IT Manager

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.

9. Stakeholder Communication and Reporting

• Collaborate with other departments to understand their technology needs and provide solutions.
• Communicate IT updates, security alerts, and performance metrics to senior management.
• Prepare reports on IT performance, incident management, and project progress.

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.

6. Project Management and Budgeting

• Experience in managing IT budgets, optimizing spending on resources, and justifying investment in new technology.
• Skilled in planning and executing IT projects, with a track record of meeting deadlines and budgets.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) is desirable.

7. Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Excellent communication skills to explain technical issues to non-technical staff and senior management.
• Ability to manage relationships with external vendors, negotiate contracts, and assess vendor performance.
• Skilled in preparing and presenting IT reports, updates, and business cases to stakeholders.