Head of It - Cape Town, South Africa - Maskew Miller Learning Recruitment DescriptionJob Desciption:Join our innovation and technology team:We are serious about innovating with technology to get learning resources and content in the hands of all learners.Maskew Miller Learning lends its name from the most trusted and recognisable publisher in South African history - Maskew Miller.We believe that learning allows people to move forward in life, enabling them to have brighter futures.About us:Maskew Miller Learning (MML) provides education solutions ranging from early childhood learning to professional certification, curriculum-based print materials, e-learning content and tools, as well as teacher training.We publish in 11 official languages and have the widest range of CAPS-approved content, trusted by teachers.Our quality educational resources and materials are used in schools, TVET colleges, higher education institutions, and home and professional environments.MML is part of the Novus Holdings group of companies.Novus is a dynamic printing and packaging group headquartered in Cape Town, where innovation and quality converge to create exciting opportunities for growth.As part of the Novus team, you'll contribute IT services to our diverse portfolio of companies.About the role:As Head of IT, you will lead the IT team and report to the Chief Innovation and Technology Officer.You will drive the implementation of new technology solutions, manage IT operations, and ensure the delivery of quality IT services and infrastructure.You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align IT strategies and implementation with business objectives and support MML's ever-evolving digital efforts.Our innovation and technology capabilities are of strategic importance to our future as a company and as a group. As part of the strategic alignment, MML is taking responsibility for Novus Group IT.Although you will be an MML employee and function within MML, you and your team will serve the entire group.Your broader focus can create exciting opportunities for skills development and expansion for you and your team.About you:You are an inspiring leader who comfortably switches between broader business objectives and the technical details of implementation.You stay abreast of developments in the tech industry, without losing sight of the operational reality of successfully completing initiatives you and your team commit to.A single day for you can consist of re-establishing your team's focus on the IT strategy, identifying why support levels have dipped, investigating a new technology released the previous week and removing blockers on a large and critical IT project.There is no 'us & them' for you.You prefer to understand the problem and, in a collaborative way, leading the team to resolve the issues and then to learn from it so that there are better results next time.Your collaborative nature does not prevent you from holding your team and yourself accountable to the results you have committed to.Key Duties and Responsibilities:IT strategy and planning:Develop and execute the IT strategy in alignment with MML and Novus' business goals and digital transformation agenda.Identify emerging technologies and trends, evaluate their potential impact on us, and recommend strategic IT investments.Collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders to define IT priorities and roadmaps.IT operations and infrastructure management:Oversee the daytoday IT operations, ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of our IT infrastructure and systems.Manage the network infrastructure, servers, databases, and other critical IT components.Monitor system performance, identify and resolve issues, and implement proactive measures to minimize downtime.Team leadership and development:Lead and inspire a team of IT professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring to foster a highperforming and collaborative culture.Recruit, train, and develop IT staff to ensure the department has the necessary skills and expertise to support our technology needs.Establish performance goals and conduct regular performance evaluations for team members.Vendor and contract management:Evaluate and manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers, and contractors to ensure the timely delivery of highquality services and solutions.Negotiate contracts, manage budgets, and monitor vendor performance to ensure alignment with agreedupon servicelevel agreements and costeffectiveness.IT security and compliance:Update and implement IT security policies, procedures, and controls to safeguard our technology infrastructure and data assets.Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and industry best practices, implementing measures to mitigate risks.Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, data protection laws, and industry standards.IT project management:Oversee th Share this jobMore jobs from Maskew Miller Learning Recruitment#J-18808-Ljbffr