Head of IT (Infrastructure Management / Software Engineering / Cybersecurity / Compliance ) – Cape Town, South Africa

Nature & Scope

Our client, a dynamic and innovative global leader in the property and building industry, is seeking a hands-on, strategic, and experienced Head of Information Technology (IT) to lead their global IT and software engineering functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will be responsible for the vision, strategy, and execution of all aspects of the company's technology infrastructure, operations, and software development.

Based in the Cape Town service hub, the Head of IT will manage a 100% cloud-based environment, ensure the reliability and security of internal systems, and lead the development of in-house and future customer-facing software. This role requires a

leader who can balance strategic planning with operational excellence, driving technological innovation across the entire organization.

Responsibilities

IT & Software Development Strategy:

• Develop and implement a unified global technology strategy and roadmap, encompassing both IT infrastructure and software engineering, that aligns with the company's strategic objectives.
• Manage the global technology budget, optimizing costs while investing in platforms and development that drive efficiency, integration, and future revenue growth.
• Serve as the primary technology advisor to the executive team, providing insights
• on infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development trends.

Software Engineering Leadership:

• Lead and scale the in-house software development team, overseeing the creation of software that integrates different business functions.
• Define and manage the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) from concept and design to deployment and maintenance, employing agile methodologies.
• Drive the strategy, architecture, and development roadmap for future customer-facing software products.
• Foster a culture of engineering excellence, ensuring high standards for code quality, scalability, and performance.

Infrastructure & Operations Management:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's global IT infrastructure, which is 100% cloud-based.
• Manage and evolve the core business systems stack, including Google Workspace, Salesforce (CRM), Xero (Accounting), and a data warehouse hosted on Google Cloud.
• Ensure high levels of system availability, performance, and reliability for all critical business applications.
• Manage vendor relationships, procurement, and licensing for all IT hardware, software, and services.

Cybersecurity & Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect corporate and customer data, systems, and intellectual property.
• Ensure IT systems and software development practices are compliant with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, POPIA) across all jurisdictions.
• Oversee regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and risk management processes.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and grow the global technology team (including IT operations and software development), fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and customer service.
• Manage technology resources effectively, whether internal staff or external partners, across different time zones and cultures.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: A Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, a related technical field is required. An MBA in addition to the IT degree is a significant advantage.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in technology, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing both IT infrastructure and software development teams.
• Proven experience managing the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for both internal and, ideally, commercial/customer-facing applications.
• Demonstrable experience managing IT in a multinational company with geographically distributed teams.
• Strong, hands-on experience with cloud platforms (Azure/AWS/Google Cloud), modern network architecture, and DevOps practices.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing cybersecurity frameworks.

Certifications: Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ITIL, or PMP are desirable.

Key Competencies

• Strategic & Business Acumen: Ability to link technology strategy to business goals and communicate its value to non-technical stakeholders.
• Technical Leadership: Broad and deep knowledge of current IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, software architecture, and agile development methodologies.
• Product Mindset: An understanding of how to translate business needs into technical requirements and successful software products.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering complex technology projects on time and within budget.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to resolve complex technical and strategic challenges.
• Leadership & Communication: Strong leadership presence and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization.

Contractual Information

• Permanent
• All suitable candidates are encouraged to apply

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to [email protected].

Please visit www.caglobalint.com for more exciting opportunities.

Sahil Bissoon

Business Development and Recruitment Specialist

CA Global – Finance

CA Global will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.