Coaching and Mentoring
TEBOHO DANIEL DENNIS BERENG
Project Manager
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Results-driven Project Manager, Client Services Manager, and IT Services Manager with over 20 years of experience leading complex IT infrastructure, software deployment, and client service initiatives in telecommunications and fintech. Expert in end-to-end project lifecycle management, IT service operations, financial oversight, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Skilled at navigating siloed organizational structures to drive positive project outcomes and ensure high customer satisfaction. Certified in Prince2 Practitioner, AgilePM Practitioner, Professional Scrum Master, and ITIL 4 Foundation. Currently leading Technical Operations at MIP Holdings to drive innovation and operational excellence. Seeking a challenging leadership role to leverage extensive experience.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1995
1995
years of post-secondary education
14
14
Certifications
Work History
Project Manager | Client Services Manager | IT Services Manager - Technical Operations Team Lead
MIP Holdings Pty Ltd
08.2020 - Current
- Led Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) planning, failover exercises, and implementation for key clients including Vodacom, Standard Bank, Genesis Medical Scheme, and Netcare.
- Managed end-to-end large-scale IT infrastructure projects, including Azure and AWS cloud server rollouts and Linux Server/MIP Software installations.
- Successfully managed a program for designing server infrastructures, installations, and migrations from CentOS to RedHat Linux across 60+ customer environments (physical, virtualized, and cloud).
- Managed deployment of new commercial software releases to over 60 customer sites, adhering to SDLC processes across six internal divisions.
- Achieved project deadline adherence by refining agile processes and coaching cross-functional collaboration across siloed divisional teams, leading to key benefits realization.
- Spearheaded Mediscor Infrastructure Design and Installation on Linux for critical decision-making, payment, and collection solutions.
- Delivered Agrimark Operations South Africa Datacentre infrastructure and Agrismart application implementation across South Africa and Namibia.
- Successfully delivered complex infrastructure migrations for Standard Bank Limited (iRetire) and De Beers on Microsoft Azure using RedHat Linux.
- Collaborated with internal divisions, external partners, and customers on Big Data technologies and MIP applications.
- Managed customer expectations, stakeholder communications, and vendor relationships to ensure data security.
- Developed and managed renewal/upgrade schedules for MIP Development/Test environments and customer systems.
- Served as the key interface for the TechOps Division to all internal MIP divisions, customers, and partners, overseeing outsourced services and systems management (e.g., Virtual Postman, Cloudbox).
- Managed the Help Desk, overseeing intake, assessment, and prioritization (P1, P2, P3) of incidents and tasks (90% logged by CSMs, 10% via email).
- Developed processes for task/ticket logging and facilitated Change Advisory Board (CAB) approvals for high-severity incidents.
- Led resource management for the TechOps Team, allocating engineers for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level support, and managed staff rosters.
- Facilitated Problem Management resolution among technical architects, engineers, and developers, ensuring incident reports for all P1 incidents.
- Managed scheduling of Hotfixes, Patches, and Sprint new Feature releases Deployment, adhering to SDLC and Change Management Processes.
- Ensured adherence to POPI Act for customer data, including encryption, obfuscation, and restricted access.
- Managed Patch Management Process for all internal and customer servers, covering the full MIP application suite.
- Ensured robust Backup and Recovery strategy implementation and proactive system and service Monitoring.
- Oversaw implementation of IT Audit recommendations and reported to CTO/Exco on strategic programs.
- Contributed to the TechOps Team and MIP Holdings Pty Ltd being awarded 'Supplier of the Year' for the Agrimark Operations account, recognized for outstanding customer satisfaction due to excellent and adaptive project management, client management, and all-round stakeholder management skills.
- Maintained strong customer relationships, enforced company policies, and prepared action plans.
- Maximized customer operational performance by providing help desk resources and technical advice.
- Assisted in detecting and diagnosing network, infrastructure, and application problems.
- Built and delivered comprehensive monthly service and systems performance measurement and evaluation reports to Agrimark Operations.
- Chaired monthly SLA review meetings with Agrimark Operations Technology and Business management representatives and MIP TechOps and International Outsource Division management for service level reviews.
- Managed the financial operations of the TechOps Division, including budget formulation and all service billing to customers and internal divisions.
- Oversaw billing for Linux RedHat Server Software Licenses, ensuring subscription maintenance, and managed the asset register of all license contracts.
- Involved in planning, execution, controlling, and optimization of financial flows, collaborating with the Finance Department.
- Managed procurement processes, including quotes, purchase orders, delivery tracking, and stock inventory.
- Responsible for project cost estimating (human/physical resources, material).
- Managed the Escrow process for off-site software security.
- Acted as a Team Lead in the Technical Operations Department, managing performance measurement and evaluation of specialists.
- Conducted training for Client Services Managers, Scrum Masters, and Project Managers across MIP to enhance understanding of their roles, inter-divisional interaction with Technical Operations, and adherence to Change Management Process, MIP Policies, Governance, and SLAs.
- Facilitated training and coaching for the TechOps Team in Linux RedHat, Virtualization, and Progress Database Administration.
- Managed resource allocation for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd level support, prioritizing based on incident severity.
- Created and managed the roster for technical staff and facilitated training for new team members.
Software Web Developer Intern
Airos
10.2019 - 02.2020
- Developed websites and web applications using back-end technologies (Python, Django).
- Integrated HTML pages into web applications.
- Utilized Git and GitLab for version control, Continuous Integration, and Continuous Deployment.
Entrepreneur - Transport and Logistics
Own Business
09.2016 - 08.2018
Senior Project Manager
Vodacom
10.2011 - 08.2016
- Facilitated and managed monthly reviews of the Product Priorities Roadmap for the Enterprise Business Unit (EBU), aligning portfolios, programs, and projects with company strategy.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with Executive Heads of Divisions within EBU Product Development to ensure strategic product delivery.
- Facilitated detailed Product Business Case definitions and prepared for roadmap reviews.
- Led workshops for eliciting requirements and conceptualizing product/project functional scope with Business Analysts and Product Managers, and designed technical solutions with Solution Architects and Technology Partners.
- Chaired weekly 'Express Development Forum' for executive assessment and approval of customer-specific solutions.
- Finalized project teams, deliverables, task flows, schedules, and budgets, ensuring 100% compliance with Project Change Control procedures.
- Managed project timelines, deviations, and scope changes effectively.
- Collaborated with Product Managers on go-to-market strategies, involving all departments.
- Led project development teams to create viable products meeting functional, quality, and performance specifications.
- Facilitated workshops with Customer Experience Specialists, digital design teams, sales, marketing, and PR for comprehensive go-to-market strategies.
- Facilitated training program definition for Vodashop outlets and customer care support specialists.
- Led product launches and successfully transitioned projects to operations departments.
- Conducted Lessons Learned workshops for project closure.
- Key Projects & Programs: Broadband Connect Program (LTE, Wireless, Satellite implementation), Vodacom Hosted Exchange Project, Vodacom Video Collaboration, Vodacom Livetrack Program (Vodacom/Tracker integration, Africa-wide), Ethernet Over MPLS for Africa.
Operations Manager / Program Manager
Vodacom
09.2007 - 09.2011
- Managed and facilitated Contract Management for Vodacom Operations Management Group.
- Negotiated and agreed upon Contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with suppliers, collaborating with the Vodacom Contract Management Team.
- Formulated and managed all SLA Agreements with Vendors, including quarterly reviews and service level report creation.
- Chaired quarterly SLA review meetings with suppliers to analyze reports and recommend improvements.
- Scheduled and chaired meetings with stakeholders in Operations and Maintenance to review processes and systems.
- Managed adherence to company Procurement/Supply Chain Management processes for RFPs and RFQs within the Operations Management Group and served on adjudication panels.
- Ensured prioritization, alignment, planning, management, and delivery of all Vodacom Operations Management projects according to Group strategy.
- Managed a team of Project Managers, Project Administrators, and Business Analysts.
- Performed Financial Management for the Vodacom Operations Management Group.
- Key Projects/Programs: Adjacent Charging Group (ACG) Project, Site Relocation Program for Mobile Network Optimization (Intelligent Network Prepaid Solution systems), Vodacom Multimedia Service (MMS) Data Assurance Project, Blade Infrastructure technology Program (migration to virtualized infrastructure), Vodacom Lesotho Products and Services (Mothusi Free Onnet, Prepaid Starter Pack, Top Up 499, MMS Solution).
Project Manager (Consumer Business Unit)
Vodacom
05.2004 - 08.2007
- Set up and conducted pre-implementation planning meetings, establishing roles, responsibilities, and timelines.
- Finalized project teams, deliverables, task flows, and schedules, ensuring 100% compliance with Project Change Control procedures.
- Managed project timelines, resolved scope changes, and confirmed system activation/training schedules.
- Collaborated with Product Managers throughout the product lifecycle (conception, definition, development, release, post-release).
- Developed and implemented company-wide go-to-market plans in every project.
- Aligned with Development Team leaders on human resources negotiations, planning for realistic project development plans, schedules, product specifications, and prioritization of changes/enhancements.
- Worked closely with the Sales Team, Marketing Communications Team, and Customer/Product Support Team for successful product deployment.
- Maintained close relationships with Product Managers for awareness of customer needs and proactive scope management.
- Managed programs and projects through the entire lifecycle, identifying, analyzing, and managing risks and issues.
- Key Projects: Vodacom Blackberry Solution, Vodacom Web Portal Vodacom4ME implementation, Openwave Multimedia Message Centre (MMSC), Government and ICASA Regulatory Program (Under Service Area Licensed Program - USAL).
Technical Project Leader
Vodacom
05.2001 - 04.2004
- Participated in contract and SLA negotiations with Suppliers.
- Facilitated project scoping, planning, and budgeting sessions.
- Defined project deliverables in the Enterprise and Engineering environment.
- Monitored, tracked, and controlled projects through their complete lifecycle.
- Identified and managed Project Risks & Issues.
- Delivered major project deliverables within agreed time, cost, and quality, meeting project objectives.
- Managed payment controls, verifying invoices against acceptance certificates.
- Key Projects: Program for replacement of 60+ Octel Voicemail Systems with 8 Comverse Voicemail Systems (enhanced flexibility, scalability, and notification features), Implementation of Schlumberger Sema Short Message Service Centre (SMSC) Multiple Systems, Mobile Network optimization Project for December peak SMS traffic (significantly improved service and competitive advantage), USSD Phase I technology-based 'Please Call Me' solution (market competitive advantage, still in use), USSD Phase II technology-based Menu-driven Interactive solution (enabled online interactive Airtime recharge, still in use).
IT Consultant/Business Analyst (Mobile Engineering)
Vodacom
05.2000 - 04.2001
- Managed IT sub-projects within Engineering Projects and served as primary liaison between IT and GSM Engineering Group.
- Provided IT Consultancy and facilitated SLA draw-ups between IT, business partners, and other divisions.
- Ensured service delivery as per SLAs between IT and Engineering.
- Identified business needs/requirements and evaluated requirements from a business perspective.
- Elicited and gathered business, user, and functional requirements, producing comprehensive artifacts for projects.
- Facilitated mapping of as-is and to-be business process flows, motivating for new projects.
- Facilitated Requirements Traceability Matrix to ensure alignment of project requirements and deliverables.
- Managed requirements and developed acceptance criteria for project deliverables.
- Managed the Group IT Service Level Management Process.
- Consolidated weekly reports for the Vodacom IT Director on key shared Vodacom IT and Vodacom Engineering Projects on the company-wide Product Priority Roadmap.
- Facilitated the shared Vodacom IT and Vodacom Engineering Change Management and Advisory Board for network change review and approval/rejection.
Computer Telephony Integration Engineer
Atio Corporations
09.1998 - 04.2000
- Voice Mail System Specialist: Installed, configured, and supported Octel Overture Voice Mail systems; provided remote administration and second-line support.
- Unified Messaging Systems Specialist: Supported MS Windows NT platforms for messaging systems; designed and implemented Unified Messenger Systems; provided third-line support.
- Omtool Fax Server Specialist: Designed, installed, configured, and supported Fax Server over Microsoft Exchange; provided second and third-line support; primary liaison with Omtool TAC.
- Dictaphone Support Specialist: Provided first and second-line support for Dictaphone faults; performed administration on Symphony Server.
- CTI Specialist: Installed, configured, and supported AtioCall Call Centre systems; provided second-line support.
- Ensured Y2K compliance for all relevant systems.
- Assisted Sales and Product Management with pre-sales technical support.
- Key Projects: Spearheaded Nedbank Executive Unified Communications Solution implementation; provided maintenance and support for Nedbank Unified Communications Systems, Hollard Call Centre and Dictaphone Systems, Johannesburg Stock Exchange Call Centre and Dictaphone Systems, Nedbank Call Centre and Dictaphone Systems, and Mercantile Registrars Limited Call Centre and Dictaphone Systems.
Microsoft Domain Architect / Systems Engineer
Datavia Transnet
03.1995 - 08.1998
- Led a team of 10 staff members for Desktop support (Windows, Email, business applications, Internet connectivity) for Transnet Group Executive Management.
- Designed and maintained Corporate Microsoft Computer Network Systems, Microsoft Email Exchange Solution, and Internet Security Firewall Systems.
- Designed and implemented Microsoft Windows Network, Microsoft Domain Server, Primary Domain (PDC), and Backup Domain (BDC) Servers across the Transnet Group.
- Rolled out and configured Microsoft Mail Servers and clients, managing migration to MS Exchange.
- Designed and implemented Internet connectivity project for Transnet, enabling email and communication via MS RAS services.
- Implemented Saswitch Server for communication between Microsoft-based email and Internet email services.
- Implemented and provided first-line support for Gauntlet Firewall running on BSD Unix for Internet security.
- Maintained close relationships with Datavia Call Centre management and Data Network Team, ensuring metrics and communication flow.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Project and Programme Management
Cranefield Institute of Management
Pretoria 02.2001 - 01.2002
Diploma - Advanced Computer Science
Oxford College
11-1994
Senior Certificate - Grade 12 / Matric
Moshoeshoe II High School
Skills
Project management
Project planning
Project planning and development
Project tracking
Strategic planning
Schedule management
Contract management
Root-cause analysis
Vendor sourcing
Agile methodology
Stakeholder communications
Cross-functional collaboration
Staff management
Relationship building
Coaching and mentoring
Budget control
Business analysis
Budget preparation
Performance evaluations
Customer relations specialist
Certification
PMI PMP Project Management Professional (PMP) Development Program (preparation in progress)
Interests
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Project Manager | Client Services Manager | IT Services Manager - Technical Operations Team Lead
MIP Holdings Pty Ltd
08.2020 - Current
Software Web Developer Intern
Airos
10.2019 - 02.2020
Entrepreneur - Transport and Logistics
Own Business
09.2016 - 08.2018
Senior Project Manager
Vodacom
10.2011 - 08.2016
Operations Manager / Program Manager
Vodacom
09.2007 - 09.2011
Project Manager (Consumer Business Unit)
Vodacom
05.2004 - 08.2007
Technical Project Leader
Vodacom
05.2001 - 04.2004
Post Graduate Diploma - Project and Programme Management
Cranefield Institute of Management
02.2001 - 01.2002
IT Consultant/Business Analyst (Mobile Engineering)
Vodacom
05.2000 - 04.2001
Computer Telephony Integration Engineer
Atio Corporations
09.1998 - 04.2000
Microsoft Domain Architect / Systems Engineer
Datavia Transnet
03.1995 - 08.1998
Senior Certificate - Grade 12 / Matric
Moshoeshoe II High School
Diploma - Advanced Computer Science
Oxford College