SHAHBAZ ABDULLAH
Karachi
Summary
Seasoned IT professional with over 17 years of hands-on experience in managing and deploying enterprise technology solutions across education, telecom, and smart city environments. Skilled in building and maintaining IT infrastructure, networks, and server systems, delivering reliable operations with 99.9% uptime and reducing costs by 10-15% through practical, efficient designs. Experienced in leading teams members to execute complex projects, including campus-wide network upgrades and smart city technology rollouts. Adept at integrating business needs with proven technical strategies, ensuring operational stability and growth through effective cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and team collaboration. Focused on applying real-world expertise to optimize performance and support organizational goals in dynamic technology settings.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Head of Information Technology
Habibi Group
10.2023 - Current
- Drive group-wide IT strategy, aligning technology and software initiatives with Habibi Group's objectives across Pakistan, Dubai, and subsidiaries (Indenta Technologies, Indenta AI, Indenta Solution UAE)
- Oversee IT infrastructure, networks, server operations, and software development, integrating Cisco, Huawei, VMware, Dell/HP servers, Microsoft Server with Exchange, SCCM, Veeam backups, SAN storage, and Active Directory/DNS for 99.9% uptime
- Lead IT and software design teams, managing front-end, back-end, and UI/UX developers to redesign company websites and launch venture portals (e.g., bebrokr.com)
- Direct budget optimization, achieving 10% cost savings while supporting multi-country Operations, software, and smart city projects
- Direct enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, integrating SOC with AI/ML-driven threat detection, Zero Trust architecture, and advanced IDS/IPS, ensuring robust security and compliance
- Manage vendor ecosystems (Cisco, Huawei), securing technologies for Indenta IT services and smart city designs
- Evaluate and deploy emerging technologies (AI, IoT) via Indenta AI, enhancing smart city and digital solutions
- Establish disaster recovery and business continuity plans, ensuring zero downtime for critical operations
- Collaborate with stakeholders, delivering tailored IT and digital solutions for group and project advancements
IT Manager
Mohammad Ali Jinnah University
05.2016 - 09.2023
- Directed a 15+ member IT team across infrastructure, networking, security, and support, delivering innovative solutions for 4,000+ users
- Designed 10+ cutting-edge computer labs with All-in-One PCs, SSF systems, GPUs, and Zero Clients (50+ units/lab), accelerating academic and research productivity
- Engineered a state-of-the-art data center with VMware vSphere 6.5 virtualization, Dell and HP servers, Microsoft Server 2008-2012, Exchange Server, SCCM, Veeam backups, SAN, and Active Directory/DNS management, delivering 99.9% uptime for 4,000+ users
- Upgraded wired networks with Cisco switches and routers and deployed UniFi Enterprise Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity across campus
- Led Huawei SD-WAN deployment, unifying 5+ university campuses with secure, scalable networking
- Converted telephony to IP-based VoIP, enhancing monitoring and supporting 500+ additional users
- Implemented Microsoft Dynamics and Odoo ERP systems, optimizing admissions, finance, and resource management for 4,000+ users
- Instituted ITIL processes (Incident, Problem, Change, Disaster Recovery), cutting service disruptions by 20%
- Rolled out a Manage Engine service desk and inventory system, speeding complaint resolution by 25%
- Deployed ebrary, Koha, Dspace, and Turnitin digital tools, boosting research access by 40%
- Managed IT budget and assets, saving 15% ($50K+ annually) while driving SD-WAN, ERP, and cloud integrations
Support Engineer NOC
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)
12.2010 - 05.2015
- Monitored 160+ network nodes using SolarWinds and Nagios, ensuring 98% uptime
- Troubleshot bandwidth, routing, and outages with cross-functional teams, maintaining stability
- Configured DSLAMs and MPLS VPN services, improving secure connectivity
- Supported xDSL and IPTV platforms, resolving authentication and RADIUS issues
Team Lead Multimedia & Broadband Operation
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)
09.2007 - 11.2010
- Supported field staff in deploying xDSL, IPTV, and IP camera services
- Improved post-sales support, reducing complaint resolution time by 25%
- Managed IT inventory with SAP, ensuring 100% accuracy
- Trained 30+ staff on new products, boosting efficiency
- Coordinated CRM complaint resolution, maintaining high standards
Customer Support Engineer
Cyber Internet Services (Pvt.) Limited (Cybernet)
04.2006 - 08.2007
- Resolved technical issues with 90% first-call resolution rate
- Supported NOC for DSL and dial-up reliability
Education
MBA - Management Information System
University of Sindh
01.2013
Bachelor of Computer Science -
Petroman (Shah Abdul Latif University)
01.2003
Skills
Digital solutions
Problem-solving abilities
ITIL framework
Systems analysis
Technology integration
IT risk management
Problem-solving aptitude
Decision-making
Enterprise architecture
IT infrastructure proficiency
Teamwork
Project planning
Technical leadershi
Cloud computing
Cybersecurity expertise
Virtualization
Documentation and reporting
IT budgeting
Software development
Risk management
Staff hiring
Disaster recovery
Database management
Technical support oversight
Certification
- Project Management Professional
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Personal Information
Title: HEAD OF IT
Training
- AI in Project Management | LinkedIn Learning
- AI-Powered Agile: Strategies for Modern Project Managers | LinkedIn Learning
- Cloud Concepts: Planning an Application Migration Strategy | LinkedIn Learning
- Design Thinking for Project Managers | LinkedIn Learning
- Enterprise Architecture Foundations | LinkedIn Learning
- Privacy, Governance, and Compliance: Data Classification and Inventory | LinkedIn Learning
Timeline
Head of Information Technology
Habibi Group
10.2023 - Current
IT Manager
Mohammad Ali Jinnah University
05.2016 - 09.2023
Support Engineer NOC
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)
12.2010 - 05.2015
Team Lead Multimedia & Broadband Operation
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)
09.2007 - 11.2010
Customer Support Engineer
Cyber Internet Services (Pvt.) Limited (Cybernet)
04.2006 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Computer Science -
Petroman (Shah Abdul Latif University)
MBA - Management Information System
University of Sindh
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