Head of IT

Network1; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1 334 000 - 2 003 000; Full time

Job summary

A technology-driven company located in Cape Town is seeking a Head of IT to lead its overall technology strategy. The candidate will ensure that IT systems support business objectives and oversee operations, cybersecurity, and enterprise integrations. Responsibilities include maintaining system reliability, managing IT budgets, and leading a skilled IT team. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 10 years in IT management, with strong expertise in infrastructure, data management, and vendor relationships.

Qualifications

• 10 years of progressive IT experience in senior management role.
• Experience in retail or similar fast-paced environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, and system administration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain IT strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee IT operations and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team.

Skills

IT infrastructure

systems integration

cybersecurity

data management

project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology

Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g. ITIL, PMP, CISSP)

Job description

Driving innovation and business growth through strategic leadership and cutting‑edge IT excellence.

The Head of IT is responsible for leading the company’s overall technology strategy, ensuring that IT systems, infrastructure and data management support business objectives. This role oversees IT operations, cybersecurity and enterprise system integrations (ERP, CRM, etc.), driving digital transformation and operational efficiency. The Head of IT manages the IT team, vendors and budgets while ensuring compliance with data protection laws and maintaining high system reliability. As a strong leader with deep technical expertise, the Head of IT aligns technology initiatives with business goals to enable growth, security and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• IT Strategy & Planning:
  • Develop, implement and maintain a forward‑looking IT strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Identify, assess and recommend emerging technologies that enhance business performance and competitive advantage.
  • Manage IT budgets ensuring cost efficiency and optimal allocation of resources for maximum value delivery.
• Infrastructure Management:
  • Oversee the maintenance, performance and security of IT infrastructure including networks, servers, workstations and data centers.
  • Ensure high system availability, reliability and disaster recovery readiness.
  • Implement proactive monitoring and performance optimization to minimize downtime and enhance user experience.
• Data Management & Analytics:
  • Lead the design, implementation and governance of data management and warehousing solutions.
  • Ensure the availability of high‑quality, accurate and accessible data for analytics and decision‑making.
  • Collaborate with business units to develop and maintain data‑driven insights supporting strategic initiatives.
• System Integration & Implementation:
  • Evaluate, select and oversee the implementation of enterprise systems such as ERP, CRM and warehouse management platforms.
  • Manage system integration projects to ensure seamless interoperability across the organization.
  • Oversee system testing, user training and change management to ensure the successful adoption of new technologies.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance:
  • Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to safeguard company assets and data.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable data protection and privacy regulations (e.g. POPIA).
  • Conduct regular security risk assessments, penetration testing and remediation planning.
• IT Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead, mentor and develop the IT team to ensure alignment with evolving business and technological needs.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous learning within the IT department.
  • Define clear roles, responsibilities and KPIs to measure team performance and professional growth.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication:
  • Act as a key liaison between IT and other business units ensuring that technology initiatives support organizational goals.
  • Communicate effectively with executive leadership providing updates on IT performance, risk and strategy.
  • Drive operational efficiency and digital transformation initiatives across the business.
• Vendor & Partner Management:
  • Manage relationships with external technology vendors and service providers.
  • Evaluate vendor performance against service‑level agreements (SLAs) and organizational needs.
  • Conduct cost‑benefit analyses for new technologies and upgrades focusing on functionality, scalability and ROI.

Job Experience and Skills Required

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related field.
  • A Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g. ITIL, PMP, CISSP) are advantageous.
• Experience:
  • 10 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in a senior IT management role.
  • Experience in retail or similar fast‑paced, multi‑site environments is preferred.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking and system administration.
  • Expertise in enterprise systems integration (ERP, CRM, WMS) and cloud technologies.
  • Solid knowledge of data management, analytics and cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Proficiency with IT budgeting, project management and IT service delivery.
  • Familiarity with vendor management, contract negotiation and SLA governance.

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Vacancy: 1