Cybersecurity, Infrastructure & Technology Leadership
With over 25 years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, and technology leadership, I help organizations build secure, scalable, and resilient technology environments that support business growth and operational success.
My background spans cybersecurity, infrastructure, cloud platforms, systems engineering, networking, technical operations, and IT strategy. I have led technical teams, managed mission-critical environments, overseen technology projects from design through implementation, and worked closely with executive leadership to align technology decisions with business objectives.
Over the course of my career, I have developed expertise in security operations, SIEM and SOC management, incident response, vulnerability management, governance, risk and compliance (GRC), and security program development. I have worked extensively with healthcare and other regulated industries, helping organizations strengthen their security posture while meeting operational and compliance requirements.
My areas of expertise include:
Technology strategy and leadership
Cybersecurity and risk management
SIEM, SOC, and security operations
Infrastructure architecture and modernization
Cloud platforms and hybrid environments
Network design and security
Vulnerability management and remediation
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
Security awareness and user training
Disaster recovery and business continuity
Vendor management and technology procurement
Technical project leadership and digital transformation
What sets me apart is the ability to bridge the gap between business, operations, and technology. I am equally comfortable discussing strategy with executives, conducting risk assessments with compliance teams, or working hands-on with technical staff to solve complex challenges.
Whether you're looking for a trusted technology advisor, cybersecurity consultant, infrastructure expert, fractional CTO/vCISO, or technical project leader, I bring a practical, business-focused approach backed by decades of real-world experience delivering successful outcomes.
Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops
Citrix Hypervisor
Cloud Architecture
Citrix
Network Security
VMware Administration
System Deployment
Infrastructure Management
Vulnerability Assessment
Security Engineering
Network Engineering
Jaco L.
Durbanville, South Africa
$125/hr
4.2
41 jobs
AWS environments designed, deployed, and sustained. Microsoft Intune programmes built. Microsoft 365 tenants migrated. Long-term Senior Cloud Engineer engagements or finite implementation projects — I run both. 8 years on Upwork: 100% Job Success, Top Rated Plus, 11,233 hours, $400K+ earned across 35 contracts.
I work with MSPs, MSSPs, and tech-mature SMBs in two patterns. Pattern one: embedded long-term Senior Cloud Engineer — I become a stable hand on your environment, the way I spent 8 years on a 168-server hybrid AWS estate. Pattern two: finite implementation projects — scope, design, deploy, validate, hand over. Both work without ramp-up. Both work without supervision.
Recent reference points:
- 8 years as Senior Cloud Engineer on a 168-server hybrid AWS estate (Linux + Windows) for an ASX-listed catering enterprise — CrowdStrike deployment, Oracle E-Business DR build, documented India offshore transition. December 2017 through January 2025, unbroken.
- Microsoft Intune + Apple Business Manager rollouts at NWCR (Chicago MSP) — conditional access framework, Autopilot, mixed Apple/Windows fleet.
- Amazon WorkSpaces and AppStream 2.0 builds at Syncronet (Houston) — application catalogues, directory integration.
- Before Upwork: founded and ran my own MSP (ITRS), scaled to R5m revenue, Microsoft Silver Infrastructure Partner. Before that, Regional IT Manager at Discovery Holdings — 99.8% uptime across regulated financial services.
What I deliver:
- AWS cloud migrations, implementations, and ongoing operations — EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, WorkSpaces, AppStream. Well-architected design, lift-and-shift, hybrid estates. AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate (verified by Upwork).
- Microsoft Intune endpoint rollouts and lifecycle management — Autopilot, conditional access, configuration profiles, Apple Business Manager, BYOD/COPE programmes.
- Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID migrations and tenant work — tenant moves, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, Purview, security baselines.
- MSP toolchain implementation and ongoing optimisation — Kaseya, N-Central, ConnectWise PSA + Automate, NinjaOne, IT Glue. I built my own MSP from zero, so I can architect or operate yours the same way.
How engagements run: for finite projects, scope to design to deploy to validate to hand over. For long-term retainer or embedded work, weekly reporting cadence, monthly DR and security review, documented incident history. Either way, every change documented — I built the runbooks that let an India offshore team take over the AWS estate after 8 years, and I work the same way for new clients. SAST timezone (UTC+2) overlaps EU business hours, US mornings, and AU afternoons.
What I don't do: application development, ML model training, or Kubernetes-first DevOps. My lane is cloud infrastructure, endpoint management, and migrations — operations and stability, not greenfield app dev.
Credentials: AWS Certified Solutions Architect — Associate · Top Rated Plus · 100% Job Success Score · 11,233 platform hours · 35 completed Upwork contracts · 8 years on Upwork · ITIL Foundation · 30+ years in IT.
If you have an AWS migration in scope, a stalled Intune rollout, a tenant move that needs to ship — or a senior cloud engineer slot you need filled long-term — send me the brief. I'll come back within 24 hours with whether I'm a fit and what the first 30 days would look like.
Hire a resource with the following proven values;
• Excellent Service
• Integrity
• Value
• Trustworthy
• Detailed
• Passionate
• Ethical
Jaco Louw
Cape Town
South Africa
IT Service Management
Amazon EC2
Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Exchange Online
ConnectWise Automate
Linux System Administration
ITIL
Microsoft Hyper-V Server
Amazon Web Services
Cloud Migration
Office 365
Windows Server
Microsoft Active Directory
Infrastructure Management
Microsoft Endpoint Manager
VMware vSphere
Disaster Recovery
Reitumetse M.
Cape Town, South Africa
$6/hr
4.9
44 jobs
Skilled and knowledgeable Computer Systems and Telecommunications Networks Engineer with proven experience in database programming, software engineering, Web design, and network and systems design and support. Appreciates challenges, steep learning curves, and high-pressure deadlines. Outstanding ability to analyze, develop, and implement technology solutions. Reliable team player with effective troubleshooting and debugging experience. Equally strong project leadership and management experience
✪ Background:
☑ B.Eng. Computer Systems and Networks & M.Eng. in Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications)
☑ 10+ years as on site/remote technical support
☑ 10+ years as on-site administrative support
☑ Diligent worker and can work with less supervision
☑ Fast learner, creative, highly motivated
☑ Can work in a team and/or extended hours.
✪ Skill set:
☑ Adept computer technician on both Windows and MAC
☑ Adept at using MS Office and Google Suite
☑ Adept Zoom technician
☑ Experienced in maintenance of websites using WordPress
☑ Experienced in administering email using Google Workspace
☑ Experienced in administering email signature, forwarding etc.
☑ Experienced in setting up and maintenance of Databases (biometrics, cctv etc.)
☑ Experienced as Network administrator
☑ Experienced in Data filing management
☑ Certified Cisco Network Associate (CCNA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
✪ Availability:
☑ Full-time / Part time / Project Base/Remote
☑ Always available
Microsoft Active Directory
System Administration
Office 365
Windows Server
DNS
Network Engineering
Computing & Networking
Research & Development
Mobile App Testing
Translation
Audio Transcription
Information Technology
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Microsoft Teams
Helpdesk
Hendrik Frederik S.
Bloemfontein, South Africa
$55/hr
5.0
63 jobs
I'm a Solutions Architect and Authorized Zoho Partner with 12+ years of experience designing complete operational systems — not isolated features or quick fixes. I work primarily in Zoho Creator and CRM, building automation, integrations, and reporting that hold up under real-world business pressure.
I work best as an ongoing technical partner rather than a one-off contractor. Most of my long-term clients keep me on retainer because systems evolve — new requirements, new integrations, new edge cases — and having someone who already understands the architecture is far more efficient than re-explaining it to someone new every few months.
CORE SPECIALIZATIONS
- Zoho Creator development — relational data models, custom forms, Deluge scripting, workflow automation
- Zoho CRM configuration — pipelines, workflow rules, client scripts, custom modules
- API integrations — Xero, QuickBooks, Twilio, WhatsApp, REST APIs, webhooks
- Business process automation — multi-step workflows, validation, error-proof operations
- System architecture and long-term Zoho consulting — built to scale, not just to launch
PROVEN RESULTS
- Transport & Logistics — built a Creator-based scheduling and subcontractor billing system that saved over $100,000 USD in its first month
- Manufacturing — automated quotation-to-invoice workflow, replacing 80% of manual work, with Xero integration
- Tourism, Real Estate & Services — CRM and automation systems that improved lead handling, client engagement, and reporting accuracy
WHY CLIENTS KEEP ME ON
- 12+ years specializing in Zoho architecture and custom development
- Long-term client relationships, averaging 4+ years
- Strong focus on system design and data structure, not just surface-level fixes
- Clear communication, solid documentation, and a track record of stable delivery
If you're looking for someone to patch a single form, I'm probably not the right fit. If you need a long-term technical partner who understands your systems well enough to keep improving them, that's exactly how I like to work.
Zoho Platform
Zoho CRM
Zoho Creator
Zoho Analytics
API Integration
Database Administration
Microsoft SQL Server
API Development
Zoho Books
Business Process Management
Xero
WordPress Development
WooCommerce
WhatsApp
Heinrich H.
Cape Town, South Africa
$20/hr
5.0
15 jobs
I help teams support and maintain web applications, hosting environments, and technical operations. My work combines application support, technical troubleshooting, ITSM processes, and practical DevOps, with a focus on stability, clear communication, and reliable day-to-day support.
I can help with:
✅ Application support: user issues, errors, access, workflows, and production support
✅ Technical troubleshooting: logs, system checks, root-cause notes, known fixes, and escalation
✅ DevOps support: CI/CD, GitHub, Docker, Linux VPS, Coolify, Caddy/Traefik, SSL, DNS
✅ API & QA support: Postman, endpoint checks, release validation, bug reports, and testing
✅ Monitoring & incidents: alerts, uptime checks, incident notes, issue tracking, and updates
✅ ITSM support: tickets, prioritization, SLA awareness, change notes, incidents, and requests
✅ Documentation: troubleshooting guides, support notes, process steps, and handover docs
I am dependable, structured, and calm when handling technical issues. I enjoy helping teams keep applications stable, support users effectively, and improve technical processes.
IT Service Management
Software
Data Analysis
Technical Support
WordPress
Database Management
CMS Development
Web Application
System Administration
System Deployment
JavaScript
CI/CD
GitHub
Docker
Linux
Postman
System Monitoring
Application Setup & Installation
Docker Compose
Application Performance Monitoring Software
David M.
Cape Town, South Africa
$94/hr
5.0
251 jobs
Journalist; Transcriber, Subtitles and Travel Planning.
US ENGLISH SPELLING: 1st place out of over a million test takers!
85 Words Per Minute, 100% Accuracy.
The rate I charge is per AUDIO/VIDEO hour, not actual hours taken.
My Travel Addiction:
I have travelled overland by:
Public Transport
Motorcycle
4x4 Vehicle
Through 101 Countries over the last 20 years of my travelling adult life.
I have met many interesting people during these adventures and have acquired insight into how the world works.
For over 8 years I have specialized in transcribing, which I do while travelling, and have acquired knowledge in many different areas, as I prefer to do academic research interviews.
All of my clients are extremely satisfied with the quality of my work.
I'm currently back in South Africa and giving my travel addiction a break.
Network Security
Network Administration
General Transcription
Journalism Writing
Editing & Proofreading
Hardware Troubleshooting
Proofreading
Computer Network
Subtitles
Caption
How it works
Post a job for freePost a job
Tell us what you need. Create your own job post or generate one with AI then filter talent matches.
Hire top talent fast
Consult, interview, and hire quickly, so you can meet the freelancers you're excited about.
Collaborate easily
Use Upwork to chat or video call, share files, and track project progress right from the app.
Payment simplified
Manage payments in one place with flexible billing options. Only pay for approved work, hourly or by milestone.
Don't just take our word for it
“Upwork provides an umbrella-level of security. I can see a talent’s work history and ratings. I can hold payments in escrow. I can communicate through Upwork Messages instead of working through my email address.”
KD
Kim Darling
Emerald Tiger
“Upwork is the best platform to hire skilled professionals when we're not looking for a full-time employee. All the companies in our portfolio use Upwork to find talent across a wide range of fields.”
DM
David Merry
Kinetic Investments
“Our very specific requirements can be a challenge—With Upwork, we’re able to access a bigger community to ensure the success of our projects.”
KK
Katja Krohn
Summa Linguae
How do I hire a IT Manager in South Africa on Upwork?
You can hire a IT Manager in South Africa on Upwork in four simple steps:
Create a job post tailored to your IT Manager project scope. We'll walk you through the process step by step.
Browse top IT Manager talent on Upwork and invite them to your project.
Once the proposals start flowing in, create a shortlist of top IT Manager profiles and interview.
Hire the right IT Manager for your project from Upwork, the world's largest work marketplace.
At Upwork, we believe talent staffing should be easy.
How much does it cost to hire a IT Manager?
Rates charged by IT Managers on Upwork can vary with a number of factors including experience, location, and market conditions. See hourly rates for in-demand skills on Upwork.
Why hire a IT Manager in South Africa on Upwork?
As the world's work marketplace, we connect highly-skilled freelance IT Managers and businesses and help them build trusted, long-term relationships so they can achieve more together. Let us help you build the dream IT Manager team you need to succeed.
Can I hire a IT Manager in South Africa within 24 hours on Upwork?
Depending on availability and the quality of your job post, it's entirely possible to sign up for Upwork and receive IT Manager proposals within 24 hours of posting a job description.