IT Systems Business Partner

Savills Group.; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an IT Systems Business Partner to drive digital transformation within the real estate sector. This role involves strategic partnership with business units, overseeing IT projects, and enhancing operational efficiency through technology solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strong technical skills and the ability to influence stakeholders, ensuring successful adoption of new systems. Join a dynamic team and play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology in a rapidly evolving market. If you are passionate about technology and real estate, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in IT operational roles, including 3 years as a business partner.
• Strong understanding of real estate business operations and technology needs.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary contact between IT and business units to align technology strategies.
• Oversee IT project implementation, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Project Management

Business Analysis

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management

MBA or relevant certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Teams

SharePoint

Yardi

MRI

MS Dynamics

Job description

Join to apply for the IT Systems Business Partner role at Savills Middle East .

The Savills ME business is undergoing a significant ERP focused digital change management programme to align core business systems with the wider EME business. In addition, a variety of business-specific tools and applications are being implemented or enhanced within the ME business, some of which are unique to the ME region.

The IT Business Partner will serve as a strategic liaison between the IT department, the real estate business units across the Middle East region, and key regional stakeholders from the Finance and HR departments.

This role will support various service lines, including residential agency, commercial agency, property management, valuation, and consultancy. Working in tandem with the ME and EME finance teams, closely with the head of IT Business Partners EME, and alongside a team of Finance business stakeholders and the central IT Function, the IT Business Partner is the interface between IT and the business to ensure that all solutions and systems are implemented to optimize business efficiency.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for technology and a deep understanding of the real estate sector, who is ready to drive digital transformation in a dynamic and growing region. IT knowledge and skillset are as important as the ability to drive change through people and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership

• Act as the primary point of contact between IT and key business units (residential, commercial, property management, valuation, consultancy) to align technology strategies with business goals.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure buy-in from the business on finance transformation initiatives, including establishing regular communication channels and quarterly finance systems forums.

Business Analysis

• Work with stakeholders to identify business challenges and opportunities, and recommend IT solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and service delivery.

Project Management

• Oversee the implementation of IT projects, from requirements gathering and vendor selection to system deployment, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Technology Solutions

• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools that can support business processes across the real estate sector, including property management systems, CRM, ERP, and analytics platforms, as well as optimizing the use of current systems and technology.

Change Management

• Lead efforts to manage technology change, ensuring smooth adoption of new systems by business users through training and support.
• Coordinate with external IT vendors and service providers, ensuring service quality and alignment with business needs. Negotiate optimal commercial terms with third-party vendors, collaborating with Savills EMEA and Global teams to seek economies of scale where relevant.

Commercial Management

• Develop business case justifications to support investment recommendations and evaluate comparative solutions over the medium to long term to demonstrate business value.
• Identify potential IT risks within the region and develop strategies to mitigate those risks, including data security, system reliability, and disaster recovery planning.
• Continuously assess and improve IT service delivery, focusing on improving the user experience, minimizing downtime, and maximizing the value derived from technology investments.

Cross-Regional Collaboration

• Liaise with IT teams in other regions to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to technology deployment across the Middle East.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• An MBA or relevant certification (e.g., PMP, ITIL) is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in IT of business operational roles, including at least 3 years as a business partner or in a similar capacity within a real estate, property management, or consultancy environment.
• Proven experience managing IT projects across multiple business lines.
• Strong understanding of real estate business operations, processes, and technology needs.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft technologies, including Office, Teams, Sharepoint.
• Familiarity with property management systems (Yardi, MRI, etc.), CRM solutions, ERP systems, and cloud-based platforms.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to translate business needs into IT solutions.
• MS Dynamics experience is beneficial.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence decision-makers and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent strategic planning and organizational abilities.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel within the region as required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

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