IT Operations and Management
IT Operations Management, Process Standardization, SOP Development, IT Governance, Policy Development, Budgeting, Vendor Management.
Deron Fingleson:
The Digital Architect
I am an IT leader with more than 10 years of experience directing infrastructure, operations, and enterprise systems across telecommunications, technology, and services organizations.
Professional Summary
I am an IT leader with more than 10 years of experience directing infrastructure, operations, and enterprise systems in telecommunications, technology, and services organizations. I design and implement cloud, security, and network solutions that improve reliability, reduce costs, and align with business priorities. I manage multimillion-rand budgets, negotiate vendor agreements, and lead the deployment of ERP, ITSM, HRIS, and collaboration platforms. I am known for improving operational efficiency, strengthening cybersecurity posture, and delivering scalable technology strategies that support organizational growth.
10+ years
Leadership experience
ZAR 10M+
Budget ownership
30+
Projects/year delivered
40%
Manual workload reduction
Core Competencies
Cloud Platforms and Infrastructure
Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Cloud Architecture, Infrastructure Design, Virtualization, Docker, Hyper-V, VMware.
Cybersecurity and Monitoring
Cybersecurity, SIEM Solutions, Microsoft Defender, Azure Defender, Endpoint Protection, Monitoring Tools, AIP, RMM Tools.
Enterprise Systems and Applications
ERP Implementation, HRIS Deployment, ITSM Systems, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, Collaboration Platforms.
Network and Systems Administration
Network Design, WAN, LAN, Cisco, Fortinet, Ubiquiti, Identity Management, Active Directory, Windows Server, Linux, macOS.
Project and Program Delivery
Project Management, Program Management, Technical Solution Design, Stakeholder Communication, Vendor Coordination.
Backup and Recovery
Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Continuity, Veeam, Azure Backup, Redundancy Solutions, Failover Mechanisms.
Automation and Scripting
Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Patch Automation, PowerShell, Terraform, GitLab.
Leadership and Strategic Management
Organizational Leadership, IT Strategy, People Management, Team Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Change Management, Strategic Planning.
Professional Experience
Sep 2025 - Present
Technology Consultant
Self-Employed
I provide independent consulting services focused on operational systems, automation, and cloud infrastructure for small and mid-sized organizations. My work centers on designing integrated technology solutions that streamline workflows, improve visibility across business operations, and reduce manual processes. I partner directly with business owners and leadership teams to assess operational challenges, implement automation platforms, and integrate systems across finance, infrastructure, and customer operations.
- Designed and implemented a custom loan management platform that integrates customer onboarding, loan tracking, repayment scheduling, and financial reporting into a unified system.
- Developed automated workflows that synchronize loan origination, disbursement tracking, repayment monitoring, and accounting records to reduce manual reconciliation.
- Built operational dashboards that consolidate loan portfolio performance, customer activity, and financial metrics into centralized reporting views for management oversight.
- Implemented automation and integration solutions connecting internal operational tools with accounting and reporting systems to improve financial transparency and operational control.
- Advised organizations on cloud infrastructure design, operational automation, and system architecture to support scalable service delivery environments.
Aug 2023 - Sep 2025
Head of IT Operations and IT Infrastructure
Zoom Fibre
I led IT operations and infrastructure strategy across the organization, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient technology delivery. I managed enterprise platforms, directed vendor projects, and implemented systems that support business scalability and compliance. My role involved aligning IT initiatives with organizational objectives, standardizing processes, and improving service delivery to meet operational and strategic needs.
- Managed vendor-led initiatives that supported the rollout of new product offerings, ensuring technical alignment and timely delivery with clear stakeholder communication.
- Directed deployment of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution across finance, supply chain, and operations by leading requirements, system configuration, and adoption strategy.
- Implemented a centralized IT service management (ITSM) tool that structured incident, problem, and change management with automated ticket handling and reporting.
- Redesigned Microsoft Azure architecture to strengthen security controls, improve scalability, and establish governance and monitoring protocols for compliance and stability.
Sep 2022 - Aug 2023
Solution Architect
GIBS
As Solution Architect, I was responsible for designing and implementing technology solutions that strengthened system reliability, optimized security, and improved operational efficiency. I provided subject matter expertise on Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft 365, ensuring solutions aligned with business requirements and industry standards.
- Designed and deployed disaster recovery and redundancy solutions across core systems, increasing uptime by 30 percent through tested failover and continuity plans.
- Automated third-party patching through Microsoft Endpoint Manager, reducing manual workloads by 40 percent while improving security compliance.
- Served as subject matter expert for Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Defender, and Microsoft 365, providing technical guidance to business and IT teams.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to translate infrastructure needs into scalable technical designs with architecture documentation for long-term stability.
Aug 2021 - Sep 2022
Head of IT
IOT.NXT
As Head of IT, I was responsible for leading technology operations, infrastructure, and security across the organization. I managed multimillion-rand budgets, designed resilient network and system architectures, and implemented security technologies to protect business-critical assets while aligning IT strategy with organizational goals.
- Implemented a security information and event management (SIEM) solution with alerting protocols and reporting frameworks that improved monitoring and response capability.
- Designed and deployed a new head office network architecture, reducing latency by 25 percent through performance assessments and routing optimization.
- Managed an IT budget exceeding ZAR 10 million and achieved measurable savings through renegotiated vendor agreements and service consolidation.
- Directed IT operations and infrastructure projects with balanced performance, cost, and security outcomes through effective vendor management and policy development.
May 2019 - Aug 2021
IT Manager
BitCo Telecoms
As IT Manager, I oversaw technology operations, system administration, and project delivery across the organization. I directed infrastructure upgrades, led application deployments, and ensured secure, standardized user access and collaboration while supporting business growth through reliable technology delivery.
- Directed migration from Dropbox to Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint, enabling centralized collaboration and more secure file management.
- Implemented Active Directory across the organization, standardizing identity and access management with role-based controls and governance policies.
- Managed an annual portfolio of more than 30 IT and software development projects, coordinating resources, timelines, and outcomes.
- Oversaw day-to-day infrastructure, network, and end-user support operations while introducing structured IT processes and documentation.
Apr 2016 - Apr 2019
IT Manager
Mann Made
As IT Manager, I led technology operations, infrastructure, and event-specific connectivity solutions. I implemented enterprise collaboration platforms, developed business continuity strategies, and introduced technology solutions supporting both daily operations and large-scale events.
- Transitioned the organization to Google Workspace, reducing operational costs by 20 percent through planned migration and user enablement.
- Designed and deployed a mobile event wireless internet solution that significantly improved connectivity reliability under high demand.
- Led disaster recovery planning through recovery procedures, risk assessments, and backup strategies to maintain continuity during service disruptions.
- Directed daily IT operations across system administration, networking, and user support with standardized processes for scalability and consistency.
Jan 2013 - Apr 2016
IT Specialist
Self-Employed
As an independent IT Specialist, I delivered tailored technology solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. My work focused on cloud adoption, infrastructure design, and modernization of legacy environments through scalable implementations aligned to business needs.
- Provided customized IT solutions including cloud adoption strategies, infrastructure planning, implementation, and support.
- Migrated clients from legacy systems to modern SaaS platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 with structured transition plans.
- Designed and deployed scalable cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments aligned with client growth and industry standards.
- Advised clients on technology investments, vendor selection, and process improvements to reduce costs and improve reliability.
Education
Advanced Diploma in Information Resource Management (NQF7)
UNISA, 2022
Diploma in Network Systems (NQF6)
Boston City Campus, 2016 - 2018
Certifications
Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (2025)
MTCNA, Mikrotik (2019)
References available upon request.
Let's Connect
Open to leadership and consulting opportunities in IT operations, cloud, infrastructure, and enterprise platforms.
Sandton, Gauteng, South Africa