Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Skills And Experience
References
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Hi, I’m

NICHOLAS ABAKI

OTIENO
NAIROBI
NICHOLAS ABAKI

Summary

Seasoned IT Manager with over 14 years of experience in leading enterprise IT infrastructure, ERP systems, cybersecurity, and digital transformation projects across manufacturing, hospitality, and automotive sectors. Proven expertise in managing cross-functional teams, implementing SAP and Microsoft Dynamics ERP systems, optimizing IT operations, and aligning technology with business objectives. Adept at ensuring high availability, data security, and operational excellence.

Overview

18
years of professional experience

Work History

Safal Group of Companies

Business / Technology Analyst
01.2020 - Current

Job overview

  • Designed and implemented data access solutions in SAP BW based on clearly defined business requirements.
  • Interpreted and translated business data needs into technical specifications by: Understanding the underlying data available in BW from a business perspective.
  • Identifying how end users prefer to analyze and consume this data.
  • Developing tailored reporting solutions that align with business KPIs and reporting structures.
  • Led the creation of technical and functional specifications for BI reports across core SAP modules, including: Sales and Distribution (SD), Materials Management (MM), Finance and Controlling (FICO), Production Planning (PP), Plant Maintenance (PM).
  • Validated and tested BI reports to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and alignment with SAP transactional data.
  • Collaborated with business users for UAT (User Acceptance Testing) and iterative improvements.
  • System Installation & Configuration, Transport Management, System Monitoring & Performance Tuning, Database Administration, Patches, Upgrades & Migrations, Job Scheduling & Background Processing, Security & Compliance.
  • Integration Planning & Strategy, Project Leadership, Technical Oversight, Stakeholder Management, Governance & Compliance.
  • SAC Report Management, Power Bi Management, SAP ENABLE NOW Leaning Tool, RRA/KRA/TIMS/URA Interface Management, Jenga Hub Management, Barcode Stock Management.
  • Legacy server Management in AWS, Sage Support - Payroll and user portal, VPN Support, Cyber Security support, Weighbridge Management, Server Management for all Revenue Authority within Group.

Mabati Rolling Mills

ICT Officer/Analyst
01.2019 - 01.2020

Job overview

  • Manage, maintain, and troubleshoot IT systems, servers, and applications.
  • Provide L1/L2 support for users, ensuring minimal downtime.
  • Administer ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Solomon).
  • Ensure data integrity, role management, and process standardization.
  • Oversee LAN/WAN.

Royal Mabati Limited

IT Manager
01.2018 - 01.2019

Job overview

  • Maintain and support hardware (servers, workstations, printers, networking equipment, barcode scanners, handheld devices).
  • Oversee and manage factory LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi coverage, and network security.
  • Implement and maintain data backup, disaster recovery, and redundancy plans.
  • Management of EBIZ (Oracle System), Management of Roles and Authorizations.
  • Management of access controls, firewalls, antivirus, and endpoint security measures within the Company.
  • Conduct regular system audits to ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, data protection).
  • Train staff on cybersecurity awareness.
  • Manage relationships with IT service providers, software vendors, and equipment suppliers.
  • Lead IT-related projects like system upgrades, software rollouts, or automation initiatives which are done quarterly and yearly.
  • Negotiate service-level agreements (SLAs) with ISPS like Safaricom and Liquid.

Tata International Ltd

IT Manager
01.2013 - 01.2018

Job overview

  • Led the implementation, customization, and maintenance of Microsoft Dynamics Navision (versions 5.0, 2013, and 2015) across multiple departments (Motor, Steel, John Deere, Pharmaceutical, and ICT divisions).
  • Configured financial modules, executed fine-tuning, and created customized reports to meet business needs.
  • Developed ERP policies, SOPs, and role matrices for improved security and process control.
  • Provided ERP end-user training on upgrades, patches, and customized features.
  • Oversaw integration, data importation, backup, and password/security management in Ebiz and other ERP platforms.
  • Managed Tally ERP, including role creation, report valuation, and tabulation for finance and stock analysis.
  • Supported finance teams with costing, profit analysis, monthly stock aging, and product movement reports.
  • Managed the organization's LAN, WAN, MPLS, and VPN infrastructure, supporting nearly 400 users across multiple countries.
  • Oversaw server virtualization (three servers on one host) and implemented remote access for cross-branch ERP usage.
  • Supervised network operations for Mombasa and Athi River branches to ensure business continuity.
  • Installed, configured, and maintained workstations, servers, and network equipment.

Hillpark Group of Hotels (Bawan Limited)

IT Manager
01.2009 - 01.2013

Job overview

  • Maintain and troubleshoot the hotel's LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi networks, network switches, and Cisco routers.
  • Administer hotel servers (e.g., HP ProLiant) including performance monitoring, updates, and backups.
  • Configure and maintain wireless access points, boosters, and guest network systems.
  • Manage and maintain hotel-specific systems such as Ving card and RFLOCK access control, ensuring proper card encoding and door lock functionality.
  • Support and configure Micros, POS (Point of Sale), and other operational software.
  • Oversee implementation and maintenance of group policies, local security policies, and user rights for hotel systems.
  • Administer SQL Server and Oracle databases, including troubleshooting, backups, and performance optimization.
  • Develop and maintain costing procedures, primary keys, and journal entries in SQL for back-office operations.
  • Support data import/export processes and ensure database integrity.
  • Manage Active Directory for hotel staff, including account creation, domain configuration, and access control.
  • Ensure compliance with IT security protocols, encryption standards, and antivirus updates.
  • Implement and maintain system authentication methods and role-based permissions.
  • Provide first-line and escalated technical support to hotel staff for hardware, software, and network issues.
  • Conduct regular preventive maintenance of IT hardware, software, and hospitality systems.
  • Coordinate with vendors for hardware replacement, system upgrades, and software troubleshooting.

Parklands Shade Hotel (K1/Kahama Group of Hotels)

Systems Administrator
01.2008 - 01.2009

Job overview

  • Administer and maintain servers (Windows/Linux), storage systems, and network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls).
  • Ensure uptime and performance of hotel-specific systems including: IRIS/EBIZ and Micros.
  • Manage LAN, WAN, and Wi-Fi networks, ensuring high availability for guest and staff use.
  • Configure and monitor network security measures, including firewalls, antivirus, and intrusion prevention systems.
  • Troubleshoot connectivity issues for both guest-facing and internal systems.
  • Install, configure, and update hotel software systems.
  • Support integration between PMS, POS, accounting, booking engines, and channel managers.
  • Provide helpdesk support to hotel staff on IT-related issues.
  • Conduct training sessions on system use, security awareness, and new technology.
  • Document IT procedures and maintain a knowledge base.

Education

Kenyatta University

MBA
03.2026

Kurukshetra University

BIM - Bachelor of Information Management
01.2007

Skills

  • ERP Systems & Configuration
  • SAP (SD, MM, FICO, PM, PP)
  • ECC
  • S/4HANA
  • Business One
  • Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision)
  • INCADEA
  • Equip John Deere financial systems
  • ERP process definition
  • Configuration
  • Maintenance
  • Project Coordinator
  • Database Administration & Development
  • Database design
  • Troubleshooting
  • Oracle
  • SQL
  • Running scripts
  • Editing scripts
  • Diagnosing scripts
  • Oracle E-Business Suite
  • Project Management
  • IT Strategy
  • Managing complex IT projects
  • Planning
  • Implementation
  • Aligning technology with business goals
  • Delivering results
  • Technical Support
  • Systems Administration
  • Hardware support
  • Software support
  • Front office systems
  • LAN/WAN administration
  • Systems installation
  • Network security solutions
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Excellent listener
  • Proactive communicator
  • Builds rapport
  • Effective team player
  • Planning strengths
  • Organizational strengths

Accomplishments

  • Developed Dashboards for reporting at Safal of Reporting's (BI/SAC/BOBJ)
  • Developed Ticketing tool for ECC- this was used for SLA's
  • Created SD/Logistics Blueprint for MRM
  • Project lead Coordinator of Incadea to Navision 2015 Migration
  • Project Lead of Equip migration to Navision at Tata Holdings
  • Developed Enable Now for Learning
  • Led the Integration of SAP with TIMS for Kenya Revenue Authority
  • Led the Integration SAP with EFRIS for Uganda Revenue Authority
  • Led the Integration of SAP with RRA for Rwanda Revenue Authority
  • Designed and Implemented migration of All Safal Legacy Servers installation On AWS and On-Prem
  • Designed and implemented SAP Enable Now for Safal Group - Training app
  • Designed SAC and Implemented SAC Dashboards for Safal Group
  • Assisted in Designing SAP App for Weighbridge integration with SAP
  • Assisted in implementation of SDWAN for MRM

Skills And Experience

Expertise in SAP (SD, MM, FICO, PM, PP), including ECC (Basis), S/4HANA, and Business One, Proficient in Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), INCADEA, and Equip John Deere financial systems, Strong skills in ERP process definition, configuration, and maintenance, Experienced Project Coordinator for integrations of ERP, Database design, maintenance, and troubleshooting using Oracle and SQL, Skilled in running, editing, and diagnosing scripts in Oracle E-Business Suite, Experienced in managing complex IT projects from planning to implementation, Adept at aligning technology with business goals and delivering results on time and budget, Hardware and software support for front office systems, Proficient in LAN/WAN administration, systems installation, and network security solutions, Excellent listener and proactive communicator, Builds rapport across cultures and organizational levels, Effective team player with planning and organizational strengths

References

  • Mr. Sammy Wakaimba, Director K1 Klubhouse, Director@kahamagroup.com, 0722399842
  • Mrs. Jeananne Wanjui, General Manager - Hillpark Hotel, Ciiru@hillparkhotel.com, 0723359334
  • Mr. Kizito Savali, Head of Finance - Tata International Ltd, Kizito.savali@tatainternational.com, +254 721 323824

Hobbies and Interests

  • Playing football
  • Swimming
  • Playing guitar

Timeline

Business / Technology Analyst

Safal Group of Companies
01.2020 - Current

ICT Officer/Analyst

Mabati Rolling Mills
01.2019 - 01.2020

IT Manager

Royal Mabati Limited
01.2018 - 01.2019

IT Manager

Tata International Ltd
01.2013 - 01.2018

IT Manager

Hillpark Group of Hotels (Bawan Limited)
01.2009 - 01.2013

Systems Administrator

Parklands Shade Hotel (K1/Kahama Group of Hotels)
01.2008 - 01.2009

Kenyatta University

MBA

Kurukshetra University

BIM - Bachelor of Information Management
NICHOLAS ABAKIOTIENO