Role Purpose:
The Operational Technology Business Systems Controller is responsible for managing, supporting, maintaining, and continuously improving EPOL’s operational technology and business systems across feed mill operations, central control, and shared support functions. The role acts as the critical link between operations, laboratory, engineering, and IT to ensure systems are stable, secure, integrated, and aligned to business priorities. The incumbent drives availability, data integrity, process optimisation, business intelligence, and innovation across production systems, while ensuring that platforms remain supported, patched, resilient, and fit for purpose in a modern manufacturing environment.
Requirements:
· Diploma or advanced qualification in Information Technology, Network Administration, Computer Systems, Operational Technology, or a related field.
· Relevant Microsoft infrastructure certifications such as MCSE, MCTS, MCITP, or equivalent practical experience.
· Additional vendor or specialist certifications in server, desktop, backup, continuity, or OT-related platforms are advantageous.
· At least 8–10 years’ progressively responsible experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, operational technology, or industrial business systems support.
· Demonstrated experience supporting manufacturing, feed, laboratory, plant, or industrial environments with high availability requirements.
· Hands-on experience with Server environments, Active Directory, Network Services, virtualization, backup and recovery, and systems integration.
· Experience with SQL, Historian, database administration, reporting, dashboards development, and data-driven operational support.
· Exposure to SCADA, PLC control platforms are strongly preferred.
· Experience in leading support services, coordinating vendors, and managing incidents across multiple sites or business-critical environments.
· Working knowledge of cyber-security, patching, disaster recovery, and data governance principles in OT or hybrid IT/OT environments.
· Knowledge of POPIA and related governance requirements is advantageous.
Role Scope:·
· Operational responsibility across multiple feed mills, central control, and related support services.
· Operational plant control systems, SCADA and automation environments.
· Operational databases, dashboards, and reporting platforms.
· Technical and laboratory system integration.
· Operational technology production networks and cyber-security controls.
· Business applications supporting production, quality, maintenance, and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities:
· Align operational technology and business systems with operational requirements, business priorities, and Rainbow IT/OT standards.
· Administer, support, and maintain operational systems including plant control, SCADA, historian, dashboards, databases, and supporting applications.
· Ensure all supported systems remain at approved and supported versions across applications, operating systems, databases, hardware, firmware, and virtual infrastructure.
· Plan and execute system upgrades, patches, fixes, and lifecycle activities to maintain performance, security, and supportability.
· Manage system integrations between plant systems, laboratory instruments, ERP, reporting tools, and other business applications to ensure reliable data flow and process visibility.
· Monitor system health, uptime, backups, recovery readiness, and performance trends, and proactively resolve risks before they impact production.
· Support SQL environments, database administration, data extraction, reporting, and troubleshooting to enable accurate operational and management information.
· Drive business intelligence and dashboard capability, including support for reporting tools and data visualisation platforms.
· Administer user access, permissions, segregation of duties, and security controls in line with governance and cyber-security requirements.
· Lead and coordinate incident management for operational technology outages and performance issues, ensuring timely restoration of service and clear stakeholder communication.
· Develop and maintain system documentation, architecture records, standard operating procedures, recovery procedures, and configuration management records.
· Partner with mill operations, engineering, quality, laboratory, and IT teams to identify productivity improvement opportunities and convert them into system-enabled solutions.
· Provide user training, coaching, and support documentation to improve adoption, standardisation, and effective use of systems.
· Identify and implement continuous improvement, automation, and innovation initiatives, including responsible use of AI-enabled tools where appropriate.
· Support vendor management and work with external service providers to resolve incidents, implement changes, and maintain service quality.
Technical Competencies
· Windows desktop and server administration across legacy and current environments.
· Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, domain services, and network troubleshooting.
· VMware, Hyper-V, virtual server administration, and infrastructure support.
· SQL Server support, backups, query troubleshooting, and database maintenance.
· SCADA, plant control systems, historian platforms, and systems integration.
· Backup technologies, disaster recovery testing, and business continuity controls.
· Endpoint protection, firewalling, system hardening, and security patching.
· Power BI or equivalent reporting and dashboard tools.
· Printer, scanner, thin-client, workstation, server, and peripheral support in operational environments.
· Documentation, CMDB discipline, standard operating procedures, and change control.
Behavioral Competencies
· Highly self-motivated and able to work independently.
· Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
· Target driven, goal focused, and results oriented.
· Strong analytical thinking and structured problem solving.
· Assertive, dependable, and able to operate effectively under pressure.
· Excellent presentation and reporting skills.
· High attention to detail and commitment to service quality.
· Strong customer service mindset with the ability to support operational users effectively.
· Available to travel between production facilities for support and project implementation.