Head of IT Operations (EE ONLY)

Datafin; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services group seeks a Head of IT to oversee IT service delivery and infrastructure management. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, ITIL certification, and at least 5 years of experience in IT operations. This role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to drive continuous improvement and manage IT teams effectively.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing IT teams and processes.
• Extensive IT Operations Management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Manage IT service delivery and infrastructure functions.
• Ensure business continuity and compliance with ITIL principles.
• Develop strategy and roadmap for IT services.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem analysis

Teamwork

Communication skills

Initiative

Education

Relevant Degree or Diploma

ITIL Expert certification or equivalent

Job description

ENVIRONMENT:

Be accountable for managing the delivery of IT Service Delivery, IT Infrastructure Management, Technical Architecture, IT continuity management, and IT finance administration functions within a dynamic Financial Services Group. Collaborate with the Business to deliver these services effectively and efficiently, ensuring maximum access, availability, and quality of the technology environments and services. The ideal candidate must possess a relevant Degree or Diploma, be ITIL Expert Certified or equivalent, and have a minimum of 5 years of experience managing IT teams, processes, governance, and frameworks. Please note this is an Employment Equity role ONLY.

DUTIES:

• Ownership and management of processes, procedures, and vendors.
• Prevent and resolve IT problems and incidents through governance aligned with ITIL Service Management principles.
• Manage changes and releases to ensure business continuity.
• Monitor and improve performance against Service and Operational Level Agreements.
• Handle escalations on priority incidents effectively.
• Develop the maturity of Service Management, Technical Architecture, and Continuity functions according to strategy.
• Plan technical system architecture, solutions, and legacy renewal.
• Develop Strategy and Roadmap in collaboration with Service Managers and Technical SMEs.
• Identify, escalate, and mitigate risks.
• Promote a culture of continuous service improvement within teams and vendors.
• Manage internal and external relationships.
• Stay updated on market developments to support strategic objectives.
• Ensure integration with Regional and Group governance as appropriate.
• Optimize team performance, succession planning, and engagement.
• Align priorities and support managers and technical leads in planning.
• Manage IT Infrastructure/Operations budget.
• Set goals, define KPIs, and oversee performance aligned with business strategy.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage IT contracts and reviews.
• Facilitate training and development.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications –

• Relevant Degree or Diploma.
• ITIL Expert certification or equivalent.

Experience/Skills -

• At least 5 years’ experience managing IT teams, processes, governance, and frameworks.
• Extensive IT Operations Management experience.

Advantageous -

• Project Management experience.
• Experience in the Financial Services industry.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Initiative and proactivity.
• Leadership skills.
• Deadline-driven and highly motivated.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Innovation and problem analysis.
• Teamwork and partnering abilities.
• Relationship building skills.

Note: If not contacted within 10 working days, consider your application unsuccessful.

COMMENTS:

Ensure you meet the minimum job requirements when applying. Only South African Citizens will be considered. If you are not in the specified location, please include your relocation plans in your application. Apply at [URL Removed] or email your CV to [Email Address Removed], referencing the job number.

Desired Skills:

• Head
• of
• IT