to ensure security of data, network access
Manage and strive for 100% availability of networking/security appliance Infrastructure
Identify and address Network Infrastructure bottlenecks
Develop and assist architectural network and security designs
Ensure that data encryption transmissions are developed and erect firewalls including intrusion prevention and web proxy services to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out corrupted and infected digital transfers
Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files
Develop, manage and monitor security patch implementation for perimeter-based security devices and appliances
Participate in development of strategies to comply with privacy, risk management, and access controls
Assist with vulnerability scans, penetration testing and remediation tracking of IT systems and technologies
Review of Security access rights, IT system logs, encryption standards to ensure integrity of data transmissions and recommend corrective actions as needed
Manage and oversee technical security assessments for networks, systems, applications and databases where required
Manage rapid and effective handling of major incidents
Participate/cooperate with internal audit plans as directed by OML Group
Review Information Security policies, procedures, standards and guidelines
Evaluate new and proposed security systems and technologies
Reviews circumstances surrounding data security incidents and designs corrective actions
High competency with problem solving
Continuous improvement to ensure effective service
Ensure statutory and legislative knowledge is always current in order to resolve customer complaints, to advise business on corrective solutions to mitigate risks and to improve customer experience whilst complying with governance requirements
Ensure adherence to organizational policies, practices and procedures
Identify solutions to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency
Ensure adherence to organizational policies, practices and procedures
Identify solutions to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency
Analyze market trends to constantly improve customer value proposition offerings
Streamline and integrate existing business processes and systems
Keep abreast of market trends and business development opportunities
Identify needs and develop business cases for business based on market opportunities
Create collaborative relationships with other departments to determine internal and external process improvements designed to enhance customer experience and value
Optimize departmental performance through targeted business intelligence to ensure that it becomes primary way of driving performance and execution
Service delivery to ensure customer satisfaction
Maintain service, quality and desired outputs across business process by ensuring compliance to tactical policies, procedures and standards
Establish productive operational relationships with key stakeholders in various channels and administrative teams
Develop work routines in line with operational plans / schedules in order to manage achievement of service delivery goals
Share knowledge on, and participate in creation of new standards, control systems and procedures to maintain service delivery
Ensure cost efficiency through financial and corporate governance
Contribute to development and implementation of fit for purpose budgets
Manage supplier relationships, and budgets associated with projects
Manage quality people practices
Align own behavior with organization culture and values
Share and transfer product, process and systems knowledge to colleagues and team members
Collaborate and work with business to deliver required service levels
Actively share information with other team members regarding successes, issues, trends and ideas
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Worked well in team setting, providing support and guidance.
Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects
Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic
Represented company's technical security interests to partners to provide bi-directional flow of technical information and best practices in information security
Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability
Managed onboarding and offboarding of employees
Provisioned new software and hardware for use, following established security policies
Adopted cost-effective, useful solutions to implement into current systems
Completed reports detailing network and systems performance and downtime issues
Drove continuous improvement of IT governance processes
Introduced management tools to create and manage virtual server computing environment
Integrated and updated software products to boost system compatibility
Attended meetings to deliver status reports to key stakeholders
Spearheaded inventory control measures to replenish and maintain IT equipment
Implemented internet and intranet applications on multiple platforms
Configured and tested Windows Server operating systems with roles features
Mentored employees and offered constructive feedback for performance improvement
Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software
Analyzed network traffic and performance metrics to optimize system performance
Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues
Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service
Planned and oversaw configuration changes for security infrastructure platforms
Performed risk and vulnerability assessments and provided results and recommendations to senior management
Developed, implemented and documented security programs and policies and monitored compliance across departments
Contributed to development, administration and testing of disaster recovery plans
Performed software installations and upgrades to UNIX or Windows operating systems
Created nightly jobs for database backups
Conducted routine and emergency maintenance of assigned data center equipment
Developed modification program to determine compatibility with various software
Performed network security design and integration duties
Implemented and maintained virtual private networks
Diagnosed and executed resolution for network and server issues
Installed and configured network printers and other peripheral devices
Led server infrastructure development, quality assurance, staging and production systems

System Administrator

Castellum Administrators

01.2003 - 01.2004

Installation and maintenance of all systems within client’s digital environment
Producing documentation on operational, system and user procedures guidelines
Building, configuration and troubleshooting of server and desktop hardware
Providing advice on selection and purchase of IT equipment
Maintaining maximum availability of supported services for users
Obtaining quotes for supply of goods and services from suppliers
Designing, implementing and managing Active Directory
Managing Exchange 2000 Server
Monitoring progress of third-party maintenance
Ensuring that support calls are logged and handled effectively and efficiently
Responsible for disaster recovery
Closing security loopholes and access levels
Ensure adequate antivirus protection & solutions are maintained and updated
Maintaining maximum availability of supported services for users
Identify and recommending improvements for E-mail applications
Maintenance of email and network security systems
Front Office Interfaces and Data Provision Delivery
Administering Network Workstations
Firewall Administration
Responsibility for company IT security
Providing telephone and desktop support
Forecasting any needed technical improvements
Budgeting for and implementing any changes
Maintain site licenses for department/organization
Produced informative, well-organized presentations to senior management
Backup and disaster recovery plans
Established network specifications and analyzed workflow, access, information and security requirements
Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability
Drove continuous improvement of IT governance processes
Managed onboarding and offboarding of employees
Created nightly jobs for database backups

PC Technician

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation

01.2000 - 01.2003

Support over 500 users
Diagnosed, installed, configured and repaired computer systems and software
Repaired and reinstalled software such as Windows 98/2000, Office 98/2000, WRQ Reflections
Trained new employees in effective diagnostic and repair procedures
Create employee training materials and procedures to teach in-house ops staff proper software and hardware protocols
Installed motherboards, processors, RAM and graphics cards
Resolve technical issues for clients/users in person, on the phone and through e-mail.

Computer Operator

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation

Randburg

01.1998 - 01.2000

Process computer printouts
To ensure that users (500) receive daily printouts
Monitor of all backups
Maintain computer environment
Always monitor all VMS systems and ensure that systems are functional for use by users (560) and development staff (40)
Generated reports covering details about data, system operation, and error monitoring.
Changed and replaced backup tapes regularly and performed detailed server backups.
Complied with data entry quotients to support time-sensitive project input milestones.
Developed system maintenance schedule to prevent unnecessary downtime or avoidable interruptions.

PC Technician

Contextual Software Consultants Pty

Johannesburg

01.1997 - 11.1998

Linked computers to network and peripheral equipment
Used diagnostic tools to identify hardware failures and replace non-functional components
Refurbished PC systems and peripherals such as monitors, networking equipment, printers, and more
Assessed system hardware and software and suggested modifications to reduce lag time and improve overall speed
Responded to support requests from end-users and patiently walked individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks
Tested and installed motherboards, processors, and graphics cards on desktops and laptops for corporate staff
Recommended new and replacement hardware and software purchases
Set up and maintained user accounts and client access
Recovered critical information from data back ups to restore functionality
Served as backup for staff members, responding to system failure and maintenance emergencies

Internal Sales Representative

Tydel Tools

Johannesburg

01.1995 - 01.1996

Sales
Attending to the Needs of Clients
Meeting Monthly Targets

Summary

Overview

Work History

Senior IT OPS and Security Manager

IT Operations Manager

IT Technical Manager

Snr System Engineer

System Administrator

PC Technician

Computer Operator

PC Technician

Internal Sales Representative

Education

High School Diploma -

Skills

Accomplishments

Certification

Timeline

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