Head, IT Infrastructure

Job Purpose Statement

The Head of Technology Services is responsible for providing strategic direction for the enterprise's infrastructure function. This role involves assessing IT industry trends, defining infrastructure support initiatives, and leading the development of infrastructure strategy, architecture, and service delivery standards. The role also includes predicting trends, developing long-range plans, and establishing metrics and service level agreements to drive IT service delivery performance.

Key Accountabilities (Duties and Responsibilities)

Network Infrastructure Strategy (30%)

• Develop and implement a networking and telecommunication strategy aligned with business strategy.
• Analyze, plan, design, and implement network projects.
• Review IT infrastructure policies for compliance.
• Build a network architectural framework and evaluate new networking technologies.

Data Centre Strategy (30%)

• Direct and optimize server, storage, network, and collaboration systems operations.
• Coordinate with teams to implement new systems cost-effectively.
• Manage departmental sub-functions and develop budgets, policies, and procedures.

Systems Administration and Operation (20%)

• Manage and control the server environment (on-premise and cloud).
• Administer and configure servers and virtualization systems.
• Provide oversight for IT infrastructure and review system configurations for upgrades.
• Develop and maintain SLAs with external vendors.

Systems Security (10%)

• Design and implement systems security policies and controls.
• Build a systems security architectural framework.
• Review systems security configurations and plan cost-effective upgrades.

Business Continuity Planning (5%)

• Assist in developing a Business Continuity Plan for IT operations.
• Execute detailed disaster recovery plans and liaise with telecom bodies and internal business units.

Manage Outsourced Support Services (5%)

• Manage outsourced support vendors and ensure up-to-date inventory of Bank equipment.
• Coordinate with commercial services for proper storage and disposal of obsolete IT equipment.

Job Specifications

Academic:

• Bachelor's degree in IT/Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Telecommunications. A Master's degree is an added advantage.

Professional:

• Leadership/coaching/management training, IT Service Management certification (e.g., ITIL), system administration certification (e.g., MCSE), network-related certification (e.g., CCNA), security-related certification, business continuity training, project management skills (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP).

Desired Work Experience:

• At least 10 years in IT, with 6 years in senior management leading teams and projects.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of modern practices for ICT network infrastructure architecture and operations.
• Effective application of banking policies, processes, and guidelines.
• Self-empowerment, teamwork, and trust to support performance and customer-service-oriented culture.

Job Dimensions

Reporting Relationships:

• Direct Reports: Senior Manager Network, Senior Manager Data Centre, Senior Manager Cloud, Senior Manager Database, Senior Manager Collaboration
• Indirect Reports: Outsourced partners/vendors

Stakeholder Management:

• Internal: All departments, NCBA Group subsidiaries
• External: System vendors and outsourced partners

Decision Making Authority:

• Strategic: Technical architecture and design, security, optimization, and capacity management
• Operational: Data Centre operations, incident, change, and problem management
• Managerial/Leadership: Structural changes, task assignments, training

Work Cycle and Impact:

• Short-term planning: 6-12 months
• Long-term planning: 1-3 years
• Continuous contribution to IT Infrastructure projects roadmap