IT MANAGER (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

SmartHire by SEEK; Bayan Lepas; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

SmartHire by SEEK in Penang seeks an IT Manager / Head of Department to lead a full-scale IT function within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will drive infrastructure, security, software oversight, and vendor management to deliver strategic digital outcomes.

You bring 10+ years of IT leadership, hands-on expertise in Windows Server, SQL, and ERP systems, and a track record of building high-performing teams in manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of IT experience.
• 5+ years in IT management or team leadership.
• Hands-on experience with Windows Server, networking, IT security, and SQL.
• Development oversight with VB.NET and/or Java is beneficial.
• Experience in manufacturing industry preferred.
• ERP system knowledge or ERP project experience is valuable.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT department and develop the operational roadmap.
• Ensure 24/7 availability of on-premise environments and manage enterprise network infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership on software and databases; oversee SQL administration.
• Drive IT projects end-to-end on time, within scope, to standard.
• Manage vendors, service providers, and IT contracts.

Skills

IT leadership

Windows Server

Networking

IT security

SQL

VB.NET

Java

ERP systems

Stakeholder management

Vendor management

Job description

Our client is seeking an IT Manager / Head of Department to join their team!

This is a significant leadership opportunity for a seasoned IT professional ready to take the helm of a full-scale IT department in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in Penang. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and Corporate IT, this role places you at the strategic and operational centre of the organisation's technology landscape — from infrastructure and security to software development oversight and vendor management. If you are a technically grounded, people-first IT leader who thrives on building robust systems, guiding high-performing teams, and driving meaningful digital outcomes, this is the role to elevate your career.

What you'll be doing?

• Leading the IT department: Formulate and execute the IT operational roadmap, manage a team of senior specialists and engineers, and oversee the IT budget to ensure the department delivers value aligned with business objectives.
• Ensuring infrastructure and security excellence: Maintain 24/7 availability of on-premise IT environments, oversee Windows Server administration, and manage enterprise network infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, switches, and wireless systems.
• Guiding software and database management: Provide technical leadership and architecture reviews for the development team, while managing SQL database administration and ensuring data integrity across the organisation's critical systems.
• Driving IT projects end-to-end: Lead the full lifecycle of IT projects from initiation through to delivery, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and to the required standard.
• Managing vendors and service providers: Build and maintain productive relationships with external vendors, service providers, and contractors, ensuring optimal service delivery and cost-effectiveness across all third-party engagements.

Who are they looking for?

• Extensive IT experience: A minimum of 10 years of overall IT experience, with at least 5 years in an IT management or team leadership role, demonstrating the depth of knowledge and leadership capability required for this position.
• Technical hands-on capability: Proven hands-on experience across Windows Server, networking, IT security, and SQL is essential — practical expertise is valued above certifications in this role.
• Software development oversight: A development background is required to provide credible technical guidance and architecture reviews for the development team, with experience in VB.NET and/or Java considered a strong advantage.
• Industry background: Experience in the manufacturing industry is preferred, though candidates from other sectors with proven large-scale IT infrastructure and department management experience will also be considered.
• ERP and business-critical systems knowledge: Prior experience with ERP systems or the implementation and support of business-critical systems is a highly valued advantage that would set a candidate apart.
• Leadership and stakeholder management: Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire an IT team, manage budgets effectively, and engage confidently with senior stakeholders including C-suite leadership.

We welcome applications from all individuals who are passionate about technology leadership and ready to bring their expertise, vision, and drive to a role where they can make a lasting impact.

All information received will be kept strictly confidential and will be used only for employment-related purposes.

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