Head of Data and Technology

SUMMARY:
The Head of Data and Technology (Consultant) operates at an executive level and is responsible for developing and governing our information technology and data strategy in order to drive intelligent business decisions and build scalable systems to support the rapid growth of the SPARK network.

POSITION INFO:

SPARK Schools is a network of affordable private schools implementing Africa’s first blended learning model for primary school students in South Africa. SPARK Schools provide transformational education innovation through our blended learning model, which elevates student achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their students effectively.

SPARK Schools has a culture of collaboration, because getting South Africa to lead global education takes a team effort. We are innovators who strive for excellence through persistence and a sense of urgency to achieve SPARK Schools’ vision, mission and social transformational objectives. Our work environment is vibrant/cheerful, fast-paced/dynamic, engaging/stimulating, tech-enabled and data driven.

Our blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate student needs and equips schools to provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.

SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values driven and highly entrepreneurial organisation; and is looking for dynamic people to join our team.

Requirements:

The Head of Data and Technology (Consultant) operates at an executive level and is responsible for developing and governing our information technology and data strategy in order to drive intelligent business decisions and build scalable systems to support the rapid growth of the SPARK network.

This role oversees the optimisation of current systems and critical business processes while also being accountable for the implementation of new technologies, ensuring that they meet the business requirements and that they are delivered on time and within budget.

The Head of Data and Technology (Consultant) develops data procedures and policies, and works closely with various functions within the SPARK business to collect, prepare, organize, protect and analyze data assets while ensuring that the company meets industry best practices. This will often require that they lead interdisciplinary project teams to improving and streamlining data systems SPARK Schools while ensuring compliance to the relevant regulations (POPIA, GDPR etc.)

A successful candidate will have a proven track record in data management, information technology systems and tools. A strong background in IT, mathematics, analytics, business leadership and will be advantageous.

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Responsibilities:

• Design and refinement of a future-fit technology and data strategy for SPARK Schools supported by a strong business case.
• Definition of systems integration and architecture requirements based on the data and technology strategy, with a particular focus on the Customer Journey and the alleviation of pain points therein.
• Development of best practice data migration processes and procedures to support the migration from existing systems, back-ups and archives to new ones.
• Impact assessment of data and technology changes ahead of implementation.
• Overseeing the change management for various stakeholders before, during and after systems and technology migration
• Designing risk mitigation initiatives for the data and technology work streams
• Feasibility assessments of projects aligned with the SPARK Schools technology and data strategy.
• Overseeing the collection, storage, management, quality and protection of data.
• Implementing data privacy policies and complying with data protection regulations.
• Delivering actionable insights derived from data for decision-making across the business.
• Overseeing maintenance and management of SPARK’s big data solutions and tools.
• Leading, motivating and managing technical teams.
• Updating functional job knowledge of technology and data teams by facilitating and encouraging participation in educational opportunities
• Training of existing and onboarding of new staff formulated with the professional development team as part of the relevant KPIs relative to the competency frameworks for the appropriate roles.
• Ongoing industry and functional research to ensure that SPARK aligns to best practices and to minimize project risks.
• Reporting to the Executive Committee and Board on key strategic projects to ensure alignment, buy-in and adequate return on investment.

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree Information Technology or related field. Masters degree, MBA or another aligned post graduate qualification preferred.
• 5 to 10 years'''' experience in a senior-level technology or data management role.
• 5+ years of P&L ownership

Competencies:

• Extensive experience in cloud computing (infrastructure, storage, platforms and data), working with a variety of technology systems, designing solutions, or developing business applications
• Experience working in a start-up or scale-up organisations would be advantageous
• Development experience
• ERP software experience and experience
• Cloud-based Enterprise Service Bus / Middleware layer and integration approaches
• Student Information System experience
• Payment gateway/billing
• Essential to have experience with the Google Cloud Platform
• Experience in Technology Project Management essential
• Stakeholder Management experience to include internal stakeholders, vendors, operational and executive committees
• Systems and data change management process design and execution
• Understanding of POPIA, GDPR, IT security and privacy regulations
• Knowledge of Business Processes relating to: Billing, Workflow, Customer Relationship Management, Procurement, Operations, Human Capital Management and Finance would be advantageous

Qualities:

• Strong verbal and written communicator with the ability to have analytical conversations with suppliers, implementation partners, as well as staff members during supplier vetting processes
• Analytical thinking
• Proven track record in the design and implementation of systems - particularly project management
• Excellent understanding of business operations
• Ability to create cross-functional team cohesion and foster collaboration
• Ability to position technology as an enabler of operational excellence among stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Displays grit, high level of excellence, is mission & vision aligned and a high level of self-reflection (GEMS)

Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness

SPARK offers:

• fair market linked remuneration

• performance-based annual bonuses and increases

• above average/good annual leave

• life, disability and funeral cover

• employee wellness support

• educational support & study leave

• individualised professional development, support and mentorship

• employee discount on school fees

• opportunities for career growth

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

Position Type: Fixed Term/Limited Duration Contract

Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa

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