Adrian Ray
Information Technology Professional
Szekesfehervar
Summary
Experienced Professional with over 38 years experience, providing technological insight for managing organizational IT infrastructure. Hands-on leader providing assistance with technology research, consulting services and planning and support, including in-field testing and staff training. Conducted troubleshooting and software installations to maintain seamless, high level of optimized technology access. Critical expertise in leading full IT deployment, including design, management and evaluation.
A Technical Specialist, Architect, Sales Executive and Practitioner that has contributed substantially to multi-national companies in the fields of Technical Support, Consulting, Sales and Giveback, at various career stages and organizational levels. Possess the skill to do technical z System problem determination, software installation and maintenance, and provide guidance on resolution to other business units. Furthermore, extensive experience working with Corporate, State Owned and Private Companies on both technical and sales levels and am an acknowledged Thought Leader in certain z Systems technical aspects. Can engage and collaborate with C-Suite or business Executives, without supervision. A well-rounded professional, able to articulate and informatively translate and articulate business requirements into IT capabilities.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
2
2
Certificates
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Consulting Technical Specialist
Client Innovation Centre Hungary
9 2021 - Current
- Managed multiple high-priority projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
- Provided exceptional customer support, resolving complex technical issues with effective communication skills.
- Improved system efficiency by optimizing software configurations and troubleshooting hardware issues.
- Reviewed technical documents and collaborated on customized design to achieve process improvement and compliance.
- Instrumental in growing new logo from 1 to 5 and fostered team of practitioners from 1 to 5 over in the past 2 years
- Proposed the creation of an ADABAS Academy to grow and build a new generation of practitioners
- Provided support to CICS teams within ADABAS environments.
Sales Executive
IBM South Africa
04.2016 - 03.2021
- Boosted sales revenue by cultivating strong client relationships and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Developed sales strategy based on research of consumer buying trends and market conditions.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, resulting in a high percentage of repeat business and client referrals.
- Negotiated and closed profitable sales contracts with new and existing customers to increase loyalty and retention.
- Top MEA region Sales Executive for launch of z15 Mainframe in Q2 2019
- Achieved best of IBM Global award for sales in 2019
- Engaged with customers to understand their strategy and assisted them in defining roadmaps and moving to the cloud
- Articulated business requirements into technology capabilities and provided architectures and proposals on z Systems and POWER platforms.
EMEA IT Economics Consultant
IBM South Africa
06.2014 - 03.2016
- Performed studies to define architectures for workloads
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client.
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client decision making by utilizing TCO methodologies.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
- Completed business cases with relevant financial information
- Reviewed workloads and workload placements based on functional and non-functional requirements
- Presented assessments to CXO executives
- Conducted multiple TCO assessments across industries and technologies.
Client Technical Professional
IBM South Africa
07.2011 - 06.2014
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Supported System z clients by leveraging and engaging with MEA teams
- Installed and maintained Application Performance Analyzer
- Supported the community as co-chair of the Thought Leader Certification Board
- Provided pre-install and post-install support of z System Software
- Assisted customer teams with upgrades and acted as a link between IBM L3 support and the customer.
Consulting IT Specialist
IBM South Africa
11.2009 - 07.2011
- Explained technical information in clear terms to non-technical individuals to promote better understanding.
- Enhanced system efficiency by implementing and maintaining IT infrastructure upgrades.
- Trained employees on new technologies, increasing competency levels across the organization.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative IT strategies aligned with business goals.
- Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
- Translated complex technical issues into digestible language for non-technical users.
- Supported System z framework and specialized in CICS and CICSplex transaction processing
- Appointed as the Growth Market Professions Leader for IT Specialists in IBM.
Consulting Client Support Manager
IBM South Africa
07.2009 - 10.2009
- Handled escalated cases effectively, demonstrating empathy and professionalism while resolving complex issues.
- Acted as Consulting Client Support Manager responsible for completing Service Improvement plans
- Managed a team of 50 practitioners supporting UK customers on z Systems platform.
Technical Team Leader Outsource for UK Clients
IBM South Africa
04.2005 - 06.2009
- Managed resource allocation effectively, balancing workload distribution among team members to prevent burnout.
- Technical team leader for CICS/MQ/DB2 and IMS practitioners
- Nominated for a Technical Leadership Exchange in Paris France
- Participated in writing a RedBook published in 2008
- Provided L2 technical support of z Systems and collaborated with other IBM teams during hardware and software migrations.
CICS Systems Programmer
Standard Bank of South Africa
05.2001 - 03.2005
- Supported CICS and MQ in a z/OS environment
- Implemented CICSPlex architecture successfully
- Created training material on CICSplex, CICSPlex SM, VTAM Generic Processing, VSAM Record Level Sharing.
Natural Adabas and CICS Systems Programmer
Persetel South Africa
08.1998 - 02.2000
- Supported Natural Adabas and CICS in standard maintenance and upgrades.
CICS Systems Programmer
Systems Programming LTD
09.1994 - 06.1998
- Supported Natural Adabas and CICS in standard maintenance and upgrades at Saambou Bank.
Natural Adabas Systems Programmer and DBA
Saambou Bank
05.1991 - 10.1994
- Supported Natural Adabas and CICS as a Systems Programmer and DBA
- Responsible for maintenance, upgrades, and supporting application team for new application development.
Shift Leader and Operations Analyst
Saambou Bank
10.1989 - 04.1991
- Shift Leader responsible for running a full shift of operators
- Operations analyst responsible for scheduling batch processing.
Junior Operator to Senior Operator
Infoplan
02.1987 - 09.1989
- Started as a junior operator and worked up to the position of senior operator
- Supported Military and National Intelligence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - IT Management
01.2024 - Current
Skills
Thought Leader Certified Open Group and IBM z Server Systems Technical Specialist, focusing on CICS, CICSPlex SM - Installation, maintenance, and technical support, often liaising with IBM labs Ability to utilise monitoring and debugging tools such as Expediter, Omegamon and Application Performance Analyzer, CEDF and Interactive Problem Control System (IPCS)
Proficient in JCL, SMP/E, CICS, MQ, VSAM, VTAM, Sysview, TSO, ISPF, Sysplex Concepts (VTAM Generic Resourcing, VSAM Record Level Sharing, DB2 Data Sharing, CICSPlex and MQ Clustering)
Support and maintain multiple customers with Natural/ADABAS environments, as Systems Programmer and DBA (including Predict, Predict Application Control and Audit, Natural Security, SYSAOS)
Have completed Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for various IBM and other 3rd Party ISV Software products, in conjunction with IBM z Hardware architectures
Install, monitor and maintain ISV 3rd Party Software such as TMON, Omegamon and BMC suite of tools, and perform PoC's
Support and maintain multiple customers with Natural/ADABAS environments, as Systems Programmer and DBA (including Predict, Predict Application Control and Audit, Natural Security, SYSAOS)
Thought Leader Certified Open Group and IBM z Server Systems Technical Specialist, focusing on CICS, CICSPlex SM - Installation, maintenance, and technical support, often liaising with IBM labs Ability to utilise monitoring and debugging tools such as Expediter, Omegamon and Application Performance Analyzer, CEDF and Interactive Problem Control System (IPCS)
Proficient in JCL, SMP/E, CICS, MQ, VSAM, VTAM, Sysview, TSO, ISPF, Sysplex Concepts (VTAM Generic Resourcing, VSAM Record Level Sharing, DB2 Data Sharing, CICSPlex and MQ Clustering)
Support and maintain multiple customers with Natural/ADABAS environments, as Systems Programmer and DBA (including Predict, Predict Application Control and Audit, Natural Security, SYSAOS)
Have completed Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for various IBM and other 3rd Party ISV Software products, in conjunction with IBM z Hardware architectures
Install, monitor and maintain ISV 3rd Party Software such as TMON, Omegamon and BMC suite of tools, and perform PoC's
Support and maintain multiple customers with Natural/ADABAS environments, as Systems Programmer and DBA (including Predict, Predict Application Control and Audit, Natural Security, SYSAOS)
CICS and CICSPlex SM Systems Programmer
Natural/ADABAS DBA and System Programmer and Data Base Administrator
Technical support and installation of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Third-Party Software within a z System environment
Certified in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and IT Economics studies, in support of building a customers' business case
Articulate business requirements into technical solutions and participating in defining long term roadmaps - primarily within the banking industry
z System and POWER Server Sales and recognising impediments delaying or halting sales cycle
Deep z System technical and analytical skills starting from 1987
Deep problem determination capabilities in z Systems environment, including full responsibility (actioning and ownership) of PoC's
Technical and Skills based Team Building capability
Facilitator and Training Specialist
Increased revenue by implementing effective sales strategies in sales cycle process from prospecting leads through close
Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships
Employee guidance
Demonstrated expert product knowledge during client interactions, addressing questions/concerns confidently and offering solutions tailored specifically for them
Managed pipeline efficiently, prioritizing tasks according to urgency/importance while maintaining focus on long-term objectives
Reviewed competitors'' offerings periodically to stay informed about industry trends and maintain a competitive edge
Collaborated with internal teams, such as product development and customer support, to ensure seamless client experience throughout the sales process
Negotiated contract terms with clients, securing favorable conditions for both parties while maximizing profitability
Furtherprofessionaldevelopment
- Batchelor of Commerce in Information and Technology Management (BCom IT Management) - in progress
- Ongoing technical and sales training from IBM, Kyndryl, Software AG, and Google Cloud
- Technical Leadership Board Reviewer within Kyndryl
Affiliationsandaccreditations
- Open Group L3 Thought Leader Board Peer Review member (2023-)
- Open Group Distinguished Technical Specialist - recertified 3 times (2023-)
- Kyndryl Certified Experienced Modern Mainframe Specialist (2022-)
- Google Cloud Digital Leader (2022)
- IBM Expert Certified Seller (2017-)
- IBM Experienced Certified Consultant (2017-)
- IBM Global Sales School (2016-)
- IBM Thought Leader Technical Specialist Certification Board Chair (2015-2021)
- IBM Thought Leader Technical Specialist (2012-2021)
Interestsandpassions
- Travel
- Sport
- Woodwork
- Chess
- Mentoring and assisting colleagues develop and grow
Mobile
+36 30 594 3606, +27 83 292 5538
Privateemail
adrian66ray@gmail.com
Education
- Bachelor of Commerce in Information and Technology Management (BCom IT Management) - in progress
- Vryheid High School in Kwazulu-Natal South Africa University Exemption - 1984
Personal Information
- Age: 57
- Citizenship: South African, currently residing on work VISA in Hungary since September 2021
- Date of Birth: 09/26/66
- Marital Status: Married
- Willing to relocate
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hungarian
Elementary (A2)
German
Elementary (A2)
Accomplishments
- IBM RedBook Publications
- Supervised team of 50 staff members.
- Awarded “2% Best of IBM" Sales
- MEA Sales Awards
Affiliations
- Open Group
Certification
Open Group Thought Leader Technical Specialist
Interests
Chess
Travel
Timeline
Mancosa - Bachelor of Science, IT Management
01.2024 - Current
Sales Executive - IBM South Africa
04.2016 - 03.2021
EMEA IT Economics Consultant - IBM South Africa
06.2014 - 03.2016
Client Technical Professional - IBM South Africa
07.2011 - 06.2014
Consulting IT Specialist - IBM South Africa
11.2009 - 07.2011
Consulting Client Support Manager - IBM South Africa
07.2009 - 10.2009
Technical Team Leader Outsource for UK Clients - IBM South Africa
04.2005 - 06.2009
CICS Systems Programmer - Standard Bank of South Africa
05.2001 - 03.2005
Natural Adabas and CICS Systems Programmer - Persetel South Africa
08.1998 - 02.2000
CICS Systems Programmer - Systems Programming LTD
09.1994 - 06.1998
Natural Adabas Systems Programmer and DBA - Saambou Bank
05.1991 - 10.1994
Shift Leader and Operations Analyst - Saambou Bank
10.1989 - 04.1991
Junior Operator to Senior Operator - Infoplan
02.1987 - 09.1989
Consulting Technical Specialist - Client Innovation Centre Hungary
9 2021 - Current