Head of IT

SUMMARY:
Driving innovation and business growth through strategic leadership and cutting-edge IT excellence.

POSITION INFO:
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 inter-operability 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.

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • A Master’s Degree or Professional Certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, and 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, and 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.

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