Grant McDonald

Highly accomplished, multi-certified IT Infrastructure & Security Operations Manager with over 30 years of engineering, systems architecture, and technical management experience. Proven track record directing large-scale network deployments, high-security surveillance systems, cloud migrations, and critical data center operations across sub-Saharan Africa and international markets. Expert at aligning robust security management systems (ISO 27001, GDPR) with complex physical security platforms (CCTV, Access Control, PSIRA).

Adept at managing high-performing technical teams, optimizing service level agreements (SLAs), and leading cross-functional projects from inception to completion.

Senior IT / Network / CCTV Manager & Project Manager at Fidelity ADT – Mining Division (2025-09 – Present)

• Direct technical infrastructure operations, secure network architectures, and advanced surveillance setups across specialized mining environments.
• Enforce adherence to rigorous physical security regulations and PSIRA standard operating frameworks.

Senior IT / Network / CCTV Manager & Project Manager at Cirtech Communications (2012-02 – 2025-09)

• Spearheaded full-lifecycle project development, resource deployment, and preventive maintenance tracking across multiple multi-national mining installations (Ivory Coast, Mali, DRC).
• Engineered and deployed multi-platform enterprise networks running across mixed Windows and Linux environments, managing core configurations for enterprise routing and switching.
• Orchestrated large-scale IP surveillance solutions including Bosch BVMS, IndigoVision, Cathexis, DVTEL, and Hikvision servers.
• Built physical infrastructure links including single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic splicing, and long-range wireless backhauls utilizing Mikrotik, Ubiquiti, and Motorola equipment.
• Architected specialized technical integrations featuring offsite live video streaming, secure VPN networks, and advanced storage clusters (ISCSI, FAST 2020/40).
• Implemented business-continuity alternative energy infrastructure by testing, deploying, and troubleshooting integrated solar panel arrays.

Assistant IT Manager at Remote Offsite Monitoring (ROM) (2011-11 – 2012-01)

• Provisioned, deployed, and configured enterprise edge routers (Cisco, DrayTek, Netgear) along with secure corporate VPN tunnels.
• Maintained centralized control room applications (Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange, IMS, Listener, SureGuard) to maximize platform availability.
• Provided comprehensive tier-3 diagnostic support across corporate systems, GSM modems, and network-attached digital video recorders.

Technical Manager / Engineer at EA24 (2009-06 – 2011-11)

• Supervised control room systems infrastructure running critical monitoring applications (IMS, Listener, SureGuard).
• Installed and configured long-range Wi-Fi telemetry networks across high-site locations alongside multi-carrier GSM systems.
• Drove pre-sales consultancy engineering efforts, compiling comprehensive hardware/software quotes and technical site blueprints.

Technical Store & Workshop Manager at PCS (2008-01 – 2009-06)

• Managed retail workshop technical workflows, technical operations, and system implementations focusing on CCTV, alarms, and perimeter fencing.

Workshop Manager & Sales Engineer at ERBM IT Group (2007-01 – 2008-01)

• Supervised a team of computer technicians, establishing task assignments, strict performance controls, and final invoicing accuracy.
• Executed advanced site surveys and diagnostic support covering wide-area networks, server refreshes, and client SLA compliance.

Senior Network Support Manager & Architect at Dimension Data / Super Group (2005-11 – 2007-12)

• Formulated and executed corporate architecture upgrades for enterprise Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange infrastructures.
• Integrated enterprise-grade storage hardware including SAN/NAS devices, enforcing data lifecycle protections and zero-failure backup systems.

Tivoli Support Engineer / Storage Specialist at MAXTECT (2004-01 – 2005-11)

• Provided critical pre-sales engineering consultation and complex multi-platform product integrations for IBM Tivoli software portfolios.
• Developed robust technical infrastructure designs spanning heterogeneous environments (AIX, AS/400, Windows NT, Novell, OS/2).

Senior IT Specialist – Networking / Servers (Band 7) at IBM Global Services (1997-05 – 2004-01)

• Managed global corporate scale LAN/WAN routing, network security perimeters, storage architectures, and complex enterprise print servers.
• Chaired change management boards, daily critical risk mitigation forums, and performance capacity analysis reviews.
• Managed vendor negotiations, SLA structures, and large-scale technical projects using IBM MITP methodologies.

Availability Service Engineer (Band 5) at IBM South Africa (1995-05 – 1997-05)

• Managed staging preparations, automated software deployments, and system diagnostics for customized enterprise servers and endpoints.

Trainee Technician at Novell Service System House (1994-12 – 1995-04)

• Supported senior engineers in developing localized network testing scripts, custom server builds, and early client connectivity issues.

Matriculation Exemption Certificate in English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Physical Science, Biology, Accounting – Brakpan High School (1990 – 1994)

Tivoli Support Specialist & Storage Management Integration – IBM – San Jose, California, United States (2000 – 2000)

Network Printing Specialist & Unix Platform Engineering – IBM – Herrenberg, Germany (1997 – 1997)

Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) & Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) – INTEC College – South Africa (1996 – 1996)

Senior Certificate (Matric) – Brakpan High School – South Africa (1994 – 1994)