Head of IT Services

Job title : Head of IT Services

Job Summary

• The Head of IT Services will provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the University's Information Technology function. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing the University's technology strategy, overseeing IT infrastructure and enterprise applications, driving digital transformation, ensuring cybersecurity and data protection, and delivering technology projects that support the University's strategic objectives.
• The role requires a highly experienced technology leader with a strong background in software development, .NET and C# technologies, enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, and large-scale project management.

Key Responsibilities
IT Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with the University's strategic objectives.
• Provide strategic advice to Management on technology investments, emerging technologies, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and IT risks.
• Establish effective IT governance frameworks, policies, standards, procedures, and service-level expectations.
• Lead the development of scalable and sustainable technology solutions to support the University's growth.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring effective allocation and utilisation of technology resources.

Technology Systems & Software Development:

• Provide leadership for the design, development, implementation, integration, and maintenance of the University's technology applications and enterprise systems.
• Provide technical oversight for applications developed using Microsoft .NET Framework/.NET Core/.NET and C#.
• Oversee software architecture, application development, APIs, databases, system integrations, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Ensure that internally developed and third-party applications meet appropriate standards for functionality, performance, scalability, security, and maintainability.
• Lead the integration of institutional systems, including ERP, Student Information Systems, Learning Management Systems, HR/Payroll systems, finance applications, and other digital platforms.
• Establish appropriate software development standards, version control, documentation, testing, and release management processes.

IT Infrastructure & Operations:

• Oversee the University's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud environments, internet connectivity, telecommunications, hardware, and end-user computing.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, performance, and security of critical IT systems and infrastructure.
• Oversee systems administration, network management, infrastructure monitoring, backups, and technical support.
• Develop and maintain effective disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements.

Project & Programme Management:

• Lead and provide executive oversight for multiple technology projects and programmes simultaneously, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Demonstrate a strong track record of successfully managing and delivering numerous complex IT projects from initiation through implementation and post-implementation review.
• Develop project plans, resource requirements, budgets, risk registers, milestones, and delivery frameworks.
• Coordinate internal teams, consultants, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in technology projects.
• Monitor project performance and provide regular reports to Management.
• Identify and proactively manage project risks, dependencies, issues, and change requirements.
• Ensure proper documentation, knowledge transfer, user acceptance testing, training, and post-implementation support.
• Lead continuous improvement and optimisation of completed technology projects.

Cybersecurity & Data Protection:

• Develop and implement appropriate cybersecurity policies, controls, standards, and procedures.
• Protect the University's systems, networks, applications, and information assets against cyber threats.
• Oversee access controls, vulnerability management, security monitoring, incident response, and security awareness initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate data protection, backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity measures are implemented.
• Coordinate responses to cybersecurity incidents and ensure timely remediation.

IT Service Delivery:

• Establish a professional and responsive IT service delivery framework for staff, faculty, students, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the IT helpdesk and technical support functions.
• Establish service-level standards and monitor service performance.
• Ensure timely resolution of incidents and service requests.
• Analyse recurring technology issues and implement sustainable solutions.

Digital Transformation:

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve university operations through technology and automation.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives across academic, administrative, and student-facing functions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including cloud computing, automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other relevant technologies.
• Promote technology adoption that improves operational efficiency, user experience, and institutional effectiveness.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management:

• Manage strategic relationships with technology vendors, consultants, implementation partners, and service providers.
• Lead the technical evaluation of IT solutions and participate in procurement processes.
• Ensure vendors deliver against agreed specifications, service levels, timelines, and contractual obligations.
• Build effective relationships with Management, academic leadership, administrative units, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, develop, and manage the University's IT Services team.
• Set clear objectives, performance expectations, and professional development plans.
• Build a high-performing technology team with appropriate technical capabilities.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, responsiveness, and excellent service delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree in a relevant technology or management discipline will be an advantage.
• Relevant professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ITIL, PMP, PRINCE2, Microsoft, AWS, Azure, CCNA/CCNP, or equivalent certifications will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 15 years' progressive experience in Information Technology, with substantial experience in senior technology leadership or management positions.
• Demonstrable experience leading IT functions within a complex organisation, preferably a university, higher education institution, financial institution, technology company, or similarly structured organisation.
• Extensive experience managing and successfully delivering multiple IT projects and programmes, including complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Proven experience in project planning, implementation, change management, risk management, vendor management, and post-implementation support.
• Strong hands-on or managerial experience with Microsoft .NET and C#, including enterprise application development and system integration.
• Strong knowledge of software development life cycles, application architecture, APIs, databases, systems integration, testing, deployment, and application support.
• Experience managing enterprise applications such as ERP, Student Information Systems, Learning Management Systems, HR/Payroll systems, Finance systems, or similar platforms.
• Strong experience in IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, networking, cybersecurity, data protection, and business continuity.
• Demonstrable experience managing technical teams and third-party technology providers.
• Experience developing and managing IT budgets and technology investment plans.

Key Competencies:
The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strategic technology leadership.
• Strong software development and systems architecture knowledge.
• Strong proficiency in .NET and C# technologies.
• Proven project and programme management capability.
• A demonstrated track record of delivering multiple complex technology projects.
• Strong cybersecurity and information governance knowledge.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong commercial and vendor-management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Strong people leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and digital transformation.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and service orientation.