Director Information Technology Operations

Job Purpose:

Director Information Technology Operations will be responsible to oversee the comprehensive IT Infrastructure, encompassing key components like the primary data centre, network spanning multiple regions, servers, IT teams handling network server infrastructures, client hardware and software, account management, infrastructure security tools and controls, and database administration. The aim is to ensure alignment with organizations business objectives. The primary objectives include developing solutions and methodologies for efficient infrastructure management supporting business units, corporate service departments, project offices, and achieving service level agreements organization-wide. Additionally, this role involves leading skilled teams across various countries.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and operational IT planning to achieve business goals, emphasizing innovation and prioritization of IT initiatives.
• Coordinate evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.
• Design and implement an IT Strategy supporting the company’s vision, focusing on innovation, security, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and utilization.
• Collaborate with senior management to anticipate new technologies and provide solutions to enhance competitive advantage.
• Ensure security is central in IT strategy implementation, working closely with the security team to address risks and regulatory requirements.
• Manage overlapping reporting between infrastructure and security teams.
• Coordinate stakeholder consultations to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
• Communicate corporate plans, policies, and standards for IT systems acquisition, implementation, and operation.
• Ensure proposed solutions are scalable, flexible, and agile to support business operations and adapt to change seamlessly.
• Collaborate with the Programme Office for smooth deployment of the Central Project Programme.
• Identify cost-effective investment opportunities in IT systems and resources.
• Manage the Infrastructure IT budget and rigorously challenge prices internally and with external suppliers.
• Foster strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities.
• Manage the IT Technical team, overseeing network operations and IT services.
• Oversee the update and upgrade of all running devices, cloud services, and on-premises services for all offices/locations.
• Coordinate with HR for asset retrieval and onboarding/offboarding processes.
• Assist in the purchase process for IT assets, recommending products and specifications as per standards.
• Translate and communicate the organization's purpose, vision, and strategy execution to the team.
• Ensure organization expectations regarding tools, resources, and systems are communicated and adhered to by the team.
• Role model compliance with organizational processes, internal policies, code of conduct, and core value behaviors.
• Be accountable for team performance, coaching, and mentoring for KPI realization.
• Implement company people practices throughout the company people cycle and coach the team for personal development.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• BSc preferred in Computer Science, Information Technology, or any other related field.
• Certifications and continuing education preferred.

Experience:

• 15-20 years of IT Infrastructure experience with at least 10 years of managing and/or directing an IT operation.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience managing technical teams to manage and Data Centre Operations, desktop, network, security, project, server and telecommunications staff.
• A minimum of 8 years of related IT experience including: Unix, Linux, Windows server, LAN/WAN, and storage, backup and security technologies.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in multi-cloud architecture and management.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge:

• Expert knowledge in building and leveraging open-source technology.
• Demonstrated ability to apply IT in solving business problems.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT.
• Experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis through day-to-day management.
• Proven experience in IT infrastructure strategic planning and development, project management, and/or policy development.
• Knowledge of analysing IT infrastructure and systems performance to assess operating costs, productivity levels, upgrade requirements, and other metrics and needs. Expert knowledge and hands-on experience in Network/systems design, architecture, configuration and administration, including (Cisco Networks, Cisco Voice, FortiNet, PaloAlto, HPE, SDW, SDN) , Virtualization “VMware, Hyper V, OLVM, OVM”
• Expert knowledge in Windows server services including “AD, DNS, DHCP, DFS, NAP, GPO…etc”.
• Expert knowledge in Azure AD, Security, Microsoft Exchange Service design, protection, and administration. Microsoft Windows Client and Server Virtualization Technologies
• Database Architecture, Administration Oracle, SQL and ERP Knowledge

Skills:

• Great communication skills in his collaborative role, similarly, determining how effectively collaborative tasks are handled.
• Exceptional skills in drafting reports for the Chief Technology Officer.
• The Director IT Operations will be an enthusiastic problem solver, have advanced critical and strategic thinking skills, have strong attention to detail, have a strong understanding of business processes.
• Be self-motivated and proactive going beyond the call of duty and have an ability to stay calm in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
• The candidate must demonstrate exceptionally strong leadership skills, having an ability to influence a cross-functional group towards a unified direction and having an ability to influence senior business leadership. IT Service and Operation Management Skills
• Learner and adapting to rapid changing environments.