About the position
Our client is looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Head of IT and Digital Strategy to lead and evolve their technology landscape. This strategic leadership role is central to advancing the company's mission through robust IT infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, enhanced cybersecurity, and innovation enablement. The ideal candidate will bring a strong blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership to drive the digital transformation agenda across their head office and nationwide retail fuel network.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership
- Refine, develop, and execute IT, AI, cybersecurity, and data strategies in alignment with the company's business goals.
- Provide stable and confident leadership in shaping the technology vision and innovation pipeline.
- Advise EXCO on emerging technology trends, innovation opportunities, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Champion and execute digital transformation initiatives that support scalable growth.
- Strengthen and maintain governance structures for technology decision-making and oversight.
2. Operational Oversight
- Lead end-to-end IT operations, including support, infrastructure, software licensing, procurement, and asset management.
- Ensure efficient operation of first-line application support systems (SWIFT, SAGE, iMali Yam, OPUS, etc.).
- Optimize onboarding/offboarding processes and end-user support frameworks, ensuring timely ticket resolution and service delivery.
3. Infrastructure & Cybersecurity
- Maintain a secure, resilient, and high-performing infrastructure spanning HQ and ~80 nationwide fuel sites.
- Oversee management of network infrastructure, cloud platforms, server environments, CCTV systems, and biometric technologies.
- Implement and enforce cybersecurity standards and frameworks, ensuring full compliance with regulations such as POPIA.
4. Data & Reporting
- Drive the evolution of centralized data reporting and dashboarding tools across the organization.
- Ensure data integrity, standardization, and reliability in reporting for operational and executive functions.
- Deliver actionable insights to Finance, Operations, and EXCO, enabling data-informed strategic decisions.
5. Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-disciplinary IT team comprising analysts, system administrators, support technicians, and project leads.
- Oversee recruitment, team performance management, and ongoing development plans.
- Build a high-performance culture based on accountability, innovation, and agility.
6. Vendor & Budget Management
- Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and national technology partners.
- Lead annual IT budgeting and forecasting, ensuring cost optimization while maintaining service excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
- 8-10 years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership capacity.
- Proven track record in managing complex, multi-site environments and cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated experience with systems integration, vendor management, and strategic technology planning.
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in: Azure, Microsoft 365, SQL Server, Power BI, automation platforms.
- Strong understanding of infrastructure design, cybersecurity protocols, and data governance best practices.
- Familiarity with enterprise tools including: SWIFT, SAGE, Smartsheet, QContact, Norm, and Splynx.
Desired Skills:
- : Azure
- Microsoft 365
- SQL Server
- Power BI
- automation platforms
