Open To Work
James Kiarie
Nairobi
Summary
Accomplished IT leader with over 12 years of experience in various sectors and currently in the renewable energy and fund investment space. As Global Head of IT, led project management, IT security, and system administration initiatives. Managed diverse teams across Europe, Africa, and Asia while driving organizational goals through strategy, innovation and leadership.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Manager - Global
Berkeley-Energy
Nairobi
01.2023 - Current
- Led Information Technology team to optimize performance of all IT functions.
- Manage a 200K USD IT budget to ensure proper resource planning and allocation to all geographies and portfolios.
- Working closely with the executive team to restructure the IT strategy and approach to support the new business needs.
- Established asset management practices to track technological assets from purchase to disposal and improved resource optimization by 15%.
- Led a global disaster recovery exercise following the newly developed disaster recovery plan and business continuity plan document.
- Implemented and enforced use of the IT service-desk having leveraged on workflows and automation to improve service delivery by 26%.
- Implemented Azure Information Protection to harden data protection especially of data in transit by introducing sensitivity labels as well as application protection policies for BYOD users.
- Managed a project to migrate Sage 200 from a Linux server hosted on Linode to a hosted Windows server on Azure. Improved service uptime to 99% and saved 13% of cost.
- Managed cybersecurity protocols to safeguard sensitive data and systems against threats.
- Developed IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Mentored junior IT staff to enhance skill development and promote knowledge sharing.
- Globally managed several satellite IT locations, maintaining secure and operational corporate infrastructure.
IT Specialist
Berkeley-Energy
Nairobi
04.2020 - Current
- Successfully implemented Microsoft Teams for corporate collaboration and communication across markets in Europe, Africa and Asia during the pandemic ensuring business continuity.
- Coordinated with HR team to transition to BambooHR for HR information management, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility.
- Created SharePoint team sites for document management and team collaboration while employing best practice role-based access assignments through security groups.
- Ensured security of all end points by managing the antivirus system, hardware and operating system patches as well as encryption and compliance checks.
- Introduced automation of the on-boarding workflow by use of Microsoft Power Automate to improve efficiency and have accurate records.
- Managed user licenses, ensuring timely payments and strategic purchases to optimize costs and support organizational goals.
- Handled budgets for hardware and software across the markets ensuring in line purchases as well as renewals.
- Managed and updated the company IT inventory recording both hardware and software cost and tracking usage as well as planning for replacements, upgrades or disposal by using an elaborate life-cycle that I introduced.
- Contributed to development of IT security policies and implemented system changes to strengthen company processes and security posture.
- Trained end users on how to use new systems and technologies effectively.
ICT Manager
Hemingways Collection
Nairobi
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Led IT strategy and operations for luxury hospitality brand initiatives.
- Successfully introduced Active directory and GPO for better user and company resource management.
- Introduced VM replication in line with business continuity plan (BCP) KPI hence securing company data as well as ensuring high availability.
- Co-authored and implemented acceptable use ICT policy to enhance ICT governance.
- Coordinated vendor relationships for hardware and software procurement.
- Managed the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems.
- Facilitated capacity building on Office 365 suite to automate processes and promote a paper-light operation.
- Identified cost-saving opportunities through streamlined IT processes.
- Established security protocols to protect data from unauthorized access or modification.
- Maintained strong knowledge of applicable regulations to guarantee that designs, operations and IT systems met those requirements.
ICT Manager
Gelian Hotel
Machakos
06.2015 - 12.2016
- Strategy, planning and implementation. worked with management to chart a 5 year business plan for the ICT department.
- Managed vendor on-boarding and SLA negotiations to secure optimal deals and quality service from providers.
- Coordinated vendor relationships for hardware and software procurement, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.
- Established ICT Helpdesk aligned with ITIL standards, enhancing service delivery for internal clients.
- Set up VLANs on a network that was flat hence increasing network optimisation and security.
- Oversaw cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data.
- Implemented IT policies ensuring compliance with industry standards.
IT Assistant
Sarova Stanley
Nairobi
12.2012 - 06.2015
- Managed the scheduling and periodic testing of backups with App Assure and Symantec BackupExec.
- Maintained accurate inventory list and implemented ICT equipment life cycle management process, resulting in improved equipment tracking.
- Executed planned preventive maintenance on schedule and documented results for future reference.
- Trained ICT interns, many of whom advanced to IT Assistants and managers in prominent Kenyan establishments.
End User Support Lead
Liquid Telecom
Nairobi
03.2012 - 12.2012
- Conducted regular training sessions for users and administration on best practices for utilizing services and equipment effectively.
- Executed health checks and hardware diagnostics on PCs and peripheral devices, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of systems.
- Performed equipment maintenance and facilitated user data backups, supporting data integrity and system functionality.
Education
Master of Science - Information Technology
Strathmore University
Nairobi03-2028
Bachelor - Business Management and Information Technology
Kabarak University
Nakuru12-2011
Kenya Certificate of Secondary School Education - Kisumu
Maseno School
Kisumu12-2007
Skills
- Azure cloud services
- Cloud infrastructure management
- Information security management
- SharePoint solutions
- Technical support
- Troubleshooting IT issues
- Project coordination
- Vendor management
- Financial planning
- Training programs
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
French
Intermediate (B1)
B1
Swahili
Native
Native
Accomplishments
CIO100 Gold Winner
References
References available upon request
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimePart TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
Sh65000/yr - Sh200000/yrTimeline
IT Manager - Global
Berkeley-Energy
01.2023 - Current
IT Specialist
Berkeley-Energy
04.2020 - Current
ICT Manager
Hemingways Collection
01.2017 - 03.2020
ICT Manager
Gelian Hotel
06.2015 - 12.2016
IT Assistant
Sarova Stanley
12.2012 - 06.2015
End User Support Lead
Liquid Telecom
03.2012 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Information Technology
Strathmore University
Bachelor - Business Management and Information Technology
Kabarak University
Kenya Certificate of Secondary School Education - Kisumu
Maseno School