Head: Information Technology

BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous Head: Information Technology to join a goal-oriented team

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:

Required:

• Degree/ Diploma in Computer Science or Information Technology

Preferred:

• CISM, PRINCE2, Professional Certificate

• Recognition is given to Prior Learning and practical experience

Experience needed to deliver the role seamlessly:

• At least 10 years' experience in information technology.

• At least 5 years' experience at senior management level.

• Determines technology strategy aligned to organisational objectives

• Decides technology investment priorities impacting profitability and risk

• Defines enterprise risk posture relating to information and systems

• Shapes operating model of the organisation through technology capability

• Accountable for business continuity enabled through IT

Preferred:

• Experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing related IT and business systems

• Working knowledge of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing related legislation

• Experience in having faced successful local and/ or international quality audits.

• Experience in general business management within a commercial environment

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

Core Technical Delivery:

• Oversees the operation of the information technology department

• Consults with Exco on technology-related needs and purchasing decisions.

• Oversee the digital transformation strategy development and technology implementation projects, together with the transitional change management required

• Selecting and implementing suitable technology to streamline all internal operations and help optimize their strategic benefits

• Designing and customizing technological systems and platforms to improve customer experience

• Selecting and implementing suitable security technology to ensure continuity of operations and confidentiality

• Identifying strategic IT projects and the execution thereof.

• Selecting and implementing suitable infrastructure technology to support business objectives and systems. This includes stable cost-effective networks to facilitate on site, hybrid, and virtual business systems.

• Full integration of the IT function as a full business partner to all corporate, manufacturing operations and service departments

• Defining insourcing vs outsourcing strategies and active performance management of internal & extended IT team to ensure efficient participation, problem solving and service delivery within the business

• Ensure all IT systems are qualified and validated where required to meet cGMP requirements.

• Selecting and implementing suitable technology to ensure data integrity of the cGMP data.

• Design and execute the required integration between current and future systems.

Strategic Leadership

• Define enterprise technology strategy supporting company goals

• Determine digital capability required for business competitiveness

• Decide technology investment priorities and long-term roadmap

• Shape organisational operating model through technology enablement

• Define enterprise cyber security strategy and acceptable risk posture

• Determine protection requirements for regulated data, intellectual property and manufacturing systems

• Establish organization-wide digital and automation capability direction

• Determine enterprise architecture principles governing systems and integration

• Align technology capability to regulatory, operational and commercial strategy

Business Integration

• Act as business partner to executive leadership in operational decisions

• Evaluate strategic opportunities enabled by technology

• Determine enterprise data, automation and digital direction

• Influence commercial and operational strategy through technology capability

Governance & Risk

• Own enterprise information security and cyber risk accountability

• Define data governance and data ownership framework across the organization

• Determine acceptable levels of operational, regulatory and cyber risk

• Approve security standards, policies and control frameworks

• Ensure protection of product quality, patient safety and intellectual property through system controls

• Establish security monitoring, incident response and breach management capability

• Accountable for business continuity, disaster recovery and operational resilience

Financial Accountability

• Control and justify technology investment and operating expenditure

• Determine sourcing and outsourcing strategies

• Evaluate return on technology investments

• Optimise cost vs capability across the organisation

• Determine investment levels required to manage technology and cyber risk exposure

• Balance operational efficiency with security and compliance obligations

• Evaluate financial risk exposure related to system failure or breach

Operational Assurance

• Ensure business operations can reliably function through technology services

• Define performance standards for IT service delivery

• Establish accountability structures within the IT function Innovation frameworks (Design Thinking, Lean Startup, Agile).

Information Security & Cyber Defense

• Define and maintain the organisation's cyber security operating model

• Determine security architecture for IT and manufacturing environments (IT/OT)

• Evaluate threats and determine mitigation strategies

• Approve identity, access and privileged access control standards

• Ensure compliance with regulatory data integrity and electronic record requirements

• Oversee vulnerability management, penetration testing and remediation strategy

• Accountable for cyber incident response and reporting to executive leadership.

Application Deadline: 31 May 2026

If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks after closing date please understand that your application was not successful.

Disclaimer:

Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.''

For detailed information on data handling, please review our privacy notice:

https://www.biovac.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/published_Biovac-Privacy-Notice-20220617-2306-en.pdf