IT Manager – Onsite – JHB at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• Our client is a fast-paced, excellence-driven organisation with a medium-sized structure supported by a small, agile IT team. The environment requires a hands-on IT leader who is comfortable operating across strategic, operational, and technical domains.
• The IT Manager will work closely with executive leadership, creative teams, and operational staff, ensuring seamless IT service delivery across all business functions. The role demands flexibility, including availability after hours when required, and a strong culture fit within a high-performance, solution-oriented organisation.
• The IT environment includes modern collaboration tools, Apple/macOS-heavy ecosystems, Microsoft Office 365 integration, hybrid meeting infrastructure, and enterprise-level networking and security systems.

DUTIES:

IT Manager Core Responsibilities

• Define and execute IT strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Drive IT roadmap planning, system design, and implementation initiatives.
• Ensure proactive identification and mitigation of security risks.
• Manage patching cycles and system updates across critical infrastructure.
• Oversee IT escalations and ensure timely resolution of critical incidents.
• Lead ISO27000 compliance initiatives and maintain information security standards.
• Manage supplier relationships, procurement, and contract renewals.
• Ensure accurate documentation of IT systems, networks, and infrastructure.
• Drive continuous improvement of IT processes, systems, and user experience.
• Lead, manage, and develop the IT support team, ensuring effective service delivery and professional growth of team members.
• Oversee daily IT operations, including management and resolution of Service Desk tickets.
• Provide escalation support for IT issues beyond first-line support.
• Manage walk-in support requests, with priority support for executives and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure daily technical checks of boardrooms, hybrid meeting setups, cameras, and related infrastructure.
• Oversee ad hoc IT support for events, including client activations and live setups.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes, including user accounts, email signatures, and system access.
• Oversee IT asset management, including issuing, tracking, and retrieval of company devices and equipment.
• Manage software licensing (including Adobe, Microsoft, Slack, and other enterprise tools).
• Monitor and ensure system health, including backups, server status, email flow, and wireless/network performance.
• Perform hardware allocation and reassignment in collaboration with the IT team.
• Support basic IT project management initiatives and system improvements.
• Maintain network and server documentation, including diagrams and system architecture records.
• Engage in supplier and vendor management, including purchasing and contract negotiation.
• Oversee IT budgeting, financial tracking, and cost control in collaboration with leadership.
• Ensure proactive cybersecurity monitoring and prevention of potential breaches.
• Lead IT training, upskilling, and knowledge development across the IT team and end users.
• Support ISO27000-related initiatives and compliance requirements.
• Act as Information Officer for POPIA and data privacy compliance, including liaison with regulators where required.

REQUIREMENTS:

Experience & Technical Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an IT Manager role with direct reports.
• Strong leadership experience in managing and developing IT teams.
• Advanced knowledge of Apple/macOS, iOS environments, and integration with Microsoft Office 365 and enterprise applications.
• Strong networking expertise, including Wi-Fi optimisation and troubleshooting to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Experience managing hybrid meeting environments (boardrooms, plug-and-play conferencing, cross-platform connectivity).
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, POPIA compliance, and data protection frameworks.
• Strong financial acumen, including IT budgeting, forecasting, and supplier negotiations.
• Experience managing IT systems, hardware, software, licensing, and asset lifecycle management.
• Understanding of AI technologies and their impact on business and IT transformation.
• Exposure to IT infrastructure including servers, backups, networks, and monitoring systems.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong strategic thinking with a proactive, solution-driven mindset.
• Excellent leadership and people management capabilities.
• High level of accountability and ownership.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, high-pressure environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on operational excellence.
• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable with shifting priorities.
• Passion for technology, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong cultural alignment with a performance-driven, collaborative organisation.