Principal Head : IT Operations

Blue Label Telecoms; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecom company is seeking a dynamic IT Operations Lead to spearhead technology strategy development and execution. The role involves managing IT operations, budgets, and fostering relationships with business leaders for optimal tech integration. Ideal candidates will possess excellent strategic thinking abilities, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of risk management. This position is situated in Sandton, Gauteng, offering competitive remuneration aligned with industry standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading IT operations and technology strategy development.
• Strong understanding of risk management and compliance.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of technology operations strategies.
• Manage IT budgets and ensure financial effectiveness.
• Establish relationships with internal clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Change Management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in IT or related field

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

Leads the development, implementation, and execution of organization-wide information technology plans and strategy that contribute to the development and delivery of IT Operations functions supporting and leading the business objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional Strategy Formation and Implementation

• Develop, implement, monitor, review, and evaluate the delivery of Technology Operations to formulate and implement technology strategy.
• Develop strategies for significant areas of responsibility, anticipating complex issues, challenges, and opportunities.
• Ensure successful implementation of strategies that meet medium-term business needs.
• Enable businesses to capitalize on new opportunities and build new capabilities.
• Develop and implement cost-effective strategies to simplify processes and procedures.
• Lead strategy development for significant responsibilities, ensuring integration with wider corporate strategy.
• Create, monitor, and analyze financial and operational metrics to track performance and provide insights.
• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-term planning, new technology platforms, programs, strategies, and regulatory actions.
• Manage business information strategy, develop and implement business systems, and streamline processes to improve productivity and performance.
• Partner with business executives on strategic projects, understanding business requirements and market trends based on digital platforms.
• Support the Group Technology CEO in implementing tech strategy across all companies.
• Oversee deployment and management of current and future technology systems, ensuring scalability and flexibility.
• Communicate the function's strategy and its alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values; motivate teams to achieve organizational goals.

Information, Business Advice, Policies, and Procedures

• Provide expert advice to leadership on policy implementation, project design, and change initiatives.
• Lead policy, procedure, and guideline development for delivery, product design, architecture, and governance, ensuring compliance and integration.
• Ensure a secure environment to reduce fraudulent activities.
• Build infrastructure frameworks and Service Management SLAs that are tangible and relatable for the business.

Internal Client Relationship Management

• Develop partnerships with business units and technology managers, building credibility and trust.
• Ensure internal clients have access to high-quality advice to support business strategies.
• Establish strong relationships with business leaders to understand their needs and provide solutions.
• Focus on customer obsession and service quality.

Information Security & Risk Operations

• Implement and enhance security measures and risk management strategies to protect IT infrastructure, data, and assets, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Business Case and Planning

• Develop and secure approval for annual business plans aligned with strategy, including financial and headcount budgets.
• Lead development and review of project business cases, making evidence-based recommendations.
• Handle external audits and regulatory reporting.
• Maintain relationships with the board, shareholders, and business leaders to identify needs and solutions.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and governance, and implement policies and controls for efficiency.

Leadership, Direction, and Budgeting

• Manage the technology budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Establish financial controls and challenge pricing with vendors.
• Align budgets with business strategy.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and define project scopes.
• Lead transition initiatives for new ways of working and tech integration.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, providing updates and addressing concerns.
• Foster collaboration to enhance customer experience.
• Lead and motivate teams, fostering accountability and understanding of delivery impacts.

Team Coordination & Managing Complexity

• Lead and mentor IT Operations, encouraging innovation and accountability.
• Coordinate with external providers to align goals and deliverables.
• Build and develop IT Operations and Service Management capabilities.
• Sift through complex information to solve problems and encourage innovative thinking.

Performance Management & Business Capability Building

• Build a high-performance team, driving engagement and delivery.
• Manage performance, set objectives, and ensure achievement of business goals.
• Identify and address capability gaps, and foster personal development.
• Mentor others, build effective teams, and leverage diverse skills.

Change Management

• Develop and implement change management plans for technology rollouts.
• Conduct training to ensure proper adoption of new services.

Business Continuity

• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Strategic Mindset and Business Acumen

• Translate future possibilities into strategies, aligning with the business vision.
• Integrate long-term opportunities with daily activities.
• Use business knowledge to advance organizational goals.

Situational Adaptability and Communication

• Adapt approaches based on changing demands.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, tailoring content and style.

Business Insights and Accountability

• Apply market knowledge to support business goals.
• Ensure team understands industry changes and their impact.
• Hold self and others accountable for commitments and performance.