Resume for Gavin Jackson
RHCE, IRAP Assessor**, CISSP, CCSP, CISA, Essential Eight (E8)
Last updated: March 2026
Professional Summary
Technology and cyber security leader with experience spanning infrastructure, software engineering, enterprise IT, security assurance, and delivery in government and private sector environments.
I bring a combination of hands-on technical depth and leadership experience across Linux systems administration, automation, identity and access management, platform engineering, software delivery, cyber uplift, and security assessment. I work well at the intersection of technology, operations, risk, and business outcomes, and I am comfortable moving between strategy, delivery, and detailed technical implementation. I also like to bring a culture of performance, mentoring and humour to my engagements, helping teams deliver well while keeping the work environment positive and grounded.
Core Strengths
- Cyber security, security assurance, IRAP, Essential Eight, PSPF
- Linux infrastructure, systems administration, automation, Ansible, Docker
- Software engineering, systems integration, Python, Java, PHP
- Identity and access management, SSO, Entra, SAML
- Enterprise IT leadership, vendor management, MSP oversight, service improvement
- Strong communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Active Government Clearances
- Available on request
Work Experience
February 2025 - Present
Systems Administrator, Australian Government (contractor)
- Administer Ubuntu Linux infrastructure supporting operational government environments
- Delivered automation and systems management improvements using Ansible, Docker and GitLab
- Supported a multi-cluster vSphere 7 to 8 migration
- Rolled out on-prem Canonical Landscape, Ubuntu Pro and Livepatch across a large Ubuntu server fleet
- Implemented a multi-node Elasticsearch cluster for centralised logging and analysis
- Contributed to Essential Eight activities including patching, hardening, backups, logging, monitoring and access control
- Supported Cisco switching and firewall administration as part of broader platform operations
December 2023 - February 2025
Executive Director (Cyber), Synergy Group
- Delivered Essential Eight and PSPF assessments for clients in complex and regulated environments
- Performed work as an ASD Security Assessor
- Provided senior cyber security advice with a focus on practical assurance, risk reduction and uplift planning
August 2021 - December 2023
IT Director, Synergy Group
- Led internal IT across a 600+ laptop environment spanning multiple offices, cloud platforms and managed service providers
- Drove Essential Eight uplift initiatives across identity, endpoint, network, backup and monitoring controls
- Improved organisational cyber maturity through phishing awareness, training sessions and broader security engagement
- Delivered major business platform changes across billing, CRM, HR, recruitment, project management and performance systems
- Implemented Teams calling and meeting room improvements, replacing legacy telephony approaches
- Delivered multiple SSO and Entra integrations including HR3, Diligent, Accelo, Cognology and Moodle
- Managed Linode-hosted Ubuntu systems with Ansible for web applications, analytics and systems integration workloads
- Built Python automation to synchronise leave data from HR3 to Accelo
- Developed internal business analytics dashboards using Power BI
- Achieved IRAP Assessor certification (#242) during the role
October 2015 - August 2021
IT Manager, Les Mills Asia Pacific
- Led a multidisciplinary IT team and contributed to business strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Managed enterprise IT services, systems improvements and vendor transitions across the region
- Delivered a major integration project synchronising licensee contract data with a third party and enabling SAML SSO for Les Mills Virtual
- Managed the Kuala Lumpur office technology upgrade across Ubuntu hypervisors, Windows Server and desktop platforms
- Oversaw the implementation of a SuiteCRM-based sales platform integrated with existing corporate systems
- Implemented SAML SSO integrations for business platforms including Brand Central
- Introduced RabbitMQ-based integration patterns to improve message routing across enterprise systems
- Built and maintained Ansible automation across development, UAT and production Linux environments
April 2014 - October 2015
Software Engineering Manager, Les Mills Asia Pacific
- Led a software engineering team delivering Python applications and internal workflow systems
- Delivered integrations that supported the transition to digital music delivery via Salesforce SOAP APIs
- Rewrote the billing engine and payment gateway service from Java to Python
- Implemented enhancements to transaction processing, invoicing and electronic billing workflows
February 2012 - April 2014
Software Engineer, Les Mills Asia Pacific
- Implemented Shibboleth SSO across PHP, Java and Python web applications
- Developed Python Pyramid applications and supporting automation
- Built CI and test automation using Jenkins, Selenium WebDriver and Python
- Supported Linux virtualisation, scripting and a Python 2.7 to 3.4 migration of a significant codebase
October 2010 - December 2011
Software Engineer, Geospatial Team, Atlas of Living Australia, CSIRO
- Developed geospatial web applications using Java, Spring MVC, OpenLayers and GeoServer
- Worked across PostGIS, metadata systems, search, automation and performance testing in a nationally significant platform
Earlier Career
Earlier roles include software engineering, infrastructure, testing and information security work with Les Mills Asia Pacific, CPT Global, Defence Signals Directorate and Wizard Information Services.
Highlights from this period include:
- Enterprise Java and integration development
- GIS, PostGIS and OpenStreetMap-based reporting systems
- VoIP, email, directory services and virtualisation implementations
- Performance and volume testing for Australian Government systems
- Early career work in information security and vulnerability-focused environments
Tertiary Education
| Period | Institution | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Australian Graduate School of Management | Compass Executive Director Development Program |
| 2006 | Diploma of Business (Frontline Management) | |
| 2003 - 2007 | University of New South Wales | Masters of Science in Information Technology |
| 1998 - 2001 | Australian National University | Bachelor of Information Technology |
Industry Certifications
- 2023 Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP #949277)
- 2023 Essential Eight Assessment Course (TAFECyber #102)
- 2022 Certified Infosec Registered Assessor (IRAP #242)
- 2022 Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA #221822764)
- 2022 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP #949277)
- 2014 Certified Scrum Master (Scrum Alliance #000352083)
- 2006 Red Hat Linux Certified Engineer (RHCE #804006880418515)
Professional Skills Training
| Year | Course |
|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | Blanchard Courses: Legendary Service, Self Leadership, Coaching Essentials, Situational Leadership II |
| 2006 | Results Through People |
| 2006 | Emotional Intelligence |
** Please note: I am currently sitting in an uncertified state and am waiting for ASD to update their training so that I can re-certify. All professional certifications are maintained.