Director: IT Network, Infrastructure and Security at Stellenbosch University

Duties    

• Leading the architectural design, implementation, and management of Stellenbosch University's (SU) IT infrastructure, including but not limited to servers, storage, networks, data centres, card systems and cloud services;
• Overseeing the physical infrastructure, including but not limited to cabling, hardware installations, and maintenance of physical network components;
• Designing, implementing and managing a comprehensive virtualisation strategy (for instance containerisation) that facilitates a hybrid topology (cloud and on-premises) to ensure adaptability, scalability, maintainability, security and cost-effectiveness;
• Developing an information and cyber risk management structure aligned to the level of defence required to improve cyber resilience in consultation with stakeholders;
• Advising, reviewing and reporting on the cyber risk posture of the organisation and ensuring that security requirements are built by design in all IT systems and projects and that technical risk is managed;
• Aligning to IT governance and, where applicable, defining, implementing and overseeing good governance of the portfolio;
• Managing and mentoring a team of IT professionals, providing guidance and support to ensure successful operations and career development;
• Developing and managing the relevant IT budget ensuring cost-effective solutions and efficient resource allocation;
• Staying current with emerging technologies, industry trends and security threats, making recommendations for improvements and innovations;
• Building and nurturing internal and external networks.  

Job Requirements    

• NQF 8 qualification (i.e. honour's degree, postgraduate diploma and qualifications) in computer science information systems, or related discipline (master's degree preferred);
• More than ten years' experience in IT, with at least five years in a leadership role focusing on infrastructure, network and security;
• Proven experience in designing, implementing and managing complex IT infrastructures, including physical and cloud infrastructure;
• Strong understanding of virtualisation, cloud computing (e.g. AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and disaster recovery planning;
• In-depth knowledge of network protocols, security frameworks and data protection regulations;
• Experience with managing physical infrastructure, including cabling and hardware installations;
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legal and regulatory requirements;
• Knowledge of common information security and governance frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 27001, ITIL, COBIT, NIST, etc.;
• Experience in financial management and budgeting;
• Excellent leadership and team management skills;
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure;
• The ability to adapt and be flexible in a fast changing environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and communicate relevant IT concepts effectively to technical and nontechnical audiences at various levels of the organisation.  

Recommendation    

• PhD in computer science information systems, or related discipline.