Manager, IT Planning and Governance

Position Overview

A skilled and experienced Manager, IT Planning to oversee IT projects, manage budgets, and communicating updates to senior management.

Key Responsibilities

The Manager, IT Planning will be responsible for a wide range of duties focused on project management, budget management, and strategic communication. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Project and Program Management: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects and programs, adhering to standard project management methodologies. Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and meet quality standards while mitigating risks and resolving issues proactively.
• IT Budget Management: Develop, monitor, and manage the IT budget for the group, to ensure cost-effective allocation of resources. Track expenditures, forecast financial needs, and provide regular reports to ensure transparency and alignment with organizational financial goals.
• Stakeholder Communication and Presentations: Create high-quality presentations for management to provide updates on Project Management Office (PMO) activities, project statuses, and strategic IT initiatives.
• Documentation and Justification: Write detailed papers and reports for approvals and business justifications, articulating the rationale for IT initiatives, budget allocations, and project proposals. Ensure all documentation is clear, compelling, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Collaboration and Leadership: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including IT staff, department heads, and external vendors, to ensure seamless execution of IT plans. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members involved in planning and project execution.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance IT planning and project management processes, implementing best practices to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Reporting Structure

The Manager, IT Planning will report directly to the Head of IT Planning, ensuring alignment with the broader IT strategy and priorities. Regular updates and strategic discussions with the Head of IT Planning will be essential to maintain focus on organizational objectives.

Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) are highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in IT project management, planning, or a related field, with at least 2-3 years in a managerial or supervisory role. Proven experience in managing IT budgets and delivering complex projects is essential.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana) and familiarity with IT systems and infrastructure.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for budgeting, data analysis, and financial tracking.
• Expertise in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating high-impact presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Writing and Documentation Skills: Strong ability to write detailed papers for approvals and business justifications, with a focus on clarity, logical argumentation, and alignment with business goals.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information to non-technical stakeholders. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities are critical.
• Analytical Abilities: Capability to analyze financial data, project metrics, and performance indicators to make informed decisions and recommendations.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Financial acumen and budget management
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
• Risk management and problem resolution
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for data and presentation tasks
• Expertise in writing business justification and approval documents
• Adaptability to changing priorities and technologies