• Managing the implementation, development, monitoring, maintenance, upgrading and support of organizational IT systems. This includes operating systems, servers, PCs, software apps, telephones, and peripherals.
• Providing expert advice and support when systems are being upgraded or installed, or when there are conversions or file maintenance.
• Overseeing the development and enhancement of systems and integrating new systems with existing systems.
• Working with staff to develop plans and strategies. The goals here are to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness and encourage innovation.
• Liaising regularly with executive and senior management as well as systems users.
• Managing IT staff. The director of IT is responsible for recruitment, evaluation, training, guidance, disciplinary procedures, and dismissals.
• Developing standard operating procedures. These should follow best practice, so IT directors must keep up to speed with industry developments. Additionally, written procedures and guidelines must be provided for IT staff and system users.
• Making sure written documentation is created and maintained. This includes user and system manuals, license agreements, and all documentation relating to modifications and upgrades.
• Keeping up with the most recent technologies and advising on what new technological solutions are needed. Stating a business case for their implementation, detailing how this will meet business and systems requirements.
• Negotiating with suppliers of hardware and software to get the best deal, including external support, and being responsible for contracting consultants and making service agreements.
• Creating a budget for each project as well as managing the financial aspects of the entire IT department, such as purchases and ongoing budgeting.

Head of IT job qualifications, skills and experience

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Information Systems

Good technical knowledge in the following areas may also be required:

• IT management , Infrastructure and applications
• Data warehousing, architecture and networking, Knowledge of cloud platforms and technologies
• A minimum of 5 years of IT service delivery experience
• Experience with business operations platforms
• Negotiation skills, Analytical thinking, Excellent communication skills with Strategic thinking
• Experience in insurance domain , Knowledge in working with insurance industry environment /systems
• Experience in insurance system implementation.
• General experience in network, security and IT procurements.