Technology Manager

SUMMARY:
A well-established company in the skincare industry specialises in the research and development of high-quality skincare products is looking for a Technology Manager. Founded in the mid-20th century, the business initially focused on importing premium international skincare solutions before expanding into the development of its own product range.
Over the years, the company has grown from a local operation into a globally recognised organisation, now operating in numerous countries worldwide. It is known for producing innovative and trusted skincare products with a strong international presence.

The Technology Manager will be based at the global manufacturing site in Boksburg and travel between Cape Town & Durban occasionally  and will report to the Technology Director. They will be responsible for the management and oversight of all IT infrastructure, operations and operational technology at the Johannesburg site, acting as the primary technology lead on the ground while operating within a centralised IT function headquartered in Cape Town.

This role sits at the intersection of IT and OT, where manufacturing systems such as SCADA, MES and industrial automation technologies meet enterprise IT infrastructure.
The Technology Manager will serve as the critical liaison between the engineering team and the broader technology function, ensuring that the unique requirements of a high-technology manufacturing environment are understood, prioritised and addressed without compromising security, reliability or compliance. A close and trusted working relationship with the Manufacturing Director is central to this role, and the ability to align technology priorities with the operational realities of a busy production environment will be key to its success.


The Technology Manager will:
- Manage and oversee all IT infrastructure at the Johannesburg manufacturing site, including networks, servers, end-user computing and connectivity.
- Act as the primary liaison between the factory engineering team and the central technology function, ensuring alignment on OT/IT requirements, project priorities and governance.
- Oversee the on-site contracted support team, ensuring service levels are maintained and day-to-day IT operations run smoothly.
- Take ownership of OT/IT integration from an IT perspective, including network architecture for industrial systems, OT network segmentation, and the secure connectivity of SCADA, MES and other automation platforms.
- Manage IT-related aspects of factory automation projects, coordinating hardware, network and security requirements in collaboration with the engineering team.
- Ensure the security, integrity and availability of all site systems, applying appropriate IT security principles and frameworks to both corporate and operational technology environments.
- Lead and manage technology projects at the Johannesburg site, from scoping and planning through to delivery.
- Manage vendor and service provider relationships at the site level, ensuring contractual obligations are met and escalating where necessary.
- Maintain accurate documentation of site infrastructure, systems and configurations, supporting business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
- Contribute to technology strategy and planning from the manufacturing perspective, providing ground-level insight to inform decisions made at the central technology level.

POSITION INFO:
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced technology professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and understands the distinct demands of operational technology. The ideal candidate will bring at least 10 years of experience in a similar role, with a strong track record of managing IT infrastructure and OT/IT integration in a
manufacturing or industrial setting.

You will have a deep understanding of network architecture and security principles as they apply in environments where corporate IT and industrial automation systems coexist.
You are comfortable operating as both a hands-on practitioner when needed and a capable manager who can coordinate contractors, vendors and cross-functional teams to deliver
outcomes.
You will be a natural communicator who can bridge the gap between engineering and technology disciplines, translating technical requirements across both domains with confidence. Critically, you will have the interpersonal credibility to build a strong and productive working relationship with the Manufacturing Director, earning trust at the operational level and ensuring that technology is seen as an enabler of factory performance rather than a constraint on it.

Key Areas of Experience
- IT infrastructure management in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- OT/IT convergence, including SCADA, MES and industrial automation systems from
an IT perspective.
- Network architecture and security, including OT network segmentation and secure
remote access.
- IT project management, vendor and contractor management.
- IT security principles and their application in hybrid IT/OT environments.
- Managing contracted or third-party support teams.
Education & Experience
A bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Engineering
(Electrical, Electronic or Computer)
8-10+ years in IT infrastructure within a manufacturing or industrial environment