Head of IT Applications at Ellahi Consulting

Education Requirements

Essential

• NQF Level 7 Qualification in computer science, management information systems, or related field

Advantageous

• NQF Level 8 Qualification in IT or related field
• Certification of common IT management frameworks, such as ITIL, TOGAF, or Zachman, and project management frameworks
• Certification in Design Thinking, Innovation, Digital Transformation, or Product Development-related competencies
• Member of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals

Legal Requirements 

• Valid driver’s license

Experience requirement

• 8+ years of Strong experience in the field of application development, support, and management 
• Proven track record of application and digital transformation or project management
• Experience in management leadership
• Proven experience in mainframe-based systems including AS400
• Proven experience in legacy systems and languages like Adabas Natural, DB2 database, Clarion, etc.
• Proven experience in working with API integration, webMethods, and .NET
• Proven application of best practice methodologies and analytics frameworks
• Demonstrable experience in full lifecycle implementations for small to medium-sized projects
• Knowledge of informational technology disciplines, e.g., system design, development, implementation, software applications and interfaces, production operations, quality assurance, and systems management

Advantageous 

• Strong experience in the field of enterprise architecture, development, and strategy (3+ years)
• Proven track record of transitioning an organization from current practices to next practices
• Knowledge of all components of holistic enterprise architecture
• Experience in Data Warehousing (ETL) methodologies and database management
• Understanding of technical concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and how they can be leveraged in transforming business models

Key Performance Area / Main Output

Applications and Strategy Roadmap Development and Implementation

• Plan existing and next-gen technologies to accommodate expanding overlay services and dependent systems/applications.
• Use current industry application trends and thought leadership to support the achievement of business objectives in conjunction with Enterprise Architect.
• Responsible for the Application Lifecycle Management framework.
• Work with stakeholders, both leadership and subject matter experts, to build a holistic view of the organization’s strategy, processes, information, and technology assets.
• Ensure alignment between business and IT, recommending and driving standards focused on measured results.
• Develop various formal and informal artifacts to communicate the vision, roadmap, architectural decisions, patterns, and adopted reference standards.
• Develop a program and project design approach and proven practices.

Applications Delivery

• Establish and maintain enterprise analytical competency through collaboration with functional teams.
• Drive the vision for business functionality delivery through the integration of services rather than monolithic applications.
• Provide leadership, vision, and direction to the Enterprise Applications organization to foster a business-oriented culture ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Provide leadership, direction, and day-to-day oversight to the Enterprise IT Applications teams (including staffing, budgeting, user support, and other relevant management functions).
• Assess user needs to provide support and proactive service, analyzing opportunities to leverage available tools.
• Rationalize the application portfolio to ensure projects and assets do not duplicate functionality or diverge from strategies.
• Assist in the evaluation of appropriate systems tools and technologies and make selection recommendations.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and determine their application for enhancing operational efficiencies.
• Work with the solutions architect and platforms to ensure applications meet enterprise standards and align with the overall strategy.
• Automate routine business transactions and eliminate data administration redundancies through systems integration.
• Collaborate with business and governance committees to ensure key business processes are mapped for effective data utilization.

Applications Management and Maintenance

• Administration, management, and support for applications.
• Deployment of framework updates/patches across all affected applications.
• Manage disaster recovery procedures and simulations.
• Conduct patch review, testing, scheduling, and implementation.
• Report on applications performance, including proactive monitoring and alert management.
• Maintain a detailed application landscape definition, including a list of applications and support details.
• Maintain detailed value chain mapping across all affected systems and business processes.
• Manage user access.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with leaders to align technology strategy and planning with business goals.
• Establish a collaborative stakeholder engagement strategy; partner with business stakeholders, including executives, to align goals.
• Act as a focal point for communicating related system problems within the department and collaborate with teams and vendors on changes and updates.
• Manage the release process for applications, ensuring effective department-wide and end-user communication.
• Establish collaborative partnerships between Applications and Innovation and Business Analysts.
• Submit regular reports and feedback to relevant stakeholders on project progress.

Supplier and Contract Management

• Identify potential suppliers to provide relevant and up-to-date technology.
• Negotiate contracts and terms for the provision of technology and services.
• Manage and monitor supplier performance, addressing non-compliance with governance.

Budget Management

• Prepare a budget for the Applications department to be signed off by the CIO.
• Ensure all expenses remain in line with the budget.

People Management

• Provide clear direction and decisive leadership to direct reports, ensuring alignment with goals.
• Set and measure performance objectives, providing regular one-on-one feedback.
• Create and maintain a constructive atmosphere within the team, motivating direct reports while respecting diversity.
• Ensure adherence to business policies and procedures, emphasizing discipline at work.
• Resource and staff the team appropriately, considering current and new job relevance.
• Set an example to the team and deliver on the employee value proposition in line with the company’s leadership behaviors.
• Support and encourage direct reports to drive their development plans to grow professionally.

Position Challenges

• Staying updated with trends and developments in applications, which is a rapidly evolving field, to ensure value for the business.
• Decision making regarding the strategic direction of applications and alignment with business goals, supplier management, team structure, and budget management.