Martin Oliver

Head of IT Operations and Innovation | IT Strategist | Technology Transformation Leader | Driving Business Excellence | Tech Visionary | Innovating the Future of IT | Operations Management

City of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

About

I've been in the world of technology for over 25 years, where I've led and managed IT operations and transformation in various industries, from IT consulting and mining to logistics and the automobile sector. ⬥ What I'm Great At ⬥ My expertise lies in two key areas: IT Operations and Strategic Infrastructure Management. That means I've handled a lot of different challenges. ⬥ Top Achievements ⬥ One of the standout moments of my career was when I led the successful separation of Avis (Leading car rental in SA) from Barloworld (Logistics Company). I created a strong team, set industry standards, and made sure everything was secure. We aced a cybersecurity audit, showing our dedication to keeping data safe. More recently, I took on the challenge of managing IT security. This involved setting up strong controls, outsourcing certain tasks, and managing various security aspects, like keeping networks and systems safe, responding to issues, staying compliant with regulations, and managing risks. ⬥ My Mission ⬥ I keep things simple, I want to make IT excellent and ensure it helps businesses succeed. I'm all about encouraging innovation and flexibility in the IT department. Looking ahead, I'm committed to keeping our technology up to date with industry standards and rules while making sure everything runs efficiently and securely. I thrive on challenges and love coming up with practical solutions. I'm skilled at communication, presenting ideas, and creating straightforward strategies. I see potential in every situation and seize new opportunities. I've spent seven years as an IT Manager in a bustling Infrastructure setup, serving 4500 users and creating tailored IT systems to meet business needs. I know the tech landscape like the back of my hand and can find the best solutions for specific business requirements. Let's connect and explore the possibilities.🤝

Experience

  • Head of Information Technology at AVIS Southern Africa
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    I led the unbundling of Avis from Barloworld, transforming it into an independent entity with a robust infrastructure and operations team while ensuring compliance with industry standards. This endeavor included orchestrating a successful audit of our cyber controls, underlining our unwavering commitment to data security. Furthermore, I assumed the role of heading up IT security, where I developed comprehensive controls covering network security, operating system security, incident response, threat intelligence, regulatory compliance, and risk management. These achievements underscore my dedication to ensuring efficiency, innovation, and security in the world of IT leadership. ◉ Spearheads collaboration with executives to develop performance goals and long-term operational plans for Avis. ◉ Streamlines and optimises IT processes to enhance operational efficiency. ◉ Leads the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure platforms, both on-premises and in the cloud, aligning with business expectations. ◉ Assumes ownership of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line support functions, covering networking, telecoms, servers, storage, databases, and end-user compute infrastructure. ◉ Implements and vigilantly monitors the IT Security Framework, mitigating risks and ensuring quality assurance. ◉ Revolutionises operational processes and fosters interdepartmental collaboration to maximise efficiency and productivity.

  • Group Head of IT Operations at Barloworld Limited
    Apr 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 6 mos

    I collaborated with executives to develop long-term operational plans, improve interdepartmental collaboration, and establish strategic efficiency goals. My responsibilities included analysing and optimising operational processes, implementing systems to track project progress, and managing relationships with department heads and external vendors. I focused on metrics, expense management, budgeting, and the successful implementation of technology solutions across the organisation. I managed Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Operational Level Agreements (OLA) with Technology Department Line Managers and negotiated vendor contracts. My oversight extended to IT services, IT infrastructure, and project implementation, ensuring Barloworld's operations ran smoothly and efficiently. ◉ Led collaborative strategy development with executives to align IT strategies with Barloworld's objectives, fostering a cohesive approach. ◉ Initiated process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration to streamline and optimise operational efficiency, boosting productivity and resource utilisation. ◉ Defined strategic goals to enhance operation efficiency, resulting in increased productivity and robust resource management for sustained growth. ◉ Directed and oversaw current operational processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions, resulting in improved overall performance. ◉ Pioneered the creation, implementation, and monitoring of day-to-day operational systems and processes, providing transparent visibility into goals, progress, and project obstacles, enhancing workflow. ◉ Developed and maintained influential relationships with department heads and external vendors, enabling data-driven decisions that elevated operational excellence and accomplished strategic goals, ensuring alignment with vendors and stakeholders.

  • Senior Manager IT Operations at Barloworld Automotive and Logistics
    Jul 2018 - Oct 2019 · 1 yr 4 mos

    I manage technology implementation projects to support Barloworld's growth. My role involves overseeing various aspects, from technology procurement and setup to addressing data concerns and providing go-live support. This encompasses coordinating and executing the successful adoption of new technologies and systems that contribute to our company's expansion and success. ◉ Coordinated technology implementation projects vital for Barloworld's expansion, overseeing procurement, setup, data management, and go-live support, resulting in seamless growth support. ◉ Established and executed both short- and long-term organisational strategies within the designated IT operations domain, driving efficiency and effectiveness. ◉ Offered strategic counsel to leadership, contributing to the development, implementation, and assessment of operating policies, practices, and procedures, leading to enhanced operational excellence. ◉ Provided expert guidance to faculty and staff, serving as the primary point of contact for all matters within the specified IT operations focus, ensuring a well-informed and proficient workforce. ◉ Cultivated regular communication with EXCO and information services users, cultivating strong relationships and maintaining transparency throughout the organisation.

  • IT Manager at NuDebt Management (Pty) Ltd
    Feb 2017 - Jun 2018 · 1 yr 5 mos

    I led a team of seven IT staff members, overseeing various aspects like recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and management. Effective communication with management and end-users was a key component of my role, and I successfully project-managed the transition of our servers and telecommunication solutions to Cloud-based systems, enhancing overall efficiency. ◉ Managed the full spectrum of IT systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, telephony, software applications, and peripherals, ensuring seamless deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrades, and support. ◉ Provided expert guidance during systems upgrades, installations, conversions, and file maintenance, ensuring minimal disruption and optimal performance. ◉ Orchestrated systems development and integration, aligning new technologies with existing systems to enhance overall operational efficiency. ◉ Collaborated with the CIO to formulate strategic plans that enhanced client services, improved user effectiveness, and accelerated innovation, resulting in a more agile and competitive IT environment.

  • IT Infrastructure Manager at Stuttafords
    Nov 2015 - Jan 2017 · 1 yr 3 mos

    I oversaw a team of seven IT professionals, handling everything from their recruitment to system maintenance. My role included system upgrades, integrating new tech, and collaborating with the CIO to enhance our services and innovation. ◉ Supervised a team of seven IT professionals, overseeing their recruitment, training, performance assessments, guidance, and when necessary, disciplinary actions, ensuring a skilled and effective IT workforce. ◉ Directed the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrades, and support of comprehensive IT systems, encompassing servers, PCs, operating systems, telephony, software applications, and peripherals. ◉ Provided expert guidance during systems upgrades, installations, conversions, and file maintenance, ensuring a seamless transition and optimal system performance. ◉ Collaborated with the CIO to strategise and plan for improved client services, enhanced user productivity, and accelerated innovation, resulting in a more agile and competitive IT infrastructure. ◉ Managed servers, security solutions, network hardware and equipment, optimising their functionality and performance.