SAEED AL-ZAHRANI
Summary
Instrumental IT Infrastructure and Security Sr. Manager bringing 14+ years of experience achieving ambitious goals in challenging IT environment. Diligent, forward-thinking and adaptable to dynamic company, customer, and project needs. Successful at motivating teams to meet demanding timelines.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Manager, IT Infrastructure and Security
MARAFIQ Power & Water Co
2024.01 - Current
- Transformational IT Leadership: Successfully led the IT department through a period of significant growth and transformation, driving operational excellence and aligning IT initiatives with strategic business objectives
- Cloud Migration Success: Spearheaded the successful migration of critical business applications to the cloud (Microsoft 365, Azure, GCP), resulting in improved scalability, cost-effectiveness, and disaster recovery capabilities
- Enhanced Data Security: Implemented robust data protection measures, including advanced encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention strategies, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and ensuring compliance with industry regulations
- Innovative Technology Adoption: Pioneered the adoption of emerging technologies, such as AI and
- IoT, to optimize IT operations, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across the organization
- Responsibilities:
- Developed and executed comprehensive IT strategies aligned with the company's business goals
- Provided strategic guidance and mentorship to IT team
- Managed IT budgets and resources effectively
- Managed and optimized IT infrastructure operations and security CAPEX and OPEX
- Overseen the management, maintenance, and optimization of physical and virtual server infrastructure
- Ensured server hardware and software compliance with security standards
- Implemented performance monitoring and tuning techniques
- Led the adoption and utilization of cloud services (Azure, GCP)
- Developed cloud migration strategies and oversaw the transition of workloads
- Ensured compliance with cloud security and regulatory requirements
- Implemented and managed comprehensive security measures, including endpoint security, email security, data protection, and disaster recovery
- Conducted regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate risks
- Developed and executed disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity
- Managed the deployment and maintenance of digital workplace solutions
- Supported collaboration and productivity within the organization
- Researched and evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation
- Implemented pilot projects to test and evaluate new technologies
- Managing IT capacity plans to ensure the availability of infrastructure services.
Technical Lead, IT Infrastructure
MARAFIQ Power & Water Co
2017.11 - 2024.12
- Optimized IT Infrastructure Operations: Successfully managed and optimized IT infrastructure operations, ensuring high availability, performance, and security
- Improved Incident Resolution: Implemented effective incident management processes, resulting in faster resolution times and improved customer satisfaction
- Driven Digital Transformation: Played a pivotal role in developing and executing the company's IT and business digital transformation strategy
- Successful Project Management: Led numerous IT infrastructure projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets
- Cost Optimization: Implemented cost-saving measures, optimized IT infrastructure CAPEX and OPEX, and maximized ROI on IT investments
- Responsibilities:
- Managed IT services and expedited incident resolution in accordance with defined SLAs
- Developed and implemented IT infrastructure strategies aligned with business objectives
- Contributed to the development and execution of the company's digital transformation strategy
- Managed IT infrastructure projects related to digital initiatives
- Directed and facilitated technical teams and contractors to ensure project timelines and deliverables were met
- Managed and optimized IT infrastructure CAPEX and OPEX
- Maintained and updated IT infrastructure policies and procedures
- Contributed to the implementation of ITIL best practices
- Managed IT infrastructure-related incidents, problems, requests, and change management processes
- Served as a member of the Change Advisory Board (CAB)
- Engaged with technology vendors to identify issues, improve performance, and implement best practices
Specialist, IT Systems
MARAFIQ Power & Water Co
2010.07 - 2017.09
- Optimized IT Infrastructure Management: Successfully managed and maintained critical IT infrastructure systems, including servers, storage, backup, and networking components
- Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in managing hyper-converged infrastructure solutions (VCE VBlock, VxRail), improving efficiency and scalability
- Robust Data Protection: Implemented and managed comprehensive data protection and backup systems (DellEMC Data Domain, Networker, Cyber Recovery Vault), ensuring data integrity and availability
- Scalable Infrastructure: Managed and supported a large-scale IT infrastructure environment, including over 30 computing hosts, 250+ virtual machines, and corporate storage systems
- Microsoft Platform Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in managing corporate Microsoft platforms, including AD, Exchange, SQL, SCCM, SCOM, and Skype for Business
- Third-Level Support: Provided advanced technical support to over 3500+ users, resolving complex issues and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction
- Responsibilities:
- Managed and maintained IT infrastructure systems, including servers, storage, backup, and networking components
- Managed hyper-converged infrastructure solutions (VCE VBlock, VxRail)
- Implemented and managed data protection and backup systems
- Managed over 30 computing hosts for main and remote datacenters
- Deployed operating system patches and security updates
- Managed corporate storage systems (Dell Unity, Hitachi HUS, Dell PowerVault)
- Managed 250+ virtual machines using VMware
- Support Business Applications teams by providing advanced infrastructure resources
- Worked closely with the Cybersecurity team to identify and mitigate risks and vulnerabilities
- Monitored IT Infrastructure systems performance and took proactive actions to ensure availability and eliminate downtime
- Managed corporate Microsoft platforms (AD, Exchange, SQL, SCCM, SCOM, Skype)
- Provide 3rd line support to over 3500+ users
- Resolved complex technical issues and ensured high levels of customer satisfaction.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
University of Indianapolis
2015
BSc. Computer Science -
Yanbu University College
2010
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Operations Management
- Data-driven decision-making
- Team Leadership
- Complex Problem-Solving
Certification
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - ISACA
Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI
Digital Transformation Practitioner – CXO
Microsoft Azure Fundamental – Microsoft
ITIL Foundation – AXELOS
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DVC) – VMware
Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) – Microsoft
Timeline
Sr. Manager, IT Infrastructure and Security
MARAFIQ Power & Water Co
2024.01 - Current
Technical Lead, IT Infrastructure
MARAFIQ Power & Water Co
2017.11 - 2024.12
Specialist, IT Systems
MARAFIQ Power & Water Co
2010.07 - 2017.09
Master of Business Administration -
University of Indianapolis
BSc. Computer Science -
Yanbu University College
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) - ISACA
Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI
Digital Transformation Practitioner – CXO
Microsoft Azure Fundamental – Microsoft
ITIL Foundation – AXELOS
VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DVC) – VMware
Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) – Microsoft
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