Head of IT

Recru-it; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading IT services provider in Cape Town is seeking a Head of IT to lead and manage the IT function. Responsibilities include overseeing IT infrastructure, strategic planning, and team development. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of IT experience and at least 5 years in management, preferably in retail. This role focuses on alignment with business goals and ensuring efficient IT operations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive IT experience.
• At least 5 years in a senior IT management role, preferably in retail or similar industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the IT function.
• Oversee the implementation and optimization of IT infrastructure.
• Develop and implement IT strategies aligned with business goals.
• Manage IT budgets to ensure cost-effective resources.
• Ensure system reliability and data integrity.

Skills

Strategic planning

Project management

IT infrastructure

Systems integration

Data management

Cybersecurity

Leadership

Communication

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Computer Science

Master's degree or relevant certifications (ITIL, PMP, CISSP)

Job description

Purpose

The Head of IT will lead and manage all aspects of the IT function within the company, ensuring alignment with business goals. This role is responsible for overseeing the implementation and optimization of IT infrastructure, applications, and data management, ensuring the seamless operation of technology systems that support the companys objectives.

Key Responsibilities

IT Strategy & Planning

• Develop, implement, and maintain a forward-looking IT strategy aligned with business goals.
• Identify and recommend new technologies and tools that enhance business performance and competitive advantage.
• Manage IT budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources while delivering high-quality services.

Infrastructure Management

• Oversee the maintenance, performance, and security of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, workstations, and data centers.
• Ensure system reliability, uptime, and disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime and protect data integrity.

Data Management & Analytics

• Lead the development and maintenance of data management and data warehousing solutions.
• Enable data-driven decision‑making by ensuring accessible, high‑quality data.
• Work closely with business teams to identify data needs and implement solutions for data analytics.

System Integration & Implementation

• Oversee the evaluation, selection, and implementation of software systems, including ERP, CRM, and warehouse management.
• Lead integration projects to ensure smooth transitions and minimized disruption to business operations.
• Ensure proper testing, training, and user adoption for all new system implementations.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Develop and implement a robust cybersecurity framework to safeguard company data and IT assets.
• Maintain compliance with relevant industry regulations, such as POPIA, or other applicable data protection laws.
• Conduct regular security assessments and address any vulnerabilities proactively.

IT Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop the IT team, ensuring they have the necessary skills to meet evolving business needs.
• Foster a collaborative team environment focused on continuous learning, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Define roles and responsibilities within the IT team and set performance goals and KPIs.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Act as a liaison between the IT department and other departments, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.
• Communicate effectively with executive leadership, providing updates on IT strategy, performance, and risk management.
• Support the company's strategic objectives by leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Negotiate and manage relationships with external vendors and technology partners.
• Evaluate vendor performance and ensure service‑level agreements (SLAs) are met.
• Continuously review vendor services and solutions for quality, cost‑effectiveness, and suitability for the companys needs.
• Perform detailed cost‑benefit analyses for necessary upgrades and investments, focusing on functionality, reliability, and scalability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• IT infrastructure uptime percentage.
• Project completion on time and within budget.
• Data accessibility, integrity, and security.
• Compliance with cybersecurity and data protection regulations.
• IT budget adherence and cost efficiency.
• Employee satisfaction and support request resolution time.
• Performance and development of the IT team.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. A Masters degree or relevant certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CISSP) are advantageous.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 5 years in a senior IT management role, preferably in a retail or similar industry.

SKILLS

• Strong strategic planning and project management skills.
• Deep understanding of IT infrastructure, systems integration, data management, and cybersecurity.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to communicate complex IT concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Vendor management and negotiation skills.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to various branches as required.