Technical Officer at Axis Human Capital

Our client in the IT space seeks an accomplished, visionary and committed Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) will provide leadership in the development and execution of multiple and complex IT projects to attain the company’s goals and objectives. He or she will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

KEY RESULT AREAS

• Strategy Execution & Policy Development
• Software Design & Development
• IT Infrastructure
• Monitoring Standards
• Stakeholder Relations Management
• Financial & Audit Management
• Information & Reporting
• People Management

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy Execution & Policy Development

• Provide technical expertise in the development and implementation of the IT Strategy.
• Provide leadership and direction in the development of policies, standards operating procedures (SOPs), work plans and other support systems including monitoring mechanisms in managing the Technology Department of the company to achieve targeted objectives.
• Oversee the development of information systems and security policies that will ensure maximum protection of the company’s IT systems and deliver software/service-specific solutions to meet or exceed customer requirements/expectations.

Software Design & Development

• Provide leadership to deliver a robust and dynamic solution to clients in a timely and professional manner in line with approved specifications.
• Provide technical expertise in the design and development of architectural direction, software applications, IT infrastructure, etc. in line with approved standards and international best practices.
• Provide technical advice and oversee all the stages of the product development life cycle; that is initial analysis, implementation, integration, testing, debugging and support.
• Lead in product advancement, continuous modifications and active enforcement of software development life cycle and architectural standards to ensure that the company becomes the market leader in their IT solutions.
• Provide leadership in research/studies into new software technologies, tools and methodologies to create and deploy innovations to improve solution functionality in support of client business needs, delivery efficiencies and corporate revenue generation.
• Stay abreast with new and emerging software development technologies and methodologies and develop appropriate training and development programmes to facilitate the training and competency base of the Technical Team and all Technology staff.

IT Infrastructure

• Lead the development and maintenance of the governance processes of the company’s infrastructure architecture, data centres, telecommunications, networks and communications systems to ensure clients’ satisfaction.
• Provide leadership in the development of functional requirements and technical specifications in the acquisition/purchasing of hardware and other peripherals to meet current and future IT needs with regard to emerging technologies and its impact on the company’s operations.
• Lead and direct a team of expertise in the design, development and execution of effective and timely enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plans for the Group and its clients in line with approved regulations and standards.
• Provide oversight responsibility for network and server security (i.e. actively review, monitor and improve network infrastructure security).
• Provide leadership in the management of the usage of software, hardware, data and voice communication resources of the company.
• Direct and manage the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, upgrade and support of all IT systems, including servers, PCs, operating systems, telephones, software applications and other peripherals.
• Provide oversight for the monitoring of data centre operations to ensure high-level performance with excellent service availability, reliability and maintainability.
• Lead/direct the development and service provision of data management and reporting systems for the company’s clients as well as support other departments in their data management/reporting systems.
• Lead and provide technical guidance in the development of an integrated and comprehensive database/information system for managing service delivery activities for existing/ prospective clients.

Monitoring Standards

• Monitor to ensure high product and service quality by minimising overall product/service defects as well as ensuring optimal system accuracy.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise in technology-related investigations and recommend corrective actions for a prompt resolution to facilitate the operations of the Group.
• Monitor to ensure that the creation and maintenance of all written documentations, including system and user manuals, license agreements and compilation of modifications/upgrades are provided to clients as per contracts.
• Develop Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and monitor service providers to ensure value for money.

Stakeholder Relations & Management

• Establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, service providers, and other stakeholders to facilitate the operations of the department.
• Define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations for the company’s clients.
• Participate in the negotiation and administration of contracts and service agreements with consultants, vendors, outsourcing agencies, etc. in line with approved policies and procedures.

Financial & Audit Management

• Supervise the preparation of the annual budget of the department and monitor its implementation to ensure compliance.
• Assess and communicate risks associated with technology-related investments and purchases.
• Coordinate all internal and external audit programmes at the department and follow-up to ensure that audit queries are handled expeditiously.

Information & Reporting

• Stay abreast with legislations, rules/regulations, new and emerging developments in the IT sector and advise management on new trends/practices and its related business initiatives to enhance the IT solutions and infrastructural development of the company.
• Proactively identify and direct the development of new and innovative ways of providing IT solutions to clients.
• Review and analyze research/studies and improve upon technology standards across the organization to maintain a technological and competitive edge within the market.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports on operations/issues relating to IT function.

People Management

• Maintain a professional IT team with sufficient knowledge, skills, competencies, experience and professional certification to meet the requirements of the company.
• Hold direct reports accountable for managing their assignments to ensure the department’s goals are achieved.
• Conduct performance appraisal and provide input for career development and recommend performance incentives for direct reports.
• Identify training needs and facilitate training for direct reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field.
• Must be a member of a recognized professional body.
• At least twelve (12) years working experience in a similar role.

Required Competencies

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of conceptualizing, developing and leading the implementation of multiple and complex IT solutions/applications
• Hands-on experience in solution architecture; database design; emerging technologies; managing information systems; e-commerce; networks and communications; systems analysis and design
• In-depth knowledge of developing, deploying and integrating software solutions
• Proven knowledge and understanding of project management.
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills with sound decision-making
• Excellent leadership, managerial, coaching, mentoring and interpersonal skills in a "team" setting
• Strong commercial and financial awareness, monitoring, coordination and budget ownership
• Well-developed strategic orientation with competitive awareness and benchmarking.
• Proven ability to lead software development teams
• Strong negotiation, networking and influencing skills
• Results driven with good business judgment and mindset
• Excellent communication, presentation and report-writing skills
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders in a complex working environment
• Proven ability to set clear priorities between competing demands for resources and manage own tasks and priorities effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure in a target-driven environment.
• Considerable knowledge in the use of business-enabling tools and technologies.