IT & AI MANAGER

Tower Group South Africa (PTY) Ltd; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in the tyres manufacturing industry is seeking an experienced IT & AI Manager to join their team in Durban. The ideal candidate will bring over 7 years of IT leadership experience, alongside a solid understanding of AI and digital transformation. This role involves strategy implementation, IT infrastructure management, and team leadership. Strong skills in ERP and POS systems are essential for optimizing technology investments and driving innovation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in IT leadership, digital transformation.
• 1+ years AI-driven automation experience.
• Proven ability to balance operational IT needs with long-term strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an AI roadmap aligned with business growth.
• Identify and implement AI-driven solutions to enhance operations.
• Oversee the day-to-day IT operations across locations.

Skills

IT leadership

Digital transformation

AI-driven automation

ERP management

POS systems

Leadership and people management

Education

Relevant Qualifications (Degree or Higher)

Tools

SAP Business One

Cistech

Job description

Overview

Our client, a leader in the tyres manufacturing industry are seeking a highly qualified IT & AI Manager to join their team based in Durban.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Qualifications (Degree or Higher)
• 7+ years of experience in IT leadership, digital transformation.
• 1+ years AI-driven automation.
• Proven ability to balance operational IT needs with long-term strategic goals.
• Experience managing ERP systems (SAP Business One preferred) and POS (Cistech).
• Strong understanding of AI, automation, and business intelligence technologies.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with experience overseeing IT teams.

Main Job Functions

• AI & Technology Strategy Implementation
• Develop and execute an AI roadmap aligned with business growth, focusing on automation, data analytics, and process optimization.
• Identify and implement AI-driven solutions to enhance sales, CRM, inventory management, pricing, finance, and distribution.
• Leverage AI capabilities to improve decision-making, predictive analytics, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure AI solutions integrate seamlessly with SAP Business One and Cistech POS.
• Ensure maximum utilization of SAP Business One & Cistech POS, identifying areas for enhancement and automation.
• Optimize technology investments to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and drive innovation.
• Stay updated on AI trends and emerging technologies to maintain companies competitive edge.
• IT Infrastructure & Systems Management
• Manage company-wide IT infrastructure (networks, servers, cloud solutions, security).
• Ensure high availability and security of ERP (SAP Business One), POS (Cistech), and other mission-critical systems.
• Lead the planning and implementation of system upgrades, integrations, and new technology solutions.
• Implement and maintain robust backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.
• IT Operations & Support
• Oversee the day-to-day IT operations, ensuring all technology functions run smoothly across locations.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to ensure security, compliance, and efficiency.
• Support and troubleshoot IT system issues, minimizing downtime and improving user experience.
• Work closely with department heads (sales, finance, operations) to understand technology needs and implement solutions.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality service delivery.
• Negotiate service level agreements (SLAs) and oversee performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the company to align IT initiatives with business objectives.
• Communicate IT initiatives, project updates, and system changes effectively across departments.
• Asset & IT Budget Management
• Oversee IT asset management, ensuring proper tracking, maintenance, and lifecycle management.
• Manage IT budgets, project costs, and investment planning.
• Ensure effective licensing and software management across all business units.
• Develop a structured process for evaluating and approving new technology investments.
• Team Leadership & Growth
• Lead, mentor, and develop the existing IT team (currently two junior IT staff).
• Define and hire key roles to support company's expanding digital and AI initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation within the technology department.
• Conduct performance evaluations and ensure the team meets KPIs and strategic objectives.