IT Manager
A seasoned 10+ year IT leader with a proven track record in enterprise resource planning (ERP), student information systems (SIS), learning management systems (LMS), data center/server-room builds, DevOps engineering, and disaster recovery/business continuity (DR/BC). Oversees hybrid IT infrastructure, distributed campuses, software/product delivery, vendor management, and governance across the education group.
Role and Responsibilities of IT Manager
1. IT Infrastructure Management
Network and System Administration: Oversee the management of the school’s IT infrastructure, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), servers, storage solutions, and cloud-based environments.
Execute at least two data center/server-room builds, covering full lifecycle design, implementation, operation, upgrades/replacements, hardware/software refresh planning, and sunsetting.
Hardware and Software Management: Ensure the proper selection, installation, configuration, and maintenance of hardware and software systems. This includes ensuring all IT systems are up to date and fully operational.
Oversee lifecycle planning for servers, network, databases, and software: procurements, patch policies, asset tracking, budgeting and decommissioning schedules.
Backup and DR / BC: Design and implement backup solutions and disaster recovery plans to ensure data integrity and system availability in case of an emergency or disaster.
Deliver at least one successful DR/BC implementation, covering both Disaster Recovery (reactive restoration) and Business Continuity (proactive planning).
Build formal DR/BC processes including risk assessment, business impact analysis (BIA), RTO/RPO, resilience, redundancy, and periodic testing.
Implement automated failover and redundancy strategies (multi-region, VM replication, IaC provisioning).
Schedule regular DR drills (annual full simulation plus quarterly tabletop sessions).
Network Security: Work closely with the Cybersecurity Specialist to ensure that the network is protected using firewalls, VPNs, and other security measures.
2. ERP / SIS / LMS / HRM Implementations
Lead at least three successful ERP, HRM, SIS, and/or LMS projects—from requirements gathering and vendor evaluation to go-live and support.
Manage complex stakeholder communications across academic, finance, operations, marketing, HR, and IT teams; ensure on-time and within-budget delivery; drive user adoption and training.
3. DevOps Engineering Leadership (≥5 years)
Oversee DevOps practices: CI/CD, IaC, automated testing, version control, and monitoring.
Use tools like Terraform or CloudFormation for infrastructure provisioning and automated deploys.
Align teams around DORA metrics: deployment frequency, lead time, change failure rate, MTTR, and reliability.
4. Team Leadership and Management
Manage and lead the IT team; mentor members to enhance technical skills and advance careers.
Mentor campus-based teams: helpdesk, infrastructure, ERP/SIS admins, application developers, and DevOps engineers.
Oversee daily IT operations, assign duties, prioritize tasks, and monitor progress.
Set performance goals and KPIs, conduct reviews, and organize team-building activities.
5. Project Management
Lead RFP processes: define requirements, evaluate vendors, negotiate contracts.
Oversee hardware/software upgrades and system implementations within time and budget.
Manage vendor relations, contracts, SLAs, and issue resolution.
Continuously assess and optimise IT processes for efficiency and alignment with strategy.
6. Technical Support and Troubleshooting
Provide high-level support to staff and students; ensure prompt helpdesk resolution.
Oversee troubleshooting of network, hardware, and system issues.
Continuously improve IT support and helpdesk services.
7. KPIs & Operational Monitoring
Design dashboards tracking ERP/LMS uptime, DR test success rates, SLAs, DORA metrics, cloud spend, and infrastructure utilisation.
Present monthly reports to leadership for data-driven decisions.
8. Budgeting and Cost Management
Develop and manage IT budgets, monitor costs, and identify cost-saving initiatives.
Maintain IT asset inventory and ensure timely upgrades within budget constraints.
9. Strategic IT Planning
Develop long-term IT strategy and roadmap aligned with institutional goals.
Assess and recommend emerging technologies.
Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and cost reduction.
Evaluate and mitigate IT and cybersecurity risks.
10. IT Governance, Policies & SOPs
Author and maintain IT policies, frameworks, and SOPs for infrastructure, security, DR/BC, change/configuration, and software operations.
Enforce governance for ERP/SIS/LMS/HRM implementations.
Standardise CI/CD pipelines, IaC frameworks, and monitoring practices.
Maintain configuration baselines, change advisory boards, and audit traceability.
Ensure system availability and BCDR integration.
Collaborate with cybersecurity for compliance with FERPA, GDPR, and HIPAA.
Maintain patch management, incident response, cost efficiency, and KPI dashboards.
11. Collaboration with Stakeholders
Collaborate with departments to align technology with operational needs.
Report performance, uptime, and budget status to senior leadership.
Ensure adherence to IT policies and standards.
Optional but Valuable Experience
Facility Design & Build: Knowledge of server room layout, cabling, HVAC, and security integration.
Premise Security & Access Controls: Policies for CCTV, badge access, sensors, and incident response.
