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
   

• 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