IT MANAGER

Main Purpose: To provide strategic and operational leadership for the organisation’s information technology function, ensuring secure, reliable, cost-effective and innovative technology services that support business continuity, operational performance and strategic objectives. The IT Manager is accountable for IT governance, cybersecurity, infrastructure, business systems, service delivery, digital transformation, financial and vendor management, and the leadership and development of the IT team.

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Key Performance Areas:

IT Strategy and Governance

• Develop and implement the organisation's IT strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Provide technology leadership and recommendations to improve operational efficiency and business performance.
• Establish, implement and maintain IT governance frameworks, policies, standards and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance requirements, applicable legislation and information security standards.
• Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain a prioritised IT roadmap and technology investment portfolio aligned with business requirements, approved budgets and organisational risk appetite.
• Establish measurable governance objectives and report regularly to executive management on strategic progress, technology risks, compliance, benefits realisation and corrective actions.

Infrastructure and Systems Management

• Ensure the availability, reliability, scalability and performance of all IT infrastructure, including:
  • Servers
  • Networks (LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi)
  • Cloud environments
  • Telecommunications
  • Enterprise applications
• Manage system upgrades, migrations, patches and technology refresh projects.
• Monitor infrastructure performance and implement proactive measures to minimise downtime.
• Ensure effective management and lifecycle control of all IT hardware and software assets.
• Establish and maintain technology architecture, configuration and hardware standards, including software licensing compliance and asset lifecycle controls.

Cybersecurity and Risk Management

• Lead the organisation's cybersecurity strategy and initiatives.
• Implement and maintain security controls to protect information assets, systems and networks.
• Oversee regular vulnerability assessments, security audits and risk evaluations, and ensure identified weaknesses are remediated.
• Ensure effective identity and access management practices.
• Manage endpoint security, network security and cloud security environments.
• Oversee the investigation and response to security incidents and coordinate timely remediation and management reporting.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness throughout the organisation.
• Manage third-party and supply-chain technology risk, and track security and audit findings through to verified closure.

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

• Develop, implement and regularly test Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans.
• Ensure backup solutions are effective, secure and regularly verified.
• Maintain recovery procedures to minimise business disruption and ensure operational resilience.

Service Delivery and User Support

• Ensure delivery of high-quality IT support services to all users.
• Monitor service levels and implement continual service improvement initiatives.
• Oversee helpdesk performance and resolution of user requests and incidents.
• Establish and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with internal stakeholders and external providers.
• Drive a customer-focused IT support culture.
• Define, monitor and report IT KPIs, service levels, incident trends and continual improvement actions to management.

Project and Change Management

• Manage IT projects from initiation through implementation and post-implementation review.
• Coordinate technology implementations and system enhancements.
• Ensure projects are delivered within scope, budget and agreed timelines.
• Support organisational change management initiatives related to technology adoption.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers and consultants.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to maximise value and minimise risk.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contractual obligations are achieved.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions and service providers.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual IT budget.
• Monitor IT expenditure and ensure cost-effective utilisation of resources.
• Prepare business cases and cost-benefit analyses for technology investments.
• Identify opportunities for optimisation and cost savings.
• Lead technology procurement and demand planning in accordance with approved standards, budgets and governance requirements.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, mentor and develop the IT team to achieve departmental and organisational goals.
• Manage performance, training, succession planning and employee development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and labour legislation.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate business requirements into technology solutions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to management on technology opportunities, risks and investments.
• Communicate IT performance, projects and risks effectively to senior management.
• Prepare clear, decision-focused reports for executive management and relevant governance committees on IT performance, investment priorities, risks, compliance and remediation progress.

Compliance and Data Management

• Ensure compliance with POPIA, cybersecurity requirements and other applicable legislation.
• Develop and maintain data governance, retention and information management practices.
• Ensure data integrity, confidentiality and availability across all systems.

General

• Perform any other duties reasonably associated with the position as required by management.

Competencies/skills:

• Analyses and processes information; asks probing questions; strives to find solutions to problems.
• Interprets data rationally by quantifying issues; applies technology as a means to evaluating data; evaluates information objectively.
• Is comfortable leading people; coordinates and directs groups; seeks to control things.
• Takes action to make things happen; uses initiative to start things up; shows drive and invests personal energy.
• Is open to taking up learning opportunities; is quick in acquiring knowledge and skills; develops expertise by updating specialist knowledge.
• Is focused on continuously improving things; provides insights by identifying key issues; makes intuitive judgments.
• Works participatively with others; is democratic and encourages team contributions; collaboratively involves others in decision-making.
• Behaves ethically and justly; is discreet and maintains confidentiality; meets commitments by acting with integrity.
• High level of Emotional Intelligence.
• Problem solving abilities.
• Ability to motivate and drive a team.
• Conflict handling skills.
• Ability to build and maintain stakeholder relations.
• Ability to implement innovative solutions.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc., B.Com./B.Tech.) in:
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Information Systems
  • Related field
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager).
• CISMP (Certificate in Information Security Management Principles).
• CompTIA Security+.
• Microsoft Azure Administrator / Solutions Architect.
• ITIL Foundation or higher.
• Business management qualification would be advantageous.
• 10 Years' relevant experience in Information Technology of which 3 years was leading IT teams.
• Experience within project execution and private sector would be advantageous.
• Proven experience and a good understanding of managing enterprise infrastructure, networks and business systems.
• Experience implementing and supporting cloud technologies and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Experience managing digital transformation initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in enterprise technology platforms, management reporting tools and Microsoft 365.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 and the ability to use enterprise reporting and collaboration tools effectively.
• Knowledge of the following:
  • IT Infrastructure Management
  • Cloud Computing Technologies (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365)
  • Cybersecurity Frameworks and Best Practices
  • Data Protection and Privacy Legislation (POPIA)
  • IT Governance and Risk Management
  • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
  • Networking and Telecommunications
  • Systems Administration
  • Vendor and Contract Management
  • Budgeting and Financial Management
  • People management, conflict resolution, performance management and applicable disciplinary procedures.
• Computer literate.