Smelter Operation Readiness - Superintendent Network, Wireless & Control Systems

The purpose of this position is:

The Superintendent Network, Wireless and Control Systems will be responsible for managing a team of network support technicians overseeing and managing the technical operations and infrastructure of the various wired and wireless network systems, both for business administration and smelter process control.

This role will work closely with production teams, other engineers, and management to identify and solve process control issues, and ensure that production processes are efficient, reliable and safe.

This position will oversee the day-to-day operations of the team, ensuring that the team is able to maintain and troubleshoot network systems, monitor network performance, and respond to technical issues in a timely and effective manner.

This supervisory position is to ensure that the network infrastructure is secure, stable, operates effectively and efficiently, with minimal downtime and disruptions, and meets the organizations requirements.

The key duties and responsibilities of this position are:

• Planning and implementing network infrastructure upgrades, such as upgrading hardware, software and security protocols and ensure these upgrades are implemented in a timely and efficient manner.
• Managing network operations, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the companys business and process control networks across multiple sites. This includes ensuring that the network is functioning properly, troubleshooting any issues that arise, and making sure that all network systems are running smoothly.
• Recruiting, training and mentor new and existing network technicians and evaluating the performance of support technicians.
• Participate in the development and implementation of IT projects related to network infrastructure.
• Leading a team of network technicians who are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting the network. Provide guidance, support, and training to the team to ensure that they can perform their duties effectively.
• Ensure the timely and accurate reporting of network related issues and resolutions in accordance with ITSM standards.
• Managing network security, ensuring that the network is secure from unauthorized access or cyber-attacks. Must implement and manage security protocols, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control policies.
• Monitoring network performance, to identify potential issues and address them before they become major problems. Ensure that the network is performing at optimal levels to meet the needs of the organization.
• Budgeting and resource management, of the network support team and ensure that resources are used effectively to support the organizations goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with production teams, management, and other engineers to identify process control problems, analyze data, and propose solutions.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, including network diagrams, inventory lists and maintenance schedules.

The key challenges in this position include:

• Hazardous Environment: Smelting operations can be dangerous, the network and wireless supervisor must be aware of and follow strict safety protocols when visiting and working in these environments, using specialized protective gear to ensure safety.
• Prioritizing Tasks: This supervisory position will need to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to ensure that all issues are addressed in a timely and efficient manner. You will on occasion need to prioritize urgent issues and handle conflicting demands from different stakeholders.
• High Pressure Environment: Mining and smelting operations are often high-pressure environments where downtime can result in significant financial losses, and as a supervisor, you may need to deal with high-pressure situations where time is of the essence. You need to be able to make quick decisions and take appropriate actions to resolve issues promptly.
• Managing a Team: One of the biggest challenges will be managing a team of network support technicians, including subordinates from various ethnicities, religions, and cultures, to maximize their full potential, this includes hiring, training, coaching and performance management. This can be challenging, especially when dealing with conflicts and differing highly technical opinions.
• Equipment Maintenance: Network systems requires frequent maintenance and repairs. As a network and wireless supervisor, you will need to coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure that equipment downtime is minimized, and network connectivity is restored as quickly as possible.
• Resolving Complex and Technical Issues: This role will be responsible for handling complex technical issues that the team may not be able to resolve on their own. This requires a strong technical background and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems quickly.
• Meeting Service Level Agreements: Responsible for ensuring that your team meets the service level agreements set by the organization. This requires effective communication with other departments and stakeholder to ensure that service expectations are met.
• Staff Retention: In remote locations, attracting and retaining skilled staff can be a challenge. This supervisory position must create an environment that fosters a positive workplace culture and provides opportunities for professional growth and development to retain staff.
• Ensuring Compliance with Regulations: There are numerous government regulations that govern the use and management of computer networks. As a supervisor, you need to ensure that your team is following the regulations and implementing appropriate security measures to protect the network and sensitive data.
• Keeping up with Technological Advancements: The world of networking technology is constantly evolving, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. It is important to stay up to date with industry trends and advancement to ensure that the team is providing the best possible support. This means you need to invest time and resources in continuous learning and development.
• Managing Customer Expectations: Customers may have high expectations with the resources and capabilities of the team. Effective communication and managing expectations can help mitigate these challenges.
• Data Security: The metals industry relies heavily on data to make informed decisions. As a network and wireless supervisor, you will need to ensure that the network is secure from unauthorized access and that sensitive data is protected from cyber threats.

The background, education, and work experience needed to succeed in this job are:

Minimum Education & Experience

• Certification, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• 5+ Years of experience in network support and management at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related field.

Core Competencies (Knowledge, Skills & Characters)

• Strong knowledge and understanding of process control systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and other data acquisition systems.
• Experience in managing and mentoring a team of network support technicians.
• Strong knowledge of business network infrastructure and design including TCP/IP, IP telephone systems, digital trunk radio, network protocols, fiber optic / ethernet cabling standards and AC/DC power systems.
• Experience in mining or process automation industries is a plus.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English, technical and conversational.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to troubleshoot network issues and provide technical support.
• Experience managing and maintaining large-scale network infrastructure.
• Knowledge of network security, data protection and disaster recovery.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations in the metal processing industry.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

The key areas in which you have decision-making responsibility are:

• Evaluating New Technologies: Evaluate new technologies and tools that can improve the support services provided by the team. This includes evaluating new software applications, hardware and other technologies that can enhance the user experience.
• Network Capacity & Maintenance: Making decisions related to network capacity and maintenance, such as scheduling downtime for upgrades or repairs, and ensuring that the network is operating at optimal levels.
• Incident Management: Prioritizing incidents based on severity and impact, assigning incidents to support staff, and ensuring that incidents are resolved within agreed-upon service level agreements.
• Continuous Improvement: Continually evaluate the effectiveness of support service and make decision to improve processes, procedures, and training programs to enhance the quality of support provided.
• Resource Allocation: Required to make decisions about the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, for network maintenance, support, and expansion.
• Managing Staff: Making decision regarding staffing, training and performance management and the allocation of resource and delegation of tasks.
• Performance Optimization: Monitoring network performance, identifying areas of weakness, and implementing strategies to optimize network performance.
• Vendor Management: Make decisions about the selection and management of external vendors that provide technical support services. This includes negotiating contracts, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring that vendors meet service level agreements.
• Technology Upgrades: Make decisions about when and how to upgrade hardware and software. This includes assessing the impact of upgrades on end-users and control systems, developing upgrade plans, and coordinating the implementation of upgrades with other teams within the organization.
• Budgeting: Manage the budget allocated for the network and wireless team, ensuring that it is being used efficiently and effectively. This includes monitoring expenses and forecasting future needs to ensure that the team has the resources it needs to deliver high quality support services.
• Procurement: Making decision regarding the procurement of hardware, software, and other equipment necessary for the smooth functioning of the network.

Dimensions

Financial

• Budgeting: Will be responsible for developing and managing an annual operating budget of approximately US$ 2 MM. Managing the budget for the team, including allocating resources for hardware, software, and other technical needs.
• ROI Analysis: Required to perform return of investment (ROI) analysis to determine the financial impact or support initiatives or projects as well as make decisions on repair vs. replace.
• Cost Control: Will be responsible for controlling costs associated with network support, including identifying areas for cost savings, and negotiating vendor support contracts.
• Repair or Replace: Making decisions as to if repairing or replacing a device would be the most cost-effective long term.

Non-Financial

• Maintain: The supervisor must manage the lifecycle of network infrastructure assets comprising hundreds of network routers, switches, wireless access points, telephones, digital trunk radio systems, fiber and ethernet cabling systems.
• Performance Management: The supervisor will be responsible for evaluating the performance of their six direct reports, providing feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Customer Satisfaction: The supervisor must ensure that their team is meeting the needs of the organizations one thousand end users, spread across several geographic locations, including users working remotely and resolving technical issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Process Improvement: The supervisor should be able to identify opportunities for process improvement and develop strategies for implementing changes that will increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leadership: The supervisor is responsible for leading the team and ensuring that they are working effectively and efficiently. This includes setting expectations, providing guidance, and motivating team members.

Dateline: 27 Mei 2023