Deputy Director Capability Operations at University of The Western Cape

About the position

Deputy Director: Capability Operations

The University of the Western Cape is seeking an exceptional senior IT leader to join our Information and Communication Services Department as Deputy Director: Capability Operations. This is a pivotal leadership position that combines strategic vision with operational excellence, driving the digital transformation of our institution while ensuring the stability, efficiency, and security of our technology infrastructure.

As a key member of the ICS senior leadership team, you will support the Director: ICS in shaping and executing the university's ICT strategy, engaging at executive level across the institution, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver world-class IT services that enable our academic and research mission.

The key role and responsibilities:

• Assist the Director: ICS in formulating and executing the university's ICT strategic and institutional operating plans
• Oversee and be accountable for all core infrastructure services including data centres, servers, networks, storage, backup, disaster recovery, information security, and cloud-based systems
• Drive adoption and adherence to ITIL and COBIT frameworks and ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and legal requirements
• Develop and manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets, lead procurement processes, and manage vendor relationships
• Lead and manage IT operations staff across infrastructure, networks, and support teams, including workforce planning and staff development
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through service excellence and implementation of change, incident, and problem management processes
• Act as point of contact for faculties, departments, and administrative units regarding IT infrastructure operations
• Investigate and propose adoption of new technologies to enhance service delivery and support the university's digital transformation

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant NQF 8 qualification in IT or related field with 8 years' experience in IT Operations, with at least 3 - 5 years must be management experience at a senior level or
• Relevant NQF 7 qualification in IT or related field with 10 years' experience in IT Operations, with at least 5 years must be management experience at a senior level
• ITIL Foundation Certification or equivalent
• Proven experience in managing complex IT infrastructure and services
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams
• Executive-level engagement and business relationship management experience

Advantageous

• Postgraduate degree or ITIL Manager Certification
• Exposure to academic environments

Competencies Required

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound understanding of IT governance frameworks (ITIL, COBIT)
• Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving
• Executive presence and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage change in a complex environment
• High level of integrity, responsibility, and professionalism

Closing date: 01 June 2026

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at [URL Removed] For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at [Phone Number Removed]; or email: [Email Address Removed].

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

Desired Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Executive presence and stakeholder engagement skills

Desired Qualification Level:

• Degree