HEAD : APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Secondments; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent IT consulting firm seeks a Head of Application Development in Pretoria to oversee the delivery and enhancement of business-critical software applications. This senior management role entails managing a team, ensuring compliance with technical requirements, and leading the development of bespoke software solutions while maintaining a robust Business Intelligence environment. Candidates should have strong IT governance, budgeting skills, and extensive experience in managing IT applications and projects, particularly with SAP solutions.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years experience managing a team responsible for IT applications development.
• 6-8 years experience in managing a Business Intelligence environment.
• 6-8 years experience in business systems analysis and design.
• 6-8 years experience in database design and data management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor application development and delivery strategy.
• Manage governance and budgeting in application development.
• Coach and train team members for optimal performance.
• Lead a team delivering multiple concurrent projects.

Skills

IT Governance

People Leadership

Budget Management

Cyber Security Management

Business Continuity Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems / Technology / Computer Science

ITIL Foundation Certification

Postgraduate Degree in Information Systems / Technology / Computer Science

COBIT Foundation, Design and Implementation

Job description

SUMMARY

The Head of Application Development function is a senior management role within Information Technology and Operations.

POSITION INFO

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Head of Application Development function is a senior management role within Information Technology and Operations. Head of Application Development is responsible for the delivery and subsequent enhancement of the company''s business‑critical software applications. This role is responsible for but not limited to:

• Managing the configuration / development of all applications – including SAP solutions in line with required technical requirements and GRC and policies, procedures, standards and frameworks.
• Development and maintenance of a robust Business Intelligence environment to support the reporting needs of the company.
• Supporting and training business process owners and power users on all company business applications (including SAP) while continually reviewing and improving business processes.
• Provide second line application support.
• Collaborate with IT responsible for application for the architecture of project solutions by defining the technical pattern and providing team members with guidance on how to implement solutions.
• Lead a team of on‑shore and off‑shore resources working to deliver multiple concurrent projects.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally within IT team, as well as with necessary internal and external business partners.
• Work with leadership to recommend scheduling, prioritization and resource allocation to deliver best‑in‑class technical solutions.
• Lead the development of bespoke software solutions and web applications in line with the company’s architecture blueprint and also ensuring that data and interfacing architecture standards are complied with.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Develop, implement and monitor application development and delivery strategy.
• Ensure that all application patch management is carried out timeously.
• Collaborate with IT architect responsible for application to develop application catalogues, application rationalisation and related maintenance.
• Maintain ICT quality management policies and processes that drive improvements in performance and customer satisfaction.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Participate in the selection and appointment of new team members.
• Ensure application development divisional performance management and capacity planning.
• Coach and train team members to perform optimally in their roles.
• Manage and drive high performance.
• Enable successful knowledge transfer between Enterprise Architecture team members.

BUDGET & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Governance, budgeting, and management of change delivery in the application development including the oversight of incremental changes and major change and upgrade programmes.
• Analyse the business plan to determine the financial requirements within area of responsibility.
• Conduct the budget reviews as prescribed by and adjust budget where necessary.
• Approve expenditure within the delegation of authority level.
• Effective use of budget and resources – no wastage.
• Analyse the costs, value, and risks of information technology to advise management and suggest actions.
• Monitor expenditure against the approved budget, reporting on any deviations within the reporting and approval hierarchy.
• Adhere to financial guidelines and thus ensure proper control over expenditure.

PREFERRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems / Technology / Computer Science or related field.
• ITIL Foundation Certification.
• Postgraduate Degree in Information Systems / Technology / Computer Science or related field.
• COBIT Foundation, Design and Implementation, COBIT Assessor.
• 6‑8 years hands‑on management of a team responsible for development & support of IT applications.
• 6‑8 years significant experience in managing a Business Intelligence (BI) environment.
• 6‑8 years sound working experience in business systems analysis and design.
• 6‑8 years solid experience of database design and data management principles.
• 6‑8 years experience in managing IT projects.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

• IT Governance, Compliance and Reporting.
• Strategic IT Policies & Governance & Security Solutions Delivery.
• People Leadership.
• Cyber Security Management.
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning Management.
• Budget & Financial Management.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge / Experience of Recruitment Tools.
• Knowledge of PFMA.