Head, Information Technology at TalentSquare

Talentsquare is on a mission to make human resource the number one priority for every business in Africa and the wider community. We partner with stakeholders to understand how best to develop and place talents, improving how people launch out in their careers, build or learn to develop their skills. We want to leverage all solutions to drive capacity building and scale empowerment programs, talent management and impact learning in Africa.

Position Overview:

The Head of Information Technology will play a pivotal role in overseeing the business' IT department, ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of all IT systems and infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be responsible for building and executing a robust IT strategy and digital roadmap for apparel production, corporate support centers, and physical store operations. Collaborating closely with senior leadership and external vendor partners, the Head of IT will drive technological innovation aligned with the company's business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. IT Infrastructure Management:

   • Lead the evaluation, maintenance, and enhancement of IT infrastructure, encompassing hardware, software, databases, and network infrastructure.
   • Evaluate, recommend, and implement emerging technologies and software to provide effective and efficient solutions.

2. Business Alignment:

   • Collaborate with various departments to ensure IT systems align with business needs and goals.
   • Develop and implement comprehensive IT policies and best practice guidelines.

3. Systems Integration:

   • Oversee the integration and compatibility of ERP, CRM, BI, and other IT systems to streamline operations and data flow across the organization.

4. Data Security and Compliance:

   • Ensure the highest standards of data integrity and customer data protection.
   • Implement and maintain robust security protocols, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

5. Performance Monitoring:

   • Monitor network and system performance, identifying and resolving issues or disruptions.
   • Drive prompt and effective resolutions for IT-related challenges impacting company operations.

6. Vendor Management:

   • Manage relationships with IT vendors, ensuring service level agreements are met.
   • Negotiate contracts for technology-related services and products.

7. Reporting and Analysis:

   • Analyze, track, and report data on key performance indicators and trends to management as needed.

8. Team Leadership:

   • Manage and lead the IT department, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture.
   • Provide guidance, training, and support to ensure high performance and continuous skill development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 4-5 years of proven experience in a senior IT leadership role, preferably within the retail or e-commerce industry.
• In-depth knowledge of e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify), ERP & POS systems (e.g., Odoo), and relevant retail technologies.
• Strong understanding of data security, compliance, and risk management.
• Experience in systems integration and managing IT network infrastructure projects.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and management skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and provide innovative solutions.
• Passionate about technology, committed to staying abreast of technological advancements and industry best practices.
• Strong knowledge of Python and programming concepts (Nice to have).
• Good knowledge of PostgreSQL with the ability to write SQL queries (Nice to have)

Method of Application