Asif Faleel
Dubai
Summary
Accomplished IT Manager with a strong track record of resolving complex business challenges through innovative leadership , strategic communication , and collaborative teamwork . Demonstrated expertise in Process Management , Change Management , Incident Management , and IT Operations , driving streamlined processes and delivering measurable results . Known for mentoring high-performing teams , optimizing resource allocation , and building meaningful relationships with stakeholders. Renowned for exceptional organizational skills and a proven ability to lead process optimization initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and align with business goals. Skilled in IT strategy development , vendor management , and IT governance , ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices .
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior IT Engineer / Assistant Manager
SHUAA Capital PSC
01.2022 - Current
- Managed the entire network infrastructure for parent and group entities, ensuring 99.9% uptime and seamless connectivity for mission-critical operations across multiple locations.
- Implemented ITIL-based change management and developed standard operating procedures, improving service delivery and minimizing system disruptions.
- Led end-to-end project management for IT and Cybersecurity initiatives, including budgeting , resource allocation, and vendor negotiations , ensuring on-time delivery and 15% cost savings while maximizing resource efficiency.
- Conducted security audits, PEN tests, and implemented Qualys Vulnerability Management, enhancing network security and monitoring across critical systems
- Diagnosed complex IT system issues , implementing swift resolutions to maintain uninterrupted functionality , enhancing user experience and reducing system downtime by 20% .
- Orchestrated comprehensive network and system performance management , implementing proactive troubleshooting , security patching , and routine maintenance strategies, increasing system reliability and reducing incident rates.
- Collaborated with C-suite executives to strategize and recommend IT infrastructure upgrades , aligning short-term and long-term IT roadmaps with business objectives to optimize efficiency and scalability.
- Spearheaded cybersecurity initiatives to combat emerging threats, implementing proactive defenses including firewalls , intrusion detection systems , and data encryption , improving overall data protection and achieving zero data breaches .
- Developed and executed IT strategies in line with the company's business goals , driving digital transformation initiatives that streamlined processes, improved customer experiences , and modernized legacy systems .
- Negotiated and managed contracts with IT vendors and service providers, securing favorable terms and establishing long-term partnerships, improving service quality and cost-effectiveness .
- Ensured strict adherence to regional and industry IT regulations such as ISO 27001 and GDPR , leading governance and compliance efforts that resulted in audit success and enhanced security posture.
- Prepared and managed IT budgets , optimizing spending to achieve 15% cost savings while delivering projects within budget and increasing ROI on technology investments by 20% .
Senior IT Manager
Gulf Finance Corporation PJSC
06.2009 - 12.2021
- Spearheaded and managed a high-performing team of IT engineers , delivering robust IT infrastructure support across 6 key locations in the UAE and KSA, ensuring seamless operations and high-quality service delivery.
- Achieved and maintained 99% uptime for both Windows and Redhat servers , consistently aligning server performance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and ensuring optimal operational continuity .
- Exhibited expert negotiation skills in securing comprehensive vendor service agreements , fostering long-term relationships with vendors, and ensuring seamless coverage for critical hardware and software needs across a vast regional landscape.
- Orchestrated complex vendor negotiations for hardware and software licensing , ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining compliance with regional regulations across the UAE and KSA.
- Oversaw the administration of capital and operating budgets for multiple entities, ensuring accurate financial accountability and strategically allocating resources to optimize operational performance.
- Pioneered and executed cost optimization strategies , reducing overall support expenditures while maintaining 95% SLA compliance , effectively handling diverse incident responses and Service Desk requisitions .
- Designed and implemented comprehensive disaster recovery protocols , ensuring the resilience of Data Centers in both UAE and KSA through proactive risk management and strategic planning.
- Led the successful execution of complex, multi-faceted IT projects, including Active Directory (AD) migrations and VMware transitions , demonstrating meticulous coordination and project management proficiency.
- Ensured strict adherence to regulatory standards such as ISO 27001 , SAMA guidelines, and local data protection laws , structuring and enforcing policies that guaranteed operational integrity and compliance.
- Exemplified strong project management capabilities by overseeing key IT and regulatory initiatives , ensuring on-time delivery within stipulated budgets and aligning with strategic business objectives.
Systems Engineer
Seven Seas Computers
03.2008 - 06.2009
- Oversaw server and network operations across 6 international sites , managing logical access, server configurations, and maintaining high availability for critical business functions.
- Directed and implemented disaster recovery and backup processes for server infrastructure, ensuring data integrity , availability , and business continuity in compliance with best practices and industry standards .
- Played a pivotal role in designing and executing new support processes , including the development of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Helpdesk and Data Centers , facilitating advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis , significantly reducing resolution times and improving user satisfaction.
- Successfully orchestrated the migration of over 25 physical servers to a virtual environment using VMware , reducing the overall hardware footprint and decreasing maintenance costs by 20% , contributing to sustainable IT infrastructure growth.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive processes and formal documentation for Change Management , Incident Management , and Release Management , aligning with ITIL best practices to ensure effective change control and minimize disruption to business operations.
- Meticulously managed software and hardware licenses , ensuring compliance with vendor agreements, regulatory requirements, and optimizing cost efficiency for the IT environment.
- Provided comprehensive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tier support for a wide range of IT infrastructure issues, achieving high-resolution rates and fostering seamless operations across all user levels, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth system functionality.
- Managed and supported Active Directory (AD) , ADFS , Group Policy Objects (GPOs) , and user access within a mixed Windows environment , ensuring stable and secure user experiences.
- Collaborated with department heads and key stakeholders to define and develop a new IT service portfolio , aligned with evolving business needs, supported by well-documented processes and clearly defined SLAs .
- Assisted in managing the organization's system security policies and risk management framework , contributing to a robust security posture by identifying risks, enforcing policies, and ensuring compliance with industry security standards such as ISO 27001 .
Systems Administrator
Enterprise Technology
01.2004 - 02.2008
- Effectively managed and provided comprehensive support for hardware and software operations across on-site and remote Data Centers , overseeing the performance and availability of over 10 Windows servers and 2 Linux servers , ensuring 99.9% uptime and delivering technical assistance to a team of 50 employees .
- Led the design, planning, and execution of IT projects for external clients , managing all phases from solution proposal creation to project documentation and implementation , consistently delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Orchestrated the development and maintenance of the company's computer systems and intranet , ensuring seamless functionality , optimized performance, and enhanced user experience for internal and external stakeholders.
- Served as the technical lead in key infrastructure projects, including the setup of Active Directory (AD) and Microsoft Exchange , EMC Storage implementations , Cisco and HP Networking setups , and Linux-based systems like Zimbra mail servers and HP Storage solutions , ensuring the successful integration of these systems into the organization's IT landscape.
- Maintained external client networks according to maintenance agreements , ensuring adherence to SLAs and delivering impeccable service within the agreed timelines, fostering long-term client relationships.
- Skillfully managed the performance of on-site and remote data centers , overseeing both Windows and Linux server environments , ensuring system reliability, security, and performance optimization.
- Directed end-to-end project design and execution for external clients, meticulously tailoring custom IT solutions to meet client specifications, preparing detailed design documents , and ensuring flawless project execution that exceeded customer expectations.
- Proactively identified and resolved hardware and software issues, providing technical support at all levels, and optimizing system performance to reduce downtime and improve overall operational efficiency .
Education
Master of Science (MSC): IT Digital Transformation -
Birmingham City University
UK09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Computer Networks And Security
Wrexham University
UK03.2023
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University Of Wales
UK04.2020
High School Diploma A-Level -
Royal Institute
Sri Lanka08.2001
Skills
- Windows/Linux Servers
- VMWARE EXSI / VCenter
- Hyper-V & Oracle VM
- Active Directory
- Dynamics CRM
- Flexcube Core Banking
- Oracle E-Business Suite
- Oracle Business Intelligence
- Manage Engine Solutions
- OP Manager & AD Audit
- Weblogic Middleware
- SQL and Oracle DB Administration
- Aruba ClearPass NAC
- Symantec DLP
- Crowd Strike
- Blackbox VAPT
- MDM
- DarkTrace IPS
- Dell XDR
- O365 Share Point & One Drive management
- DDS Payment systems
- Kaspersky AV management
- CASB
- Citrix Technologies
- Bloomberg
- Qualis VAPT
- SOC RADAR
- OpenVAS
- Veeam Backup and replication
- Checkpoint Harmony
- Avaya IP Telephony and Recording
- NETAPP and EMC SAN Storage
- EMC Avamar/IDPA Backup
- CCTV DVR & NVR systems
- Security Alarm systems
- Bosch / HID Door Access Control
- HP ProLiant and IBM Server Hardware
- FortiGate Firewalls
- Sonic wall
- Palo Alto firewalls
- Aruba & Meraki Wireless
- Cisco and HP Procurve switching and routing
- IT Policy Making
Certification
- Service Oriented Data Center Professional
- RedHat Certified Technician
- MCSE
- CCNA
- CISA
- MCSA
Languages
English
Sinhalese
Hindi
Personal Information
Driving License: True
References
Shall be available upon request.
Timeline
Senior IT Engineer / Assistant Manager
SHUAA Capital PSC
01.2022 - Current
Senior IT Manager
Gulf Finance Corporation PJSC
06.2009 - 12.2021
Systems Engineer
Seven Seas Computers
03.2008 - 06.2009
Systems Administrator
Enterprise Technology
01.2004 - 02.2008
Master of Science (MSC): IT Digital Transformation -
Birmingham City University
Bachelor of Science - Computer Networks And Security
Wrexham University
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
University Of Wales
High School Diploma A-Level -
Royal Institute
- Service Oriented Data Center Professional
- RedHat Certified Technician
- MCSE
- CCNA
- CISA
- MCSA
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