Charles Sithole
Glasgow,Scotland
Summary
A highly competent and organized IT and Networking professional possessing a proven ability to design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) with extensive knowledge in routers, switches and security system configurations as well as monitoring network performance, ensuring minimum acceptable levels are attained and reporting on upgrades and improvements. Well mannered, articulate, and able to act as point of contact for colleagues and clients.
Organised and dependable with 15 years of experience. Successful at managing multiple priorities with positive attitude. Willing to take on greater responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior Network Analyst (CoSE)
University of Glasgow
Glasgow
02.2025 - Current
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently for College of Science and Engineering (CoSE).
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Provided lead technical expertise in the operational delivery of Network services, ensuring continuous and high-quality level of support whilst taking account of technological developments, School needs and institutional policy
- Planned and supported University CoSE IT implementation of upgrades / new service provision to maintain up-to-date and secure services.
- Developed appropriate service documentation both for staff working on the service and for end users, proactively making and contributing to continuous improvements.
- Provided support and training of individuals or groups of staff across the schools relating to network support.
- Updating and developing incident and request processes for network related issues.
- Providing regular reports and recommendations to other CoSE IT Service Managers and the CoSE IT Leadership team, including security incidents, major incidents and feedback from service users.
- Responsible for ensuring that the network remains accessible in the schools that maintain their own service, complying with any relevant legislation and ensuring that any recommendations from audits or compliance bodies are addressed.
- Championing creative and new thinking and innovative working practices, sharing best practice and to keeping abreast of industry and sector knowledge and insights.
- Providing timely, high-quality support and communications to users of the network service across all CoSE schools.
- Attending and reporting to internal and external meetings as directed, representing the CoSE IT department, the College and the University.
- Created comprehensive reports on network activities and system performance, providing vital insights into operational efficiency.
- Assisted in budget planning for IT departments by forecasting future network requirements based on current analysis trends.
- Managed to keep all systems updated with the latest software patches to ensure optimal functionality.
Network and Infrastructure Engineer
St Georges School Edinburgh
Edinburgh
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Network and Infrastructure Management, Voice, Wired and Wireless data networks installation, configuration and support
- Define, document and enforce networking SOPs, Networking DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, LAN, WAN and Routing Protocols
- FortiGate Firewall administration and switch configuration and network troubleshooting
- Ruckus Wireless Systems Administration
- Managing on premise Active Directory, End Point Device Management using RMM Desktop Central, End Point Device Security
- Microsoft 365 Administration (Azure, Intune, Exchange, Teams, SharePoint) and Windows Server Administration (Windows 2012, 2016,2019 and 2022)
- ESXi VMware and SAN Administration, Virtualisation, Computer Hardware and Educational Technologies Support
- ICT projects supervision, Ensuring Service Level and Operational Level Agreements are adhered to by contractors and suppliers
- Canon Printers, Mitel Phone System and General User support
- IT Infrastructure and procedures documentation
- Attending to tickets on the helpdesk system and ensuring that they are actioned within set standards.
- Optimised system performance for enhanced productivity by conducting regular infrastructure audits.
- Minimised technical issues by providing ongoing maintenance and updates of server systems.
- Monitored system health consistently, leading to early detection of potential problems.
Network Engineer
Midlands State University
Gweru
08.2015 - 03.2023
- Leading a team of IT Technicians to administer and optimise MSU's enterprise Network
- Management of Service Level Agreements, IT infrastructure budgets and network resource allocations
- Designing and implementing Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) for the University Campuses
- Spearheaded the Campus Radio Station installation from procurement to commissioning
- Configured Cisco routers, switches, firewalls and VPNs, Network and Services Support for 30 000+ users
- Maintaining University Network Security, End Point Device Security, Patching and conducting Cyber-Security Awareness to the university community
- Define, document and enforce networking policies, strategy and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Installation and configuration of wireless networking equipment including Cisco, Ruckus, and Aruba Wireless Technologies
- Creating and updating technical documentation for network installations, Providing IP phone support related to networking or connectivity issues
- Managed network performance and implemented changes to improve efficiency.
- Conducted scheduled maintenance during non-peak hours to guarantee uninterrupted service and restore network disruption.
- Liaised with team members to complete progress tracking checks and deliver network projects before deadlines.
- Worked with executive management and department leaders to assess near- and long-term network capacity needs.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex network problems.
- Contacting manufacturers and vendors for warranty repairs and replacements.
- Monitored, analysed and reconfigured network environments to accommodate future scalability and improve performance.
- Interacted and negotiated with vendors and contractors to secure network products and services.
- Stayed abreast of latest industry trends by attending workshops and subscribing to relevant publications, thereby bringing innovative ideas to the table.
- Assisted team members in understanding complex networking concepts, enhancing team productivity.
- Conducted routine audits on network usage to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
IT Hardware Technician
Midlands State University
10.2010 - 07.2015
- Setting up hardware, installing and configuring software and drivers including Microsoft Office Suite
- PC and hardware maintenance
- Performing regular upgrades to ensure machines remain updated, Troubleshooting system failures and bugs and providing solutions to restore functionality
- Planning maintenance sessions to discover and mend inefficiencies
- Offering timely technical support and teaching users how to utilize computers effectively
- Setting up and supporting Video Conferencing
- Addressed user complaints regarding hardware issues promptly, fostering positive client relationships.
- Managed inventory of IT hardware supplies to ensure availability when needed.
- Collaborated on large-scale hardware installations for business expansion projects.
Branch Administrator
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
04.2001 - 04.2004
Debit Orders Supervisor
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
08.1999 - 03.2001
Debit Orders Administrator
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
06.1997 - 07.1999
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Honours - Computer Science
Midlands State University
GweruMaster of Science in Information Systems management - Information Systems
Midlands State University
Gweru2015
Skills
- Linux, Microsoft Windows 10, 11 and Win Server 2012, 2016, 2019 & 2022
- Microsoft 365, Active Directory, MS Intune
- Good interpersonal, written, and oral, confidence and ability to communicate with people of various backgrounds and culture
- ITIL4 Foundation
- CCNP ENCOR
- CCNA Certified (2016), CCNA Security, Fortinet Cybersecurity Certified, Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Networking
- Analytical Problem Solving
- Prioritisation
Custom
- Hardware and Software Configurations
- Team Player
- Cisco Wireless Routers and Switches
- Network Engineering
Personal Information
- Age / Date of birth: 08/29/76
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Zimbabwean
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Network Analyst (CoSE)
University of Glasgow
02.2025 - Current
Network and Infrastructure Engineer
St Georges School Edinburgh
06.2023 - 01.2025
Network Engineer
Midlands State University
08.2015 - 03.2023
IT Hardware Technician
Midlands State University
10.2010 - 07.2015
Branch Administrator
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
04.2001 - 04.2004
Debit Orders Supervisor
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
08.1999 - 03.2001
Debit Orders Administrator
Old Mutual Life Assurance Company
06.1997 - 07.1999
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Honours - Computer Science
Midlands State University
Master of Science in Information Systems management - Information Systems
Midlands State University
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