HEAD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY [Job Code 2305100C]

Responsibilities:

LEADERSHIP:

  • Lead, develop and implement IT initiatives (web based systems, applications etc) that enable the company to compete more vigorously and more profitably in a constantly changing and demanding marketplace.
  • Translates the company vision & mission into IT systems and procedures, articulating this critical link to the company stakeholders including the Executive Committee, all operations and academic staff.
  • Manage, motivate and develop all staff within the IT team. Ensure the organisational structure is appropriate for supporting current and future business needs. Recruit appropriate talent.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration through the IT team.
  • Participate actively with all divisions and departments to ensure our systems environment addresses the needs of the business and customer needs.
  • Work with the Digital Literacy team to achieve objectives set in the DLC roadmap.

PLANNING:

  • Lead and coordinate development of IT infrastructure to ensure key business strategies and processes are supported by systems that enable growth and flexibility. This includes servers, security solutions, network hardware and equipment.
  • Develop plans and budgets in light of operational needs and approved projects for departments and divisions.
  • Oversee analysis and evaluation of staffing requirements to fulfil business requirements including directing the evaluation of make vs. buy decisions as they relate to outsourcing vs. in-house provisioning and identifying and developing strategic partnerships with key IT suppliers, licences and contracts, vendors and consultant organisations.
  • Translate business needs into system solutions making maximum use of available tools while ensuring longer term supportability of the architecture

EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS:

  • Ensure availability, including development, of necessary application systems to support business and operation needs.
  • Develop, implement and monitor IT (including web initiatives) policies, protocols and procedures on a basis for ensuring consistency in standards and leveraging of common systems.
  • Establish and measure IT performance relative to cost, value creation and customer satisfaction in the key areas of operating systems, telecommunications, network management and desktop support.
  • Lead and coordinate selection, installation, operation, support and maintenance of the company’s information technology infrastructure (i.e. operating systems, networks, telecommunications, hardware and peripherals).
  • Optimise our return on our IT investment by acquiring cost-justified IT components, as measured by performance, support availability, price, upgradeability and future industry trends.
  • Protect the company and its operations against IT risks, including unauthorised access to information, data integrity problems, loss of processing capability and poor service levels.
  • Ensure the IT infrastructure is successfully exploited to achieve continuous improvement and competitive advantage by identifying needs, developing and providing appropriate training and support for all users.
  • Cooperate with operating units in conceptualising, developing, and launching technology based products and services

SUPERVISION:

  • Manage IT staff, including hiring, training, appraisals, guidance, discipline and discharge.
  • Develop the IT staff through training, to meet the changing needs of users, groups and offices; new projects and technologies; and varying staff strengths.
  • Develop policies, protocols, standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to IT staff and to end-users.
  • Ensure the creation and maintenance of all written documentation, including system and user manuals, licence agreements, and documentation of modifications and upgrades.
  • Oversee provision of end-user services through a work order ticketing system, including help desk and technical support services.

Requirements:

  • Degree in Computer Science or equivalent
  • 5 years of IT management experience in a progressive web development environment
  • 10 years of total IT experience including computer operations management, multiple roles in systems implementation, supervision of technical personnel, architecture, security/compliance, business-wide strategic planning and budgetary responsibility
  • Well-rounded business background with a broad understanding of research and development, marketing and financials; a Profit and loss (P&L) orientation
  • Verifiable track record of effective leadership which includes strong strategic thinking and successful execution with technical and intellectual resources
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a team of technical staff, to work with the various stakeholders at the company
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to meet deadlines, to conduct and direct research into IT issues and products, and to take initiative in the development and completion of projects
  • Strong project management, organisational and time management skills. Excellent problem- solving, analytical and evaluative skills

EA Licence No: 22C1055

EA Personnel Registration No: R2095104