Roles and responsibilities
1. Technology Strategy and Planning
- Develop and implement the organization’s IT strategy in alignment with business goals.
- Identify technology needs and make recommendations for future upgrades and investments.
- Plan, manage, and oversee IT projects, including software implementations and network upgrades.
2. Network and Systems Management
- Ensure the reliability, security, and performance of the organization’s network, servers, and systems.
- Oversee the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of IT systems and software.
- Manage user access, data backups, disaster recovery, and failover procedures to ensure business continuity.
3. Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Implement and enforce cybersecurity policies to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability tests to identify and address risks.
- Ensure compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and industry standards.
4. IT Support and Troubleshooting
- Lead the IT support team in providing timely and effective technical support to employees.
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues to minimize downtime.
- Maintain documentation of technical issues, solutions, and operational processes.
5. Vendor and Budget Management
- Manage relationships with IT vendors, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement of software, hardware, and services.
- Develop and manage the IT budget, optimizing spending and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
- Evaluate vendor performance and ensure services meet organizational needs and standards.
6. Team Leadership and Development
- Recruit, train, and mentor IT staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and provide feedback to team members.
- Ensure IT staff are up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices through ongoing training.
7. System Integration and Optimization
- Integrate new systems with existing technology infrastructure to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Identify areas for improvement in processes and systems, implementing best practices.
- Optimize IT resources and workflows to support business operations and user needs.
8. Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure that IT operations comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and company policies.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential security and operational risks.
- Develop policies for IT governance and implement control measures to safeguard data and systems.
Desired candidate profile
1. Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- A Master’s degree or advanced certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, CISSP, CompTIA Security+) is a plus.
2. Experience
- 5-10+ years of experience in IT, with a minimum of 3 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Proven track record in managing IT infrastructure, systems administration, and network security.
- Experience in project management, preferably with a background in implementing complex IT projects.
- Industry-specific experience (e.g., finance, healthcare, or manufacturing) can be beneficial.
3. Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of network architecture, system administration, cybersecurity, and database management.
- Proficiency with IT systems, such as cloud computing (AWS, Azure), virtualization (VMware), and enterprise software.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and data privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).
- Knowledge of IT management software (e.g., ServiceNow, JIRA) and project management tools.
4. Leadership and People Management
- Proven experience in leading and mentoring a technical team, promoting professional growth and collaboration.
- Ability to recruit, develop, and retain skilled IT staff, fostering a supportive work environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with both technical and non-technical teams.
5. Strategic and Problem-Solving Abilities
- Ability to develop and execute an IT strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and growth plans.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating IT risks.
- Capable of balancing long-term planning with day-to-day operational priorities.