Information Technology Manager at The Financial Planning Institute

About the job
Role Objectives

• The IT Manager is responsible for enforcing IT governance policies, driving business automation, managing system enhancements, and overseeing vendor relationships within the Microsoft ecosystem. This role ensures that IT frameworks are consistently applied to support operational efficiency, compliance, and business objectives.
• As the lead automation expert, the incumbent will develop and optimize Power Platform solutions (Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI), Copilot AI automation, and advanced D365 customizations. The role is hands-on, ensuring that business units fully leverage workflow automation, AI-driven solutions, and system efficiencies.
• Additionally, the IT Manager will manage IT service providers, enforce SLAs, and drive continuous improvements in IT service delivery, ensuring alignment with compliance, security, and operational needs.

Roles & Responsibilities

IT Tactical Management 

• Develop annual IT tactical and operational plans that reflect an in depth understanding of the strategic objectives of the organisation.
• Develop and enforce IT governance policies and operational frameworks, ensuring compliance with frameworks such as King IV, ISO 27001, COBIT and POPIA.
• Oversee IT security, data governance, and access control policies, ensuring that specialists execute them effectively.
• Ensure alignment of IT operations with business goals, working with IT and business teams to optimize workflows and technology adoption.
• Support the HOD by implementing IT policies and frameworks, ensuring governance structures are adhered to at an operational level.

People Management

• Lead and develop staff by identifying training needs and creating appropriate individualised Professional Development Plans;
• Define, review, and manage performance levels and objectives within the IT department;
• Provide direction; guidance and support to the department to ensure alignment with the company’s overall strategy;
• Adequately prepare, attend, and participate in management meetings representing the IT function.

Budget Management

• Assist in the setting, implementation and management of the operational budget for IT.

Business Process Automation & Digital Transformation

• Assume responsibility for all IT-related business applications and systems, ensuring they align with business needs and strategic objectives.
• Manage relationships with IT suppliers, ensuring service levels, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead the design and implementation of automation initiatives using Microsoft Power Automate, Power Apps, and Copilot Studio.
• Develop workflow automation solutions to improve business processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance efficiency.
• Act as the Power Automate architect, ensuring internal automation solutions are designed for scalability, security, and compliance.
• Oversee AI-driven solutions (e.g., Copilot AI, intelligent workflows, and automation insights) and collaborate with external specialists for advanced implementations.
• Independently develop and implement system enhancements where feasible, reducing reliance on external vendors.
• Work with the IT Security Team Lead to integrate security testing into system enhancements.

Service Agreements and Project Management 

• Ensure technology documents/certificates such as product registrations, SSL certificates, maintenance agreements, service contracts, etc. related to technology operations and/or technology services are evaluated, updated and processed;
• Ensure compliance with all infrastructure licensing agreements;
• Establish and enforce vendor SLAs, ensuring strong contract performance and accountability.
• Develop a vendor evaluation framework, ensuring that IT service providers meet operational and governance requirements.
• Lead IT projects at a tactical level, ensuring smooth implementation of technology initiatives while specialists execute technical work.
• Develop Requests for Proposals (RFP) as they relate to IT or any IT led projects and initiates.
• Bearing due regard to the prevailing delegation of authority and related approval levels, negotiate and manage supplier contracts for IT and obtain the necessary approvals as needed.
• Evaluate technical proposals and challenge service providers on technical solutions to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Plan, execute, monitor, and control IT projects using the appropriate project management methodology (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid), ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.

IT Risk Management

• Develop tactical IT risk management frameworks, ensuring IT risks are identified and mitigated at an operational level.
• Ensure strong IT asset governance, while Infrastructure specialists handle asset maintenance.
• Oversee business continuity and disaster recovery planning, ensuring IT operations remain resilient and secure.

FPI Risk Management

• Run with and take responsibility for the Risk Management function at FPI in collaboration with the broader GCR team i.t.o ERM terms of reference. This function reports directly into the CEO

Administration and Reporting

• General correspondence and administration completed accurately and timeously;
• Email, inbox and data managed timeously and effectively;
• Professional image maintained in all communication;
• All reporting and feedback requirements met, and reports completed accurately and timeously, according to company requirements;
• Adhere to departmental processes and standard operating procedures;

Report drafting;

• Supply statistics and information as requested.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT Management or related field;
• At least 5 years related IT management experience;
• Microsoft Certifications in D365 and Power Platform are highly desirable.
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)
• Knowledge of IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ITIL)
• Knowledge of architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF)
• Knowledge of risk management standards (e.g., ISO 31000)