Patrick Walker

 Patrick Walker Senior System Administrator Efficient and conscientious with solid work ethic, bringing strong skills in IT infrastructure management, network security, and project coordination. Proven ability to lead teams, streamline operations, and implement effective technology solutions. Expertise in troubleshooting technical issues, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Seeking to leverage experience and skills as IT Manager.  -  -   Johannesburg, Gauteng 1709   linkedin.com/in/patrick-walker-it-tech   Skills   Systems Administration & IT Infrastructure: Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, Azure, Hybrid Cloud Management Networking & Cybersecurity: LAN/WAN, VPN, VLAN Optimisation, VoIP, Firewalls (Fortinet, Cyberoam, Cisco Meraki), Risk Mitigation, Compliance. Cloud Solutions & Migrations: Microsoft 365 Tenant-to-Tenant Migrations, Azure Infrastructure Deployment, PowerShell Automation. Technical Support & Problem Resolution: Incident & Change Management, Root Cause Analysis, Disaster Recovery & Backups. IT Strategy & Leadership: Team Mentorship, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Vendor Relations, Budget Control, IT Governance. Communication & Documentation: Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Writing, User Training, IT Compliance & Audit Reporting.   References     Elsebie Moore   Manager, For Goodness Sake (FGS) Bistro - .   -  -  Paul Catlett   Manager, Avianto Hotel And Corum Security - .   -  -  Experience     Senior Systems Administrator and IT Manager Avianto (Pty) Ltd   Jul 2024 – Present Muldersdrift   Spearheaded IT infrastructure recovery, restoring business-critical systems and raising uptime to 98%. Standardised Microsoft 365 configurations, improving user adoption and securing cloud-based collaboration. Investigated and resolved connectivity issues across VoIP, network, and system infrastructures, improving client communication and ensuring seamless remote access. Optimised configurations, diagnosed root causes, and implemented corrective measures to enhance reliability and efficiency. Managed IT operations, ensuring optimal system performance, proactive maintenance, and service continuity. Diagnosed and resolved hardware, software, network, and system issues. Collaborated with vendors, executives, and cross-functional teams to evaluate emerging technologies, negotiate contracts, and implement cost-effective IT solutions. Provided tailored training in both group sessions and one-on-one formats to meet the distinct needs of executives, managers, and general staff   Senior Cloud Migration Consultant Cloud Essentials (Pty) Ltd.   Mar 2021 – Jan 2024 Randburg   Led complex Microsoft 365 migrations, ensuring zero data loss and seamless transitions. Created comprehensive technical documentation, including solution architecture, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), migration runbooks, and post-migration reports. Ensured compliance, operational clarity, and stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle using industry best practices. Provided technical presales guidance, security assessments, and project consulting for enterprise clients. Delivered expert-level third-line support services. Resolved escalated issues across Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, and Entra ID, improving resolution time and user satisfaction. Functioned as a flexible technical lead across multiple projects, providing technical presales, security baseline assessments, and ad hoc projects.   Senior Network Administrator Spartan SME Finance (Pty) Ltd.   May 2011 – Feb 2021 Blairgowrie   Migrated legacy infrastructure to Microsoft 365 & Azure, improving scalability and reducing maintenance costs. Developed disaster recovery strategies to ensure compliance and business continuity, utilising scenario planning, testing, and Microsoft System Center DPM and Veeam backup solutions. Upgraded system security, optimising firewalls, encryption protocols, and access control measures. Managed Microsoft 365 and Azure services, including user provisioning, Exchange Online, OneDrive, Group Policies, SSL certificates, and domain configurations—enabling secure, efficient collaboration and cloud service delivery aligned to enterprise standards.   Education     Matric in Grade 12 Randpark High School       N3 National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Roodepoort Technical College       Computer Science Diploma Executive School for Computers       Certifications   Microsoft Certified Security Administrator Associate (MS-500) Microsoft Certified Information Protection Administrator Associate (SC-400) Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500) Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Cyberoam Certified Network & Security Professional CompTIA Network+ CompTIA A+ IT Technician   Website, Portfolio and Profiles   www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-walker-IT-Tech   Awards   Wikipedia award Exemplary Teamwork and Attitude Anchor Person Award CEO Award    ..