IT Operations Manager / Project Manager

SUMMARY:
Senior IT Operations Manager
Location: Sandton
12 Month Contract – Hybrid work model followed
Sector: Banking / Investment Banking / Financial Services

POSITION INFO:
Senior IT Operations Manager / Project Manager
Location: Sandton
12 Month Contract – Hybrid work model followed
Sector: Banking / Investment Banking / Financial Services

Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Senior IT Operations Manager with a strong background in IT infrastructure, hardware, and project management, ideally gained within the Banking, Investment Banking, or Financial Services sectors. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day IT operations, managing infrastructure projects, and ensuring the availability, performance, and security of the organization's IT systems. This role requires a strategic leader who can align technology operations with business objectives while delivering high-quality IT services to support critical business functions.
Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the IT operations team, ensuring the optimal performance of all IT infrastructure, hardware, and systems.
• Lead IT infrastructure projects, including hardware upgrades, server installations, network improvements, and disaster recovery planning.
• Collaborate with senior management to define IT strategies that align with business goals and ensure the effective delivery of IT services across the organization.
• Manage system availability, security, and performance, ensuring compliance with relevant industry standards and best practices.
• Develop and implement IT policies, procedures, and SLAs to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Monitor and manage infrastructure-related incidents, ensuring timely resolution and minimal impact on business operations.
• Oversee budgeting and resource allocation for IT infrastructure projects, ensuring cost efficiency and on-time delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for IT operations processes, identifying and mitigating risks, optimizing system performance, and enhancing scalability.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal security standards, particularly in the Banking and Financial Services sectors.
• Collaborate with vendors and external partners to procure and maintain IT infrastructure, hardware, and services.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in IT operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role within the Banking, Investment Banking, or Financial Services sectors.
• Proven experience in managing IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, data centers, and hardware systems.
• Strong project management experience, with a track record of successfully delivering IT infrastructure projects on time and within budget.
• Expertise in IT service management (ITSM) and ITIL frameworks.
• Experience in managing IT budgets, vendor relationships, and procurement processes.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and experience implementing security protocols in IT infrastructure.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

• IT Infrastructure Management
• Hardware & Systems Management
• Project Management (PMP/Prince2 certification preferred)
• IT Service Management (ITIL)
• Cybersecurity & Risk Management
• Incident & Problem Management
• Budgeting & Resource Allocation
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management